The Organic & Non-GMO Report Newsletter

China in no hurry to approve GM food crops

China’s Ministry of Agriculture says no genetically modified food crops have been approved, and if they are, they will have to be grown observing all laws and regulations. Spokesman Pan Xianzheng added, “Only through safe inspection and assessment can a genetically modified breed receive the MOA safety certificate.” China is prioritizing consumer opinion on GMOs […]

U.S., EU regulators approve Bayer-Monsanto merger, U.S. farmers concerned

“Merger from hell” creates world’s largest agribusiness corporation The U.S. Justice Department recently announced that it would allow German drugs and pesticides group Bayer AG to acquire Monsanto Co. in a controversial $62.5 billion deal, after the companies agreed to sell more assets to win antitrust approval. This follows the European Commission also saying it […]

Senator McConnell to introduce legislation to legalize hemp production in the U.S.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) recently announced that he would introduce legislation in the United States Senate to support the burgeoning hemp industry. The Hemp Farming Act of 2018 will legalize hemp as an agricultural commodity and remove it from the list of controlled substances where it is now listed with its closely […]

“Soil Matters”: General Mills promotes regenerative farming with Annie’s products

The prognosis for U.S. soil is bleak: industrial agriculture and deforestation will have wiped it out in 60 years, scientists predict, unless we change course. Regenerative farming was a hot topic at Natural Products Expo West, where General Mills showcased new products with ingredients grown from regenerative farms. Annie’s Limited Edition Organic Mac & Cheese […]

Regenerative Organic Certification aims to raise the bar on organic standards

So many labels—non-GMO, certified organic, fair trade, humane—consumers want all those things for their food. But Rodale Institute president Jeff Moyer says providers can feel “like scouts with a sash full of merit badges” that hopefully will add clout to their products. Rodale has joined with Dr. Bronner’s and Patagonia to offer an alternative—“one standard […]