Organic

USDA programs support local produce

The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service has awarded more than $32 million for 98 grant projects to expand and strengthen local and regional food systems and increase the availability of locally grown agricultural products. The funding... more »

Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference registration opens

Registration is open for the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. The event, scheduled for Jan. 11-14 in Savannah, Georgia, is marketed as the largest educational conference and trade show in the southeastern U.S. that... more »

USDA adds import functions to Organic Integrity Database

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) has expanded the functionality of its Organic Integrity Database, adding an import certificate module. The new module augments the Trade Partner module, launched in May. Together, they make up... more »

USDA offers more than $3 billion for 2022 specialty crop damage

The USDA will provide more than $3 billion to commodity and specialty crop producers affected by natural disaster events in 2022. Eligible impacted producers can apply for financial assistance through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP)... more »

Produce distributor unveils ‘Organic is the Answer’ campaign

Organically Grown Co., an Oregon produce distributor, has created a public service announcement-styled campaign with calls to action for consumers and retailers to promote the organic sector. “Organic is the Answer,” which provides resources for... more »

Legislation would protect organic industry

Despite the chaos of the U.S. House of Representatives, a bipartisan effort is underway to ensure organic standards continuously evolve and improve. H.R. 5973, the Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards Act (CIAO) 2023,... more »

Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance endorses legislation

The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, a national coalition of more than 200 specialty crop organizations representing growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other products, has endorsed nutrition and organic... more »

Stemilt showcases apples, pears at IFPA Show

Stemilt will feature unique and new varieties of apples and pears at the International Fresh Produce Association's Global Produce & Floral Show. The Global Produce & Floral Show is Oct. 19-21 in Anaheim, California. Setting... more »