The Organic & Non-GMO Report Newsletter

USDA grant project supports regenerative agriculture markets for small and/or underserved producers

A Greener World (AGW), Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) and Soil Health Institute (SHI) will lead a USDA grant initiative focused on regenerative farming for small and underserved producers. Applications are open through September 9, 2024. Up to $4,000,000 is being awarded for the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities project to include 100 producers across the […]

From almond crops to BIPOC communities, Daily Harvest aims to transition more farms to regenerative-organic

Food companies and farmers alike often see regenerative and/or organic farming as a risky venture, so despite both phrases being common in food vernacular now, actual practices aren’t widespread. Just 1% of all US farmland is organic; acreage dedicated to regenerative is even lower. “Everyone understands philosophically that these approaches are not new and are necessary for change,” says Daily […]

Organic farmers’ beliefs about soil microbiome affect their practices, study shows

By Marianne Stein Organic farming can support soil microorganisms that promote plant defenses and reduce insect pests. But not all organic practices are equally beneficial for soil microbes, and it’s important to understand farmer motivations in order to encourage the adoption of microbiome-supportive efforts. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Cornell University looks at how organic farmers’ beliefs […]

New report details health, sustainability benefits of organic produce

The Organic Center reviews three decades of science on organic vs non-organic Choosing between organic or non-organic strawberries and spinach in the produce aisles is not always easy, so knowing the facts helps. And the science-based facts are that organic strawberries are sweeter and healthier than conventional berries because of higher levels of sucrose and […]

Beyond greenwashing: 5 key strategies for genuine sustainability in agriculture

By Santiago Gowland, CEO, Rainforest Alliance Businesses must adopt clear frameworks for regenerative agriculture, with specific goals, detailed practices and scientific methods to measure impacts. Successful regenerative agriculture should consider local environmental conditions and directly involve farmers, crucial to sustainable transformation. Companies should practice radical transparency in supply chains to combat greenwashing and make measurable and […]