Top 5 for Oct. 31: Organic news to help you grow

USDA’s Vilsack visits North Carolina to highlight recovery resources

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met with local, state and tribal leaders in Asheville, North Carolina, on Oct. 25 to learn how Hurricane Helene affected food producers there. He also offered support for ranchers, farmers and small businesses as the recovery effort continues. Read more at The Packer …

Edible Garden receives USDA grants to achieve organic certification

The USDA’s Organic Certification Program has received grants to help the grower obtain and achieve organic certification at facilities in New Jersey and Michigan. Edible Garden, considered a leader in sustainable indoor farming, contracts with farmers around the country to grow lettuce, organic herbs and other ingredients. Read all about it at Farmonaut …

Homegrown Organic Farms adds loading location for imported berries

A new Homegrown Organic Farms loading location in McAllen, Texas, will help the brand move imported berries two days faster than if they were delivered from the West Coast, the company has announced. Shipments of organic berries from Mexico and Chile will increase in early November. Read more at Produce Blue Book …

Amy’s Kitchen reorganizing, reducing line workers and staff

Amy’s Kitchen is going to lay off 311 workers from the production lines, management and administrative staff, the company said in early October. The plants in Pocatello, Idaho, and Medord, Oregon, will not be affected, nor will the brand’s three California restaurants. Based in Petaluma, California, the business is family owned. Get the whole story at North Bay Business Journal …

Morning Kiss Organic introduces new fall products

Morning Kiss Organic, based in Chelsea, Massachusetts, is offering five organic squash varieties and organic brussels sprouts for autumn dining. The squash options include butternut, acorn, spaghetti, buttercup and delicata. Learn more at Perishable News …