Just Label It Archives -

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” →

What is Organic

USDA Study: 9 Problems Electronic GMO Disclosures Would Face

January 5, 2018 Melody Meyer

In July 2016 Congress passed the first national GMO labeling legislation in the U.S. It is set to go into effect in July 2018, but not before the Department of Agriculture writes extensive rules for the legislation, which left many questions unanswered.

One of the most controversial parts of the bill would allow companies to use digital disclosures such as QR codes. Due to the heated debate over digital disclosures, Congress stipulated that the USDA must complete a study to identify any technological challenges consumers might face if companies used a digital disclosure for GMO ingredients instead of on-package labels. Continue reading “USDA Study: 9 Problems Electronic GMO Disclosures Would Face” →

What is Organic

30 Questions for You on the GMO Labeling Standard

June 30, 2017June 30, 2017 Melody Meyer

I remember with no measure of fondness the industry skirmishes that transpired after the GMO disclosure standard was enacted last July. It was a deal that no one on either side wanted. The USDA recently posted 30 questions on their website that will be used to draft their proposed rule. No matter how much you dislike this rule, it’s time to lay down your sword and provide real input to make it as robust as possible. Continue reading “30 Questions for You on the GMO Labeling Standard” →

Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

See you at Expo West—Take Pictures and Call Your Senators

March 9, 2016 Melody Meyer

Who needs to travel the world to eat, learn and network when you can go to Expo West in balmy Anaheim? If you’re attending Natural Products Expo West like me, it’s exciting to see all the new products and learn more about the issues and opportunities facing our industry. While we network in sunny Southern California, there is much important activity going in Washington DC, and we must remain diligent in our engagement. I give you a call to action, even while you’re traipsing and sampling your way through the show.

Let’s protect our right to know this week while we celebrate the growth of organic all while attending the Natural Products Expo West! Continue reading “See you at Expo West—Take Pictures and Call Your Senators” →

What is Organic

What’s News at summer’s End? GMOs

August 28, 2014 Melody Meyer

From sea to sea and the over the Rockies, the news is abuzz with GMO activity. Biotech companies are on the run spending millions. They are planning their next campaign to try to stifle the intensely passionate Right to Know GMO movement. Despite their deep pockets, the reports in the media show there is positive momentum growing around the country. It’s not about debating the science, it is about transparency, so consumers know if they are eating and supporting biotechnology. It’s pretty simple! Just label it! Continue reading “What’s News at summer’s End? GMOs” →