A new report details the benefits of organic farming and outlines strategies to expand organic agriculture practices through the 2023 Farm Bill. The report is a product of the National Resources and Defense Council, Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems at Arizona State University, and Californians for Pesticide Reform. Entitled “Grow Organic: The Climate, Health, and Economic Case for Expanding Organic Agriculture,” the report uplifts organic agriculture for its focus on ecological diversity, soil fertility, and natural systems over chemical interventions. The authors write that this approach “holds significant and largely untapped potential to address multiple crises facing our society, including climate change, health, and struggling rural economies.” Farmers seeking to transition to organic production will soon get more help. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it is establishing cooperative agreements in six regions across the U.S. for the Organic Transition Initiative, Transition to Organic Partnership Program. Organizations participating in the partnership network will work together to establish and administer a farmer-to-farmer mentorship program providing direct farmer training, education, and outreach activities, according to a news release. Senator Patrick Leahy last week led a group of 20 senators in writing to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to convey their support for the USDA Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards proposed rule. Many Senators joined Leahy in urging USDA to limit the timeframe for implementation to no longer than three years. The proposed rule makes progress on animal welfare by clarifying that enclosed, screened-in porches do not constitute outdoor access, and creating minimum indoor and outdoor space and enrichment requirements for organically raised chickens. Numerous organizations have written to the USDA to finalize the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards for stronger animal welfare. Consumers want both convenience and sustainability in organic produce packaging, and marketers say they will deliver. In a web survey, The Packer asked organic produce marketers about present-day consumer attitudes toward organic produce packaging and how those expectations may evolve in the next five years. Pouch bags and other “grab-n-go” packaging have become increasingly popular since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, said Kevin Stennes, organic sales manager for Chelan Fresh, Chelan, Wash.
Leahy, et al, urge swift implementation of proposed rule on organic standards
Senator Patrick Leahy last week led a group of 20 senators in writing to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to convey their support for the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) proposed rule. Senators Gillibrand, Brown, Blumenthal, Sanders, Shaheen, Smith, Booker, Tester, Baldwin, Hassan, Wyden, Feinstein, Van Hollen, Padilla, King, Casey, Luján, Collins, and Merkley joined Leahy in urging USDA to limit the timeframe for implementation to no longer than three years. The proposed rule makes progress on animal welfare by clarifying that enclosed, screened-in porches do not constitute outdoor access, and creating minimum indoor and outdoor space and enrichment requirements for organically raised chickens.
Organic Food & Farming Report Outlines Opportunities for the Farm Bill
A new report details the benefits of organic farming and outlines strategies to expand organic agriculture practices through the 2023 Farm Bill. The report is a product of the National Resources and Defense Council (NRDC), Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems at Arizona State University (ASU) and Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR). Entitled “Grow Organic: The Climate, Health, and Economic Case for Expanding Organic Agriculture,” the report uplifts organic agriculture for its focus on ecological diversity, soil fertility, and natural systems over chemical interventions. The authors write that this approach “holds significant and largely untapped potential to address multiple crises facing our society, including climate change, health, and struggling rural economies.”
https://foodtank.com/news/2022/10/expanding-organic-food-and-farming-for-upcoming-farm-bill/
USDA announces regional networks for Transition to Organic Partnership Program
Farmers seeking to transition to organic production will soon get more help. The USDA has announced it is establishing cooperative agreements in six regions across the U.S. for the Organic Transition Initiative, Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
Organizations participating in the partnership network will work together to establish and administer a farmer-to-farmer mentorship program providing direct farmer training, education and outreach activities, according to a news release.
USDA urged to finalize ‘organic’ standards
Numerous organizations have written to the USDA to finalize the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards for stronger animal welfare.
https://www.newfoodmagazine.com/news/169523/usda-urged-to-finalise-organic-standards/
Convenience, sustainability top organic produce packaging trends
Consumers want both convenience and sustainability in organic produce packaging, and marketers say they will deliver. In a web survey, The Packer asked organic produce marketers about present-day consumer attitudes toward organic produce packaging and how those expectations may evolve in the next five years.
