OTA Announces New Fraud Prevention Pilot Program

The Organic Trade Association announced the kick-off of a groundbreaking pilot project by the organic industry to prevent and detect fraud in the global organic system, initiated by the Global Organic Supply Chain Integrity (GOSCI) Task Force of the Organic Trade Association. As the first step toward this program, a comprehensive “best practices” guide was created by the task force to facilitate the industry-wide implementation of systems and measures to preserve the integrity of organic, both inside and outside of the United States. 

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Organic Apricot Harvest Kicks Off Early June

The organic apricot season is about to begin in California, with early varieties set to be harvested from the middle of June. The weather has been cooler than some growers prefer, but has not affected the trees in any negative way.
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The Villages, Largest Organic Farming Undertaking in Southeast

One of the largest organic farming undertakings in the Southeast — The Villages Grown — is quickly taking shape with plans to bring its first crop to market later this year in The Villages, Florida. “The Villages recognizes that better health is a top priority for many Villagers, and it’s no secret that food and nutrition are imperative to wellness,” said Kelsea Manly, The Villages director of operations. “So it’s another way to become America’s Healthiest Hometown.”

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Marrone Bio Innovations  Sponsors ‘Sustainability at Scale’ Podcast Series

The “Future of Agriculture” Podcast announced Marrone Bio Innovations, is sponsoring a 12-episode series entitled “Sustainability at Scale.” Marrone Bio Innovations Inc. is a leading provider of bio-based pest management and plant health products for the agriculture, turf and ornamental and water treatment markets.

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Cal-Organic Farms Partners with Tastemade in Mini-Series “Handled with Care”

Cal-Organic Farms, a division of Grimmway Farms and one of the largest organic vegetables producers in the United States, is excited to announce the debut of a three-part original mini-series titled ‘Handled with Care.’ Each 5-minute episode is loosely based on the different phases of organic farming: soil preparation, planting and growing, and harvest. The mini-series focuses on the passionate people behind organic farming. The series debuted on Tastemade, an award-winning food, home and travel media company that reaches more than 250 million active viewers per month.

You can watch the full episodes here. 

"It’s important for the organic consumer to understand the challenges that face the organic farmer.  Weather, disease and insect pressures are constant, and each effect every subsequent step in the process.  The cost of production and transportation is higher and at times the yields are lower.  As an organic food processor, it’s our job to provide a steady and high-quality supply of greens at a competitive price.  It’s an extremely difficult endeavor."

Ken Reagan
State Garden/Olivia’s Organics