The Organic & Non-GMO Report Newsletter

Integrating cattle into crop rotations doesn’t pose food safety risks, study finds

An Iowa State University study found that rotating organic crops and livestock on the same land was effective at keeping pathogens out of meat—compared to commercial farming practices, this method was as safe or safer. No traces of common strains of E. coli or salmonella were found and pathogens detected in feed, hide, and fecal […]

USDA awards $800,000 to help farmers transition to organic

A Boulder-based ag innovator received an $817,000 federal grant to support a fund providing long-term loans to aspiring organic farmers. The money can be repaid after the organic venture becomes profitable, and any remaining debt left after the tenth year is forgiven. The Vermilion Sea Institute received this USDA Conservation Innovation Grant for its MAD […]

Organic crop practices improve long-term soil health

Prior organic farming practices and plantings can have lasting outcomes for future soil health, weeds and crop yields, according to Cornell research published Nov. 13 in the journal Agricultural Systems. The study also breaks down how specific components of soil health—such as the abundance and activity of soil animals and soil stability—affect crop productivity. “With growing […]

Certified organic flavors now required in organic products

A final rule published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP) now requires the use of certified organic flavors in certified organic products when they are commercially available. The rule was implemented and went into effect on December 27, 2019. “It is now time that the regulations catch up with the marketplace,” […]

Bayer Roundup settlement deal is close as claims surge, mediator says

Speculation is building that Bayer AG may settle more than 75,000 cancer claims over its Roundup weedkiller, according to the court-appointed mediator in the litigation. Mediator Ken Feinberg said in an interview with Bloomberg News that a deal could be reached in about a month and that the accord would be comprehensive. In its third […]