Organic News

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 […]

Crisis coalition seeks to help drought-impacted organic dairy farmers

Emergency relief is required for Western organic dairy producers to stave off shutdowns due to ongoing drought conditions. Straus Family Creamery of Petaluma, CA organized the Western Organic Dairy Farming Crisis Coalition in August 2022 to seek immediate help. Several organic dairies anticipate an average loss of $250,000 this year, to follow into 2023 if […]

USDA grant to support intensive research on ecological processes affecting organic farming

Purdue University has received a four-year, $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to explore the ecology of organic cropping systems in Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Purdue, in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Western Illinois University in Macomb, will assess weed, insect, and pathogen pressure […]