Search Results for: national organic program

Speak Up Now: Organic is Soil-Based

Have you ever picked up an organic tomato in the produce section of a store and wondered whether it was grown in soil? Organic rules and regulations make it clear that soil is a necessary part of organic systems, but disagreements among organic certifiers have resulted in a split that many organic consumers are unaware… Read more »

Support Organic in the Farm Bill

A massive piece of legislation impacting how we grow our food is on the table. During this fleeting moment of national attention, we’re rallying Cornucopia’s supporters to use their voices, keyboards, and passion to advocate for the inclusion of programs that bolster organic. Those initiatives can be found in several smaller bills, known as “marker… Read more »

National Organic Standards Board Spring Meeting Recap

chicken in pasture

Did you miss the recent National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meeting in Atlanta, Georgia? Cornucopia has you covered! The NOSB is a federal advisory committee that makes recommendations to the National Organic Program (NOP) on organic materials and standards. The group of volunteers from different areas of the organic community meets twice annually to take… Read more »

The Case for Organic

Bunch of colorful carrots

We know how important the truth is to you, so we are expanding the Organic 101 section of our website. Big Ag is quick to cite its favorite studies, which are often funded by industry allies and use outdated or questionable data to downplay the benefits of organic. Read on for our guide to current research from reputable… Read more »

Q&A for Retailers on the Proposed Organic Livestock & Poultry Standards Rule

USDA has published the long-awaited Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) rule. We need you — leaders of independent retailers and co-ops — to get it to the finish line! How can co-ops and retailers participate? The most important way co-ops and retailers can help is by writing individual comments to the Federal Registrar. Powerful… Read more »

Don’t Let Factory Farms Undermine the Organic Label

Aerial photo of factory farm with four large buildings

Your voice is needed by midnight ET on November 10, 2022 (Please note the deadline extension. While this allows more time for consumer and retailer support, industry will take full advantage of this opportunity. Your comment is more important than ever! ) USDA has published the long-awaited Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) rule. We… Read more »

Origin of Livestock: A Step Toward Organic Integrity

Cows running through a pasture

After decades of pressure from Cornucopia and its colleagues in organics, USDA is moving forward with the long-overdue final rule on Origin of Livestock. The final rule underscores a key value of authentic organic dairy: the cost and care necessary to raise organic calves on farms. Unbeknownst to many consumers, “organic” factory dairies have been… Read more »

Tell USDA You Care About Organic Integrity!

We need improvements at the National Organic Program.

Comment before Midnight ET on March 30, 2022 Industrial “organic” operators are able to keep prices low by cutting corners on animal welfare, biodiversity, care for natural resources, and soil health. Their cheap products undercut authentic organic food in the marketplace. A process exists to counter this threat. The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), a… Read more »

Organic Beef at a Glance

Organic Beef at a Glance

What is organic beef? The destructive nature of industrial meat production casts a long, harmful shadow. But authentic organic beef production deserves our collective support. This farming system actually contributes to the public good, providing ecosystem services and supporting local economies. Authentic organic beef offers the best choice for you and your family. Many people… Read more »

What Organic Beef Is — and Isn’t

The organic label offers unique assurances about how food was grown, raised, and processed. As ruminant livestock, beef cattle are more regulated than any other certified organic animal, with clear requirements for pasturing and diet. What the organic standards, rules, and regulations promise The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) sets a regulatory floor for all… Read more »