November 2017 -

It was June 2016 when the law passed requiring foods with GMO ingredients to be labeled. This disclosure was the first of its kind in the U.S., a milestone for food transparency and simultaneously a source of monumental discontent for many. The law requires that manufacturers disclose GMO presence but allows for digital means, such as QR codes or links, as a way to comply with labeling.

The law also mandated a study to identify potential challenges associated with the electronic options. The study found multiple problems related to QR codes or links.

As you read this, USDA is writing the regulations implementing the law, and the first draft will be coming out soon. There’s still time for USDA to hear from you on the study’s findings and craft a comprehensive, user-friendly standard. Continue reading “The GMO Labeling Discussion is Not Yet Over” →

Culinary Delights, Environment, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Give Thanks that Hope Springs Organic

November 20, 2017 Melody Meyer

I had lunch with a colleague last week, an organic advocate, businesswoman and friend. I had not connected with her in far too many years. We both built businesses and believed in organic before there was such a thing. We reminisced about the passion and energy we carried with us as we created new brands in the marketplace. We were eager to promote a different way to grow and produce food; one without harmful inputs that wasn’t dependent on big chemical companies.

We meet years later, both needing a shot of hope and a dose of gratitude. Continue reading “Give Thanks that Hope Springs Organic” →

Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

The Organic Grower Summit – The Time Has Finally Come for this Event

November 15, 2017 Melody Meyer

The first time I encountered organic was circa 1976 in a little co-op in Iowa. Not only were we happily bagging herbs and cutting the cheese but we were encouraging our local farmers to grow organic food. Fast forward to 2017, and organic sales were $47 billion last year. The number of certified organic farms and businesses has reached 24,650 certified entities. Producers from across the continent supply the raw agricultural products that fuel this tremendous growth. The time has finally come for organic growers to congregate and cultivate relationships with each other along with service experts and supply providers. Continue reading “The Organic Grower Summit – The Time Has Finally Come for this Event” →

Environment, What is Organic

Will FDA Alter the GMO Argument For Organic?

November 9, 2017 Melody Meyer

Why do consumers buy certified organic food? They cite the avoidance of persistent insecticides, herbicides and hormones, and to protect the health of their families and the environment. Another significant guarantee the organic label provides consumers is the lack of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs in organic production. A new initiative by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and USDA aims to change public perception on GMO’s. How could the organic label be affected? Continue reading “Will FDA Alter the GMO Argument For Organic?” →

Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

NOSB Fails to Prohibit Hydroponic and Container Growing in Organic Standards

November 2, 2017 Melody Meyer

The NOSB meeting opened with the standard introductions and agency updates. There was a palpable tension as the soil and the soilless camps huddled in separate groups outside. The topic looming large and passionately at this meeting is whether to prohibit various modes of growing outside the soil—organic hydroponics. Continue reading “NOSB Fails to Prohibit Hydroponic and Container Growing in Organic Standards” →