The Organic & Non-GMO Report Newsletter

USDA builds pandemic support for certified organic and transitioning operations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is designating $20 million to cover certification and education expenses to agricultural producers who are certified organic or transitioning to organic, in response to economic challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Producers faced loss of markets, increased costs, and labor shortages in addition to certification costs. “This is one more instance […]

Planting perennial prairie strips—environmental boon, while increasing agricultural production

Less erosion, reduced nitrogen runoff, and loads more butterflies and microorganisms—sound worth it? Planting perennial prairie strips on farms provides these benefits, and more. Missouri farmer Frank Oberle has been using one-mile-long prairie strips for over 15 years—strips of 30-120 feet wide placed along waterways, through fields, or in terrace channels—seeding them with native flowers […]

Demand for non-GMO soybeans is “staggering”

U.S. soybean exports may have a record-breaking year for 2021—not just for the China market, but representing a vigorous, diverse base responding to the demand. “It won’t be a record to any one particular country…something we take pride in is our diverse footprint of U.S. soy going out,” said U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) CEO […]

Research introduces a regenerative food chain process that’s safe, yet profitable

A regenerative and socially responsible approach to food production and distribution is crucial to long-term food security and fundamental to our ecological and human well-being, according to a study by an acclaimed researcher at Clemson University. Recently published research by Burlington Industries Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Management Aleda Roth introduces and compares two types […]

Cover crop cost-share funds available for farmers in Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska

Farmers thinking of planting cover crops this fall can access cost-share funds from one of seven private cost-share programs in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska thanks to cost-share initiatives Practical Farmers of Iowa of Iowa has launched over the past seven years with supply chain partners. The following grain merchandisers are participating: ADM/Unilever (Des Moines, Iowa) […]