Organic Policy and Regulations, well-being, What is Organic

Organic Milk is a Better Choice and a Path to Change

Photo by Angelina Litvin on Unsplash

Before the Agricultural Revolution, some 10,000 years ago, hardly anybody drank milk—unless it was from their own mother. As our ancestors domesticated grains and animals, all began to change. By the 5th century in western Europe, milk from both cows and sheep became quite popular.

But it wasn’t until the 20th century that we embraced milk like a stampede of heifers. My father drank a glass of milk with every meal, my grandmother churned butter, and we enjoyed a brimming bowl of ice cream every night.  

It was a paradigm shift in thinking—drinking milk became a symbol of nutrition and safety, thanks to Louis Pasteur’s revolutionary pasteurization process.  

Today we drink far less milk than we did in the middle of the last century—in fact, the dairy industry is in udder ruins. Small dairies are closing because of changing consumer trends, trade tensions, and, most importantly, a century-long industry consolidation.

Organic milk offers a drop of hope for dairy farmers and consumers alike.

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Culinary Delights, Environment, well-being, What is Organic

Lessons from A Master of Regenerative Thinking – Albert Lusk

I attended a virtual honoring of Albert Lusk this week. Many old friends were on the call – all touched by Albert, so many of them were instrumental in the growth of organic food and agriculture.

We were young and audacious – believing we could change the world. Albert showed us it was possible with grit and grind, love and generosity. Dreams do come true, but it takes a village – and a Regenerative state of mind.   

The things we believed in once were very true – is it possible that some of those beliefs no longer serve the essence of sustainable organic agriculture?  

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What is Organic

The Winter Solstice Reveals The Urgency of Regeneration

Our species revolves around the universe
Photo by Andrew Preble on Unsplash

The Winter solstice has come and gone on our small and spinning planet. From where I stand in the Northern Hemisphere, it marked the shortest day and the longest night—winter’s official beginning.

My friends in New Zealand and Australia who reside south of the Equator experience this solstice very differently—they enjoy the longest day and the shortest night. It’s the beginning of summer for them.  

But my story begins with our ancient Northern ancestors, who heralded the sun’s return with great celebration and ceremony. In fact, these pagan celebrations bleed into our holidays today.

But theirs was serious business. These ancients of the north depended on recognizing the seasonal cycles to give them hope and help them through the lean winter months. Their winter solstice was an important reminder that plantings and harvests would someday return.

As we mark the end of 2020, with a reminder that the light will return, I must ponder…

Can the awareness of our place in this vast and boundless universe teach us ways to behave and think differently? 

How important is it to remember that we are creative, boundless beings, spinning and tilting amongst stars, moons and galaxies that have a hold on us?       

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

Do We Need Another Organic Label?

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?”

Environment, What is Organic

Regenerative Agriculture: How does it intersect With Organic?

The term Regenerative Agriculture has generated quite a buzz in the last several months. Farmers, ranchers and many companies across the U.S. are embracing the term as a way to heal the planet and combat climate change. Some promote it as the next big stage for food and farming calling it “Beyond Organic.” What exactly is this new farming philosophy and will it take root to become the next big food movement? What does it mean for organic?  Continue reading “Regenerative Agriculture: How does it intersect With Organic?”