Organic News

Should ‘USDA Organic’ animals be treated more humanely? The Trump administration just said no.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently ruled that livestock, including chickens, cows, and pigs, raised using organic agricultural practices do not have to be treated more humanely than animals raised in conventional farming. For years, the USDA had been developing organic requirements guaranteeing animals minimums of space, light and access to the outside. The requirements had wide support in the organic community and among consumers. The Organic Trade Association has vowed to fight the USDA’s decision.

Mercaris announces 30% increase in certified organic grain acreage for 2017

In its 2017 Organic & Non-GMO Acreage Report market data firm Mercaris reports that US acreage for organic grains—corn, wheat, oats, and soy—increased by more than 30 percent over 2016 estimates.