The Challenges and How Consumers Can DIY [This article was previously published in the summer issue of The Cultivator, Cornucopia’s quarterly newsletter.] Farmers markets are in full swing. Whenever possible, we urge consumers to support certified organic farm vendors first. But not all small-scale farmers choose to certify. To help determine if these non-certified farms still… Read more »
by Will Fantle, Codirector Credit: Capricorn78 The recent passage of the Farm Bill contains a provision allowing the USDA Secretary to propose establishment of an organic check-off program that, in a first, would be spread across all organic commodities. The scheme has long been a darling of the Organic Trade Association (OTA). The OTA, an… Read more »
Federal Register The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations to fill five upcoming vacancies on its key advisory committee, the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). SUMMARY: The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990, as amended, requires the establishment of a National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The NOSB is a 15-member board that is… Read more »
Cornucopia’s Take: Of all the groups with certified organic farmers as members, or nonprofit advocacy groups supporting the organic movement, we know of only one that has endorsed this proposal to tax farmers in support of research and promotional/marketing work (and it isn’t a coincidence the one group in support shares a board member with… Read more »
Cornucopia’s Take: The article by OFARM’s John Bobbe below was originally published in The Milkweed. Bobbe is a strong ally in stopping the flow of fraudulent organic imports into the U.S. He has recently retired from OFARM, but he assures us he will continue to work on these important issues. 2018 Farm Law Boosts Funds… Read more »
Join us for a Webinar on January 19 Register Now Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/401117272 Thinking about getting certified, but don’t know where to start? Have questions about the USDA organic standards? Join national organic expert, Jim Riddle, University of Minnesota, as he explains the National Organic Program crop production… Read more »
[View Cornucopia’s legal complaint here.] Watchdog: Business Executives Appointed to Seats Congress Reserved for Farmers Operating an organic farm? Source: NEC Corp. of America The Cornucopia Institute has filed a lawsuit challenging the USDA’s appointment of non-farmers to positions reserved by Congress for organic farmers on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The NOSB is… Read more »
UPDATE: Interim Victory for Organic Farmers A federal judge has denied Sunrise Food International, Inc.’s request that it be allowed to immediately unload 25,000 metric tons of what is purportedly “organic” corn currently stranded off the shore of California. Sunrise asked the court to issue an emergency order allowing it to dock and unload the… Read more »
AMS 235-09 Joan Shaffer 202-720-8998 [email protected] Billy Cox 202-720-8998 [email protected] WASHINGTON, December 23, 2009 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the release of Breaking Down Market Barriers for Small and Mid-sized Organic Growers, a report developed by the California Institute for Rural Studies, focusing on marketing challenges faced by organic fruit and vegetable… Read more »
National Organic Coalition National Organic Certification Cost Share (NOCCS) is a top item for Farm Bill Conference. The House Bill repeals Certification Cost Share and the Senate Bill fully funds the program. If you live or work in any of the States/Districts listed below, please call your conference member (see below) and ask them to: … Read more »
