Tag: Farm Bill

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

Building a Better Food System is a Political Journey You Can Make 

Melody Meyer
You don’t have to climb these steps to get involved in Food Policy

I just returned from The Organic Produce Summit in Monterey, Calif., where 2100 of my favorite friends gathered to celebrate. Finally connected in person—after a year like no other—growers, buyers, friends, sometimes rivals—we celebrated the part we played in 2020.

As the world changed, organic food sales went wild. OTA reports that organic food sales soared to $62 billion, growing twice as fast as the year before. Yet organic food huddles still at around 4% of all food sales.

There’s clearly work to be done beyond growing, selling, and buying organic food—it’s policy and political work.

Continue reading “Building a Better Food System is a Political Journey You Can Make ” →
Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Happy New Year: Congress Lays a Golden Egg While USDA Doles out a Lump of Coal

Melody Meyer

crazy-nana-585498-unsplash

The end of the year has come and gone – a new year is upon us. I spent the holidays as a serial hostess, whipping up fine organic fare for friends and family. Yet the feasting and frolicking did not distract me from the news that affects the things I hold dear – Food and Agriculture.

While we were all preparing for the holidays, we at once received great tidings from Congress alongside a grimy gift from our dear Administration.

This then is the story of The Golden Egg and Lump of Coal that ended 2018. Continue reading “Happy New Year: Congress Lays a Golden Egg While USDA Doles out a Lump of Coal” →

Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

Headwinds and Hope : Organic Week in DC

Melody Meyer

Capitol Hill

This not so much a factual account of my week in DC but rather a philosophical musing of the state of organic today.

I knew full well the political atmosphere in DC when I arrived—it is muddled with shear turbulence. So too the organic industry is experiencing a bumpy trajectory even as it streams ahead with over 6% growth.

Organic has been under a barrage of political threats and media scandals that just don’t seem to stop. Continue reading “Headwinds and Hope : Organic Week in DC” →

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

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

Melody Meyer

watermelon
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

Melody Meyer

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” →