Organic Matters Blog rests at the intersection of organic food and culture, taste and travel. Take the journey and subscribe to a blog that explores how food shapes our world. Source Organic helps businesses build a better future for the planet through education and advocacy of organic food and farming.
After the demise of the USDA mandatory research and promotion check-off attempt, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and Organic Voices (OV) decided to take matters into their own hands. Continue reading “Jim Riddle Weighs in on The Future of the GRO Organic Check-Off-Like Program”
The demise of a mandatory organic research and promotion check-off program at the hands of the USDA came with great disappointment.
It also kindled a fiery commitment to the idea that something must be done.
Leading companies and individuals weren’t ready to give up the idea that collectively the organic industry could raise funds for research, education and promotion. Continue reading “New Organic Consumer Messaging Campaign is Nothing You Should Ever Have to Read”
The political winds are against us. We are in an era of stagnating and dwindling regulatory oversight by the current administration.
Organic seems to be floundering in its own juices.
Trump’s USDA withdrew the final animal welfare rule that consumers and legitimate producers all agreed upon for over decade.
The administration meddled with the NOSB’s work plan, withdrawing work on Aquaculture, Apiculture and Pet Food. There will be no regulations to advance organic in these areas in the near future.
They killed the idea of a check-off that would have raised much-needed funds to bolster our still adolescent industry.
This is indeed an unfriendly crew cutting and slashing rules and opportunities that organic wants. Continue reading “Who Will Fund the Challenges Facing Organic Today?”
This is the second of a two part interview with Gary Hirshberg. He has worked tirelessly for years building a better food system. He’s followed his heart to encompass a love for the planet and its people. From building a business with seven cows, his heart has driven his mission. Tirelessly defending people from toxic chemicals, protecting the environment all the while selling some darn good yogurt, propels him still tirelessly to this day.
With his accomplishments and accolades in hand many like him would have sauntered off into the sunset of retirement. But Gary keeps pressing and driving hard for a better tomorrow. With such passionate energy I had to sit down and ask him: “Why do you do it?” Continue reading “Part 2: Gary Hirshberg Reflects on Why He Works So Hard on Organic Voices”