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News Flash Weekly e-Newsletter

Posted on Wednesday February 1, 2017

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting the 2016 Certified Organic Survey to gather new data on certified organic crops and livestock commodities in the United States. NASS is mailing the survey to all known certified organic farms and ranches in the 50 states to provide information on acreage, […]

Posted on Wednesday February 1, 2017

Join your peers and fellow Organic Trade Association members for OTA’s signature policymaking event to take place in May. Registration is now open for the Organic Trade Association’s Organic Week in Washington, D.C., May 22-25. The agenda will include The Organic Center’s Confluences Summit May 22-23, OTA Member Working Sessions May 23, OTA’s Policy Conference […]

Posted on Wednesday February 1, 2017

After many years of discussion, there is a proposed research and promotion check-off program designed just for organic. Now it is time for organic stakeholders to weigh-in to USDA with a comment on this game-changing initiative. Please support this progressive proposal to advance organic. There is a fast and easy way to submit a comment […]

Posted on Wednesday February 1, 2017

The announced organic check-off proposal includes meaningful reforms from older check-offs. Here are some of the details that show positive reform: Check-off Board would consist of 50 percent producers, 50 percent handlers. Organic producers will select regional representatives through balloting. Every certificate holder subject to an assessment will have a direct vote. Farmers and handlers […]

Posted on Wednesday February 1, 2017

Melody Meyer of UNFI and an Organic Trade Association Board member has authored an article entitled “How (and why) to make a comment on the organic check-off program” published by New Hope Network. Outlining the importance of such a program, Meyer writes, “I support an agricultural production method that protects our soils, waters, our farmers […]