Sign Up For OPN Connect
USDA Proposed "Strengthening Enforcement Rule"
Source: Sustainable Food News
The USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) has clarified the scope of a proposed rule that it plans to roll out with the aim of fighting fraud in domestic and global organic supply chains. The "Strengthening Enforcement proposed rule" was included in the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Regulatory Agenda "to allow USDA to better deter fraud in the organic market, enhance enforcement, and establish a level playing field across all organic farms and businesses with respect to oversight and enforcement."
Organic Farming in Croatia on the Rise
There were 4,023 organic farmers in Croatia in 2017, which is 477 more farmers, or 14 percent more than in 2016, shows data from the national statistical office (DZS). The number of organic farmers who also process organic produce stood at 357, a 14.4 percent increase.
Cal-Organic Farms Celebrates Organic Farming at Exclusive Farm Dinner
Thursday, the company’s iconic organic produce barn in Tehachapi, California became the destination for Cal-Organic’s first farm-to-table dinner experience. The event celebrated organic farming and cultivated conversation around the state of the organic industry as well as its influence in culture today. Huckaby co-hosted the event with acclaimed chef Guy Turland of Santa Monica’s hip eatery Bondi Harvest.
Danone Considers Selling Earthbound Farm
Danone is exploring a sale of California organic produce distributor Earthbound Farm LLC, amid interest from potential private equity and corporate buyers. Danone is working with financial advisers on the possible disposal, which could fetch about $500 million, said people familiar with the matter, who asked to not be identified.
Six Million Dollars in Bogus Organic Fruit Sold to US
A Costa Rican congressional committee says American consumers paid premium prices for more than $6 million in pineapples sold as organic but grown with banned chemicals. The findings confirmed NerdWallet's investigation into the pineapple scheme last year and flaws it revealed in the USDA organics labeling process. NerdWallet reported conflicts of interest and mismanagement in USDA regulation of the $43 billion U.S. organics industry.
"I believe achieving the organic industry’s desired goals is in direct relationship to better communication to leaders, consumers, and healthcare practitioners. Better communication demands better awareness and the media is one of the most powerful tools for generating that awareness."
Ashley Koff, RD
CEO of The Better Nutrition Program
