Hydroponics Archives -

The election is behind us, and the next policy balloon destined to go off this week is in St. Louis, Missouri. I am here not to saunter under the Gateway Arch nor worry the corporate offices of Monsanto. I am here to attend the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) biannual meeting which provides an opportunity for organic stakeholders to give input on proposed recommendations and discussions. These meetings can decide the fate of organic farming and manufacturing for many years to come. Indeed the very future of organic is held in the hands of the 15 individuals on the board.

So it’s important to show up. Continue reading “What’s at Stake at This Week’s National Organic Standards Board Meeting?” →

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

If You Care About Organic, Show up for Organic

September 22, 2016November 1, 2016 Melody Meyer

Once again I find myself in the air racking up miles and enjoying the white cotton-ball clouds festooning my flight path. I cross the continent yet again to have meetings and presentations at Expo East. While my body is hurtling towards the delectable food, illuminating conferences and critical connections to come, my thoughts are set on the future of organic and the NOSB meetings in November. I want to make sure everyone who cares about organic shows up for organic in a meaningful way. Continue reading “If You Care About Organic, Show up for Organic” →

Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

Can The National Organic Program Regulate Perfection?

August 24, 2016 Melody Meyer

I’ve been in the organic industry for several decades now, and there is an increasing trend to move the organic standards towards complete and utter purity. Some in the organic community are clamoring for the National Organic Program (NOP) to regulate perfection in the organic rules. They want zero tolerance, exact measurements and prescriptive protocols. I wonder, can organic achieve ultimate perfection in an imperfect world? To what end does this ultimate penchant for perfection actually harm us? Continue reading “Can The National Organic Program Regulate Perfection?” →

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

The Dirty Dialogue in Organic: Where Do “Ponics” Belong?

May 12, 2016 Melody Meyer

A few weeks ago I trundled off to yet another National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meeting in DC. This is a place where a dedicated assortment of organic disciples (and hooligans) spends countless hours deliberating and commentating on the intricacies of organic production. How to balance the needs of the farmer and manufacturer with the expectations of the consumer and be true to the spirit of the organic regulations? The discussion is sometimes laborious and often pointedly impassioned. The latest feverish dialogue spurred on by a cavalcade of differing views is: where if any do new ways of producing food fit into the organic world? Does Hydroponics, Aquaponics or Bioponics belong? Continue reading “The Dirty Dialogue in Organic: Where Do “Ponics” Belong?” →