Natural and organic retailer Sprouts Farmers Market has launched a program to funnel sales towards imperfect organic produce that would typically be discarded at a reduced price. The program, Rescued Organic, which will be active in all 130 Sprouts locations in California, is intended to reduce food waste and support local farmers. Sprouts said the produce may be misshapen, under or over-size, or slightly off color, but will maintain the same taste, nutrients, and quality as other store produce. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, through its Agricultural Marketing Service, announced on January 19 its final rulemaking, the Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule. The new requirements aim to strengthen the integrity of the National Organic Program through both enhanced oversight and enforcement of existing program regulations, and the introduction of new ones to address occurrences of fraud in organic supply chains. Beyond Pesticides welcomes this important step in increased rigor for the burgeoning organic sector; the organization has long advocated for strong enforcement of the provisions of the 1990 Organic Foods Production Act, the statute that gave rise to the NOP. “Organic Valley has always been, and always will be, committed to providing an economic model that allows farmers to make a living,” says the largest independent organic cooperative in the nation. But why would it matter if family farms disappear? Who really cares if the food you eat comes from large conglomerates? “We do, and Organic Valley farmers want to tell you why”.“Take away family farms and you take away deep connections to animals, land, community, and small-town commerce. And that’s why in the 1980s, when family farms were dying, seven farmers got together in Wisconsin and set out to change that through providing organic food. From seven farmers to 1,800 farmers three decades later, Organic Valley continues to champion the American family farm.” Sales of organic fresh produce were up 3% in 2022, reaching $9.4 billion, according to the 2022 Organic Produce Performance Report from Organic Produce Network and Category Partners. Volume, however, dropped 3.7% for the year. Total fresh produce sales rose 7.3% in 2022, while overall volume decreased by 1.3%. Organic fresh produce accounted for 12% of all fresh produce sales and 7% of all fresh produce volume. Homegrown Organic Farms sees resurgence in foundational citrus. “Our goals in the creation of a conventional program are to support growers in their transition to organic, create opportunities for farm workers, and continue the restoration of soil health.” Homegrown Organic Farms has seen an increase in demand this season that can be attributed to the flavor profiles of each varietal starting from week one of the season.
Enforcement Rules for Organic Standards Far Surpass Those in Chemical-Intensive Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, through its Agricultural Marketing Service, announced on January 19 its final rulemaking, the Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule. The new requirements aim to strengthen the integrity of the National Organic Program through both enhanced oversight and enforcement of existing program regulations, and the introduction of new ones to address occurrences of fraud in organic supply chains. Beyond Pesticides welcomes this important step in increased rigor for the burgeoning organic sector; the organization has long advocated for strong enforcement of the provisions of the 1990 Organic Foods Production Act, the statute that gave rise to the NOP.
Homegrown Organic Farms sees resurgence in foundational citrus
“Our goals in the creation of a conventional program are to support growers in their transition to organic, create opportunities for farm workers, and continue the restoration of soil health.” Homegrown Organic Farms has seen an increase in demand this season that can be attributed to the flavor profiles of each varietal starting from week one of the season.
Sprouts gets into the ‘imperfect’ organic produce game
Natural and organic retailer Sprouts Farmers Market has launched a program to funnel sales towards imperfect organic produce that would typically be discarded at a reduced price. The program, Rescued Organic, which will be active in all 130 Sprouts locations in California, is intended to reduce food waste and support local farmers. Sprouts said the produce may be misshapen, under or over-size, or slightly off color, but will maintain the same taste, nutrients, and quality as other store produce.
https://www.supermarketnews.com/organic-natural/sprouts-gets-imperfect-organic-produce-game
Organic farming a natural choice
“Organic Valley has always been, and always will be, committed to providing an economic model that allows farmers to make a living,” says the largest independent organic cooperative in the nation. But why would it matter if family farms disappear? Who really cares if the food you eat comes from large conglomerates? “We do, and Organic Valley farmers want to tell you why”.“Take away family farms and you take away deep connections to animals, land, community, and small-town commerce. And that’s why in the 1980s, when family farms were dying, seven farmers got together in Wisconsin and set out to change that through providing organic food. From seven farmers to 1,800 farmers three decades later, Organic Valley continues to champion the American family farm.”
Price Increases Boost Organic Fresh Produce Sales by 3% in 2022
Sales of organic fresh produce were up 3% in 2022, reaching $9.4 billion, according to the 2022 Organic Produce Performance Report from Organic Produce Network and Category Partners. Volume, however, dropped 3.7% for the year. Total fresh produce sales rose 7.3% in 2022, while overall volume decreased by 1.3%. Organic fresh produce accounted for 12% of all fresh produce sales and 7% of all fresh produce volume.
