Organic farming sustains ecological systems—of which humans play an inextricable role. But the USDA organic standards fail to address how farmers are paid or how anyone who plays a role in getting your organic food to the table is treated. In 1999, the Agricultural Justice Project (AJP) was founded...
As consumers call for improved animal welfare, stewardship of the soil, and conservation of dwindling water supplies, Aurora Organic Dairy is preparing to open a heifer factory on 1,900 acres in the dry High Plains of Colorado. The feedlot will house 7,000 “organic” heifers (a young cow that hasn’t born offspring...
Cornucopia’s scorecards help you make the best choices for your school kids If you’re one of millions of Americans for whom back to school means getting your kid back to Zoom, the cafeteria has moved to your dining room. Even if your kids or grandkids are headed for the...
The Animal Welfare, Farming, and Consumer Benefits of Silvopasture by Marie Burcham, JD, Director of Domestic Policy at The Cornucopia Institute With the huge push for pastured poultry in today’s marketplace, grassy expanses marked...
Values-based solutions in a time of need “Concern for community” is one of the seven guiding principles of cooperatives. It’s also at the core of the responses and solutions offered by co-ops throughout the country...
Buying the Best Burger Requires Scrutiny by Marie Burcham, JD, Director of Domestic Policy at The Cornucopia Institute If a trip to the store to buy beef leaves you bewildered, you are not alone. Understanding...
A message from the interim executive director The Cornucopia Institute has a 15-year history of boldly standing up for the integrity of ecologically based organic farmers and food. We have fought many battles to improve or elevate the good food movement and authentic organic farmers. Last year we arrived...
After a long, painful wait, The Cornucopia Institute’s full-court press to compel USDA to address the influx of fraudulent organic imports is finally yielding action. The department held a virtual Town Hall on July 8, unveiling a draft of the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule. Meant to address organic...
Withdrawn animal welfare rule still under USDA analysis An unusual action by the USDA has left us scratching our heads. In April of this year, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) requested public comments on the economic analysis of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) Rule—despite the...
The Cornucopia Institute stands in solidarity with Black people and those organizations that condemn racism. Black Lives Matter. Institutional racism is woven into the story of our nation, into the story of agriculture. Oppression, discrimination, and violence underpin farming for profit in the United States. The wisdom of Black farmers is foundational to organic farming. Leah Penniman,...
Skillshare sessions connect diverse communities to hope and knowledge By Michele Marchetti, Co-Director of Development and Communications at The Cornucopia Institute On a Sunday evening in March, Rowen White Zoomed in from her home, remotely joining...
Empowering a consumer response to the “factory-farm takeover” of organic agriculture The Cornucopia Institute is launching a new campaign to showcase dairy producers who use the most ethical, authentic organic farming practices. The “Organic Innovators: Top-Rated Farmers You Can Trust” Dairy Campaign will empower consumers and wholesale buyers to...
The Cornucopia Institute, through research and investigations on agriculture and food issues, provides needed information to family farmers, consumers and other stakeholders in the good food movement and to the media.
