A new study has suggested that there may be little nutritional difference between conventional and organic milk. Writing in the Journal of Dairy Science, scientists at Cornell University set out to compare the nutritional profile of organic and recombinant bST (rbST)-free milks in the US with that of conventional milks. They pursued this research because of concern that consumers may … Read More
USDA Issues Final Rule on Organic
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced details of the final regulation regarding access to pasture for organic livestock operations. This rule amends the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations to clarify the use of pasture in raising organic ruminants. “Clear and enforceable standards are essential to the health and success of the market for organic agriculture,” said Agriculture Secretary … Read More
Organic Dairy Rules to be Revised
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued draft rules for organic milk that would require that the cows be on pasture at least half the year and get plenty of fresh grass. The proposals are meant to close a loophole that has allowed some huge feedlots to sell their milk as organic, even though their cows rarely grazed on fresh … Read More
Merrigan Anounces Funding For Organics
Recently, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced $50 Million for a new initiative to meet the Obama Administration’s promise to encourage more organic agriculture production. Funding for the initiative is being made available as part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). “Assisting organic producers is a priority of the 2008 Farm Bill as well as for Secretary Vilsack and … Read More
Hood Cuts Organic Producers
Dairy processor H.P. Hood has reduced its organic milk supply since late February by not renewing several Maine dairy producers contracts. Hood maintains that with the declining economy, the demand for organic milk has just not caught up with production, according to Hood spokeswoman Lynn Bohan. “Due to a softening in organic milk sales triggered by the recent economic downturn, … Read More
U.S. and Canada to Standardize Organic Rules
The U.S. and Canada have agreed to finalize negotiations on organic equivalency standards between the countries by this summer, according to the Organic Trade Association. Until now, Canada has had a hotchpotch of different voluntary and mandatory organic certification in place in different provinces across the country. The new Organic Products Regulations, due to be implemented on June 30, will … Read More
What's for Lunch?
“What’s for Lunch?” is a humorous and entertaining look at some of the issues related to the various ways food is grown prior to making it to our plates, whether for school lunch or elsewhere! The video reviews everything from organic farming (regulated by USDA) to sustainable agriculture (keeping our natural world in balance) to plant biotechnology (sometimes called genetically … Read More
Stremick's Number 1 Organic
Stremicks Heritage Foods has been named the recipient of the #1 Tasting Organic Milk in America award, bestowed by the prestigious American Masters of Taste. Headquartered in Santa Ana, Calif., the company operates in Santa Ana and Riverside, Calif.; Cedar City, Utah; Joplin, Missouri and Mexicali, Mexico. Judged against other national organic milk products, Heritage Foods Organic Milk was selected … Read More
New Paper Questions Organic Superiority
Joseph D. Rosen, Ph.D., emeritus professor of Food Toxicology at Rutgers University and a scientific advisor to the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) has released a new paper that he claims has debunked attempts by organic agriculture to prove that organically grown crops are nutritionally superior to conventional ones. His research can be found here. Dr. Rosen analyzed … Read More