Tag: National Organic Program

Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

Who Am I to Tell You About Organic Farming?

Melody Meyer
Dont know much about farming
Photo by Uta Scholl on Unsplash

When I tell people I make my career in organic agriculture, they assume I am a farmer. They ask me what I grow with a curious tilt of the head. Since I am in my sixth decade, they cannot imagine me tilling, hoeing, or harvesting anything but sweet peas.The truth is I know next to nothing about farming except that it takes a multitude of diverse skills, a strong constitution, and an affinity for working alone with the soil. At heart, you must be a gambler, tending the earth with no financial guarantees. The crop is either good or bad, and the market strikes just right or not.   

I have spent many a dusty hour bumping along fields and orchards with organic farmers across the rural globe. So, I do possess a few insights.

Continue reading “Who Am I to Tell You About Organic Farming?” →
Organic Policy and Regulations, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Organic Programs Go Adrift During Government Shutdown

Melody Meyer

administration-architecture-building-129112

The federal government shutdown is going on its fourth week with no clear resolution in sight. According to estimates from S&P Global, the shutdown has already cost the U.S. economy $3.6 billion, and If it continues two more weeks, the economic damage could surpass $5.7 billion.

The shutdown is causing issues for farmers across the nation. Local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices have been closed, affecting farmers with agency loans. Food safety inspectors are working while missing paychecks, and important Ag data isn’t being collected. What does the shutdown mean specifically for the Organic Sector?

Many organic programs are left without moorings in this uncharted territory. Continue reading “Organic Programs Go Adrift During Government Shutdown” →

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” →

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

Do We Need Another Organic Label?

Melody Meyer

Last fall the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) made the decision not to prohibit hydroponic and container growing methods in organic production. This decision left some members of the organic community infuriated and galvanized. They vowed to dig in and create a label that meant something more than the USDA seal. After a few short months, the Real Organic Project (ROP) was formed by farmers and advocates who say that they are reclaiming the original meaning of organic. Continue reading “Do We Need Another Organic Label?” →

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

Organic Fraud in the Marketplace – What it Means for You

Melody Meyer

The organic industry has been peppered with a spate of news about a few bad actors trying to sell conventional products as organic. Most notably, containers of fraudulent soybeans were found entering the US market from Eastern Europe through Turkish exporters.

This, of course, is bad for US producers who have to compete with prices created from a false supply chain.

It is also bad news for the organic industry as a whole. Every vitriolic headline casts doubt and uncertainty in the heart of the organic consumer. Continue reading “Organic Fraud in the Marketplace – What it Means for You” →