Top 5 - Organic News to Help You Grow #362

1.  Kroger Joins Grocers Working to Protect Pollinators

Kroger has joined Whole Foods, Walmart, and Giant Eagle in an effort to protect pollinators and biodiversity. As part of the Cincinnati-based grocer’s social and governance strategy, “Thriving Together,” Kroger will require all of its fresh produce suppliers to implement integrated pest management practices for all products supplied to the retailer by 2028 or 2030 depending on the grower size. Read More

2. EU Issues New Provisional Rules for More Sustainable Packaging

EU Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement on revamped rules to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging, increase safety, and boost the circular economy. The new measures aim to make packaging used in the EU safer and more sustainable by requiring all packaging to be recyclable, minimizing the presence of harmful substances, reducing unnecessary packaging, boosting the uptake of recycled content, and improving collection and recycling. Read More

3. Certified Organic 2024—Changes Ahead

Much has changed in the US organic food and beverage sector since the USDA National Organic Program was established in 2000. And 2024 will bring more changes—everything from stricter regulations to a growing demand for imports. Read More

4. PRO*ACT Obtains Organic Certification with CCOF

PRO*ACT is proud to announce that we have achieved organic certification with California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). This certification solidifies our commitment to providing high-quality organic products that meet the stringent standards set by CCOF and ensures compliance with the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule, which will be implemented March 19, 2024.  Read More

5. Consumers Buy Less Organic Produce in 2023, FMI Reports

Fresh produce was “among the strongest-performing departments in traditional grocery” in 2023, though consumers turned away from organic fruits and vegetables due to price, the Food Industry Association (FMI) shared in its ninth annual Power of Produce report. Read More