United States Congress 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” →

Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

Headwinds and Hope : Organic Week in DC

May 31, 2018May 31, 2018 Melody Meyer

This not so much a factual account of my week in DC but rather a philosophical musing of the state of organic today.

I knew full well the political atmosphere in DC when I arrived—it is muddled with shear turbulence. So too the organic industry is experiencing a bumpy trajectory even as it streams ahead with over 6% growth.

Organic has been under a barrage of political threats and media scandals that just don’t seem to stop. Continue reading “Headwinds and Hope : Organic Week in DC” →

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

Part 1: Gary Hirshberg reflects on GMO Labeling, Political Activism and Why He’s So Involved

April 10, 2018 Melody Meyer

Since the late 1970’s Gary Hirshberg has worked tirelessly to build 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 1: Gary Hirshberg reflects on GMO Labeling, Political Activism and Why He’s So Involved” →

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

Brise Tencer: Research, Education and Policy is essential for Organic Agriculture

February 21, 2018 Melody Meyer

Brise Tencer is the Executive Director at the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF). She has over 19 years of leadership experience working on organic food policy, farming, and research issues.

I recently caught up with Brise to learn more about the state of organic research, the impact OFRF has made through education and why policy is so important, now more than ever. Continue reading “Brise Tencer: Research, Education and Policy is essential for Organic Agriculture” →

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

Organic Fraud in the Marketplace – What it Means for You

January 16, 2018 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” →