Organic News

U.S. organic produce sales top $9.4 billion in 2022

Dollar growth up 3%, volume down 3.7% Organic fresh produce sales grew by 3% in 2022, while volume declined by 3.7 percent, as total sales topped $9.4 billion for the year, according to the 2022 Organic Produce Performance Report released recently by Organic Produce Network and Category Partners. The organic fresh berry category (which includes […]

Clemson researchers work to improve organic sweet potato production in South Carolina

Clemson University researchers have received a USDA grant to help give organic sweet potato farmers new weapons to use against nematodes and weeds. To help give organic farmers new weapons to use against these pests, a team of Clemson University researchers has received a $747,280 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food […]

The organic sector must respond to regenerative momentum

“Regenerative” has momentum. New partnerships, organizations, finance tools and certifications pop up daily. Those of us who have been working to promote regenerative organic practices for decades—including the organic pioneers at Rodale Institute who coined the term “regenerative agriculture” in the 80s—can rejoice. All newcomers focusing on soil regeneration, biodiversity and climate: Welcome! But let’s distinguish between […]

USDA publishes Strengthening Organic Enforcement final rule

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) previewed the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule. This update to the USDA organic regulations strengthens oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sale of organic products. This final rule implements 2018 Farm Bill mandates, responds to industry requests for updates to the USDA organic regulations, and addresses […]

The end of organic (as we know it)

By Jim Riddle, Organic Independents LLP, Blue Fruit Farm The fundamental concepts of organic farming have always been, “Feed the Soil, not the Plant,” and “Healthy Soil leads to Healthy Crops, Healthy Animals, Healthy People, and a Healthy Planet.” Now, those concepts have been turned on their heads with a recent Appeals Court ruling that […]