Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Food is Political. In 2020 Organic Food is Worth Our Investment

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Photo by Louis Velazquez on Unsplash

In this election year, while the pandemic rages, the political landscape also seems to be afire.  Nary a day or hour goes by when some headline screams for our attention, perhaps dividing us.

It’s important to remember that food unites us. Whether you are left or right, food is a universal thing we can all agree on. We must eat to live, and, to live well, we must eat well.

If you believe organic agriculture and organic food is good for you, people and the planet, it may be time to see food as a political act and get involved.

One way to get involved is by supporting a Political Action Campaign (PAC), which can make a bigger impact on the issues you care about, such as food. Continue reading “Food is Political. In 2020 Organic Food is Worth Our Investment”

Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

Will This Year’s Farm Bill Serve Organic?

farm-bbEvery 4 years or so Congress passes a far-reaching piece of legislation that influences what food is grown, how it’s grown, and who gets access to healthy food. This, in turn, affects our soils, the quality of our water and the people who grow our food.

The Farm Bill addresses hunger, nutrition, and access to healthy local food.

It is also the primary funding for most Organic programs in the US. Continue reading “Will This Year’s Farm Bill Serve Organic?”

Organic Policy and Regulations, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Why Did the Organic Check-off Die an Untimely Death?

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Back in 2010, I was on the board of The Organic Trade Association (OTA). At the time, we had a brilliant idea on how to grow organic agriculture. An Organic Research and Promotion Program or Check-Off would have provided an estimated $30 million annually for the organic community.

Continue reading “Why Did the Organic Check-off Die an Untimely Death?”

Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

Organic Week in DC: Why It’s More Important Now Than Ever to Be Involved

If you’ve ever walked the halls of Congress with talking points in hand, you know the thrill of democracy in action. Having the opportunity to advocate for funding or policy change with your elected Congressperson is the most important way for you to participate in the legislative process. With Farm Bill discussions underway and mid-term elections around the corner this year, it’s critical for organic proponents to show up and speak up for organic food and agriculture. Continue reading “Organic Week in DC: Why It’s More Important Now Than Ever to Be Involved”

Organic Policy and Regulations, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Are We on the Brink of an Organic Crisis?

When Congress passed the Organic Food Production Act (OFPA) many years ago, it formed a federal advisory committee to develop and recommend organic standards and review materials in organic production. This 15-member volunteer board has worked diligently over the past 26 years updating the standards and making recommendations for continuous improvement.

Some members of Congress would like to rewrite the very meaning of what the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) does. This transparent public process, so unique to organic, is on the brink of being undermined in the next Farm Bill.    Continue reading “Are We on the Brink of an Organic Crisis?”