National Organic Program
As organic sales grow, so does discord within the industry
For years, organic food has been the fastest-growing segment of U.S. agriculture, with a sales total of nearly $36 billion a year at latest count. "A deepening divide" is splitting the industry and "sparking litigation and allegations that the well-known label marking foods as organic no longer assures consumers that foods are free from chemicals and other materials, or that organic meat was raised naturally," says Huffington Post.
USDA proposes mandated outdoor access for organic poultry
After years of development, the USDA proposed stronger housing and welfare rules for organic livestock that include group housing for swine and year-round access for poultry to the outdoors.
New crop insurance provision will aid transition to organic farming
It takes three years for farmers to transition a farm from conventional agriculture to certified organic production, a substantial hurdle. To make the transition a bit easier, USDA is expanding the Contract Price Addendum for crop insurance.
Colorado farm grows USDA-certified organic cannabis
In "a major coup for the plant's enthusiasts," CBDRx, a cannabis grower near Denver "has secured a certification to market its products with the organic seal" from USDA, says Harvest Public Media. The approval from the organic program refers to industrial hemp.
Organic trade group to seek ‘transitional’ organic designation
The Organic Trade Association, the main trade group for the organic food industry, said it was filing paperwork early next year for a “transitional” organic designation at the USDA that would benefit farmers going through the three-year transition to organic farming. The aim of the program would be to provide economic incentives for farmers to go organic at a time when demand is growing strongly but supplies still fall short.