This article was previously published in the winter issue of the Cultivator, Cornucopia’s quarterly newsletter. By Michele Marchetti, Co-Director of Development and Communications at The Cornucopia Institute Huddled inside a trade show booth, Anne Ross, JD watched dozens of icons, each representing an international shipping vessel, inch across a computer screen. Behind the scenes of the… Read more »
Cornucopia’s Take: Grassroots movements to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and take legitimate stock of the true and terrible costs of chemical-based, industrial farming are spreading around the globe. Governments in India, Africa, and Europe are funding farmers’ use of agroecological principles as well. Cornucopia applauds the scientific and practical innovations of sustainable farmers everywhere…. Read more »
A Cornucopia staff member attended the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) pre-meeting webinar yesterday, where the NOSB heard comments from the public. Cornucopia’s notes from this meeting are below. Thirteen of 15 NOSB members present: Source: Aaron Yoo Ashley Swaffar Jesse Buie Emily Oakley Steve Ela Harriet Behar Asa Bradman A-dae Romero-Briones Sue Baird Tom… Read more »
Strolling of the Heifers Vermont once again tops all the other states in terms of their commitment to local food, according to the 2016 Locavore Index. The Index ranks the 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, using a variety of indicators related to local food production and consumption. It has been… Read more »
Purple Sage Farms’ Quest for Success [This article was previously published in the winter issue of The Cultivator, Cornucopia’s quarterly newsletter.] by Rachel Zegerius Communications and Development Associate at The Cornucopia Institute Photo courtesy of Arlie Sommer Organic farmers Tim Sommer and Tamara Sloviaczek are deeply connected to their family, their community, their customers, and to the… Read more »
Cornucopia’s director of domestic policy, Kestrel Burcham, JD, attended the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) pre-meeting webinars on October 15 and 17, where the NOSB heard comments from the public. Our notes from this meeting are below. Tuesday, October 15 NOSB members present: Harriet Behar (January 2016 – January 2020) – NOSB Chair Steve Ela… Read more »
UPDATE: Deadline to comment extended to November 10 The deadline for OLPS comments has been extended to November 10. 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! The unparalleled importance of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards rule… Read more »
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 »
Cornucopia’s Take: Codirector Mark Kastel was recently interviewed by Public Radio’s Bonnie North for her program, Lake Effect. Enjoy this 15 minute recording of their conversation below discussing organic standards for food and agriculture. Defining and Maintaining Organic Standards WUVM, Milwaukee Public Radio by Bonnie North Listen to the interview at WUVM by clicking on the… Read more »
Loophole remains in `organic’ definition By Andrew Martin Chicago Tribune Washington Bureau (link no longer available) Published October 19, 2005 WASHINGTON — Seven months after a federal advisory board sought to close loopholes to ensure that organic dairy cows are raised in pastures, rather than in confined pens, the Department of Agriculture has yet to… Read more »
