The Department of Agriculture (USDA) updated its regulations on foods labeled “organic” on Thursday, as part of an effort to close loopholes and increase confidence in the agency’s organic seal. The USDA touted the new rule, which aims to increase oversight and enforcement of products labeled organic, as the “biggest update to organic regulations” since 1990. A new study shows that pesticides are a key contributor to climate change, from their manufacturing, transportation, and application, all the way to their degradation and disposal. That’s according to researchers at the Pesticide Action Network North America, who say that while pesticides have been critical tools in agricultural production, their efficacy is on the decline while climate change exacerbates the need to use more. Kale can be enjoyed in many ways, and organic kale is increasing as the first choice of many when they are looking for a nutritious, leafy green vegetable. The Packer’s Organic Fresh Trends 2023 survey is valuable to marketers and retailers seeking to answer the question, “Who is my organic consumer?” In mid-October of 2022, more than 1,000 U.S. consumers were asked about their organic purchasing habits. Organic Fresh Trends 2023 found that 22% of consumers shop for organic kale, nearly the same as 23% in 2022 and 21% in 2021. The organic fruit category, including items like apples, pears, berries, and avocados, continues to gather steam as consumers choose healthy eating options. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the details of additional assistance for dairy producers, including a second round of payments through the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program (PMVAP) and a new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). The update to PMVAP and the new ODMAP will enable USDA to better support small- and medium-sized dairy operations that weathered the pandemic and now face other challenges.
Organic Fresh Trends 2023: 22% of shoppers buy for organic kale
Kale can be enjoyed many ways, and organic kale is increasing as the first choice of many when they are looking for the nutritious, leafy green vegetable. The Packer’s Organic Fresh Trends 2023 survey is valuable to marketers and retailers seeking to answer the question, “Who is my organic consumer?” In mid-October of 2022, more than 1,000 U.S. consumers were asked about their organic purchasing habits. Organic Fresh Trends 2023 found that 22% of consumers shop for organic kale, nearly the same as 23% in 2022 and 21% in 2021.
https://www.thepacker.com/news/organic/organic-fresh-trends-2023-22-shoppers-buy-organic-kale
USDA tightens organic food label rules
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) updated its regulations on foods labeled “organic” on Thursday, as part of an effort to close loopholes and increase confidence in the agency’s organic seal. The USDA touted the new rule, which aims to increase oversight and enforcement of products labeled organic, as the “biggest update to organic regulations” since 1990.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/3819885-usda-tightens-organic-food-label-rules/
How pesticides intensify global warming
A new study shows that pesticides are a key contributor to climate change, from their manufacturing, transportation, and application, all the way to their degradation and disposal. That’s according to researchers at the Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA), who say that while pesticides have been critical tools in agricultural production, their efficacy is on the decline while climate change exacerbates the need to use more.
https://grist.org/agriculture/a-new-report-says-pesticides-intensify-climate-change/
Growth continues in organic fruit category
The organic fruit category, including items like apples, pears, berries and avocados, continues to gather steam as consumers choose healthy eating options.
https://www.thepacker.com/news/organic/growth-continues-organic-fruit-category
USDA Announces Additional Assistance for Dairy Farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the details of additional assistance for dairy producers, including a second round of payments through the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program (PMVAP) and a new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). The update to PMVAP and the new ODMAP will enable USDA to better support small- and medium-sized dairy operations who weathered the pandemic and now face other challenges.
