Newsletter

This week we were booked to be at the Fall National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meeting; historically these have been touchstone events for our community to come together, deliberate, and move the organic program forward. Instead, the meeting was canceled. The loss goes far beyond a date on the calendar; it represents a pause in the dialogue that has sustained and grown organic integrity and enterprise for decades.

Read more about Global standards shifting, U.S. policy in flux, and consumer demand rising.

We’re celebrating some key milestones this month—it’s our 30th anniversary and the 40th anniversary of the Organic Trade Association! The NOSB will be meeting soon—get comments to them by October 8. Taking A Count considers what we’ve lost at USDA. New research gets down and dirty about soil microorganisms, and organic meat, dairy and rice get some time in the research spotlight. Chocolate users, take note of what may be coming as cocoa growing conditions deteriorate. We’ve added services and OTA has a new campaign to promote organic.

We take a look at the impacts of the budget bill, and Bill and John weigh in with deep thoughts at this crucial juncture. Check it out for news about compostable packaging, consumers and sustainability, a new toolkit for farmers is in the works, and more.

It’s a busy month if you have Canadian business partners—proposed changes in the Canadian Organic Standards are up for review and open to public comment, and Canadian importers face some new requirements. June also brings the return of Dr. Jennifer Tucker to the National Organic Program, and new reports about New Zealand, the state of organic seeds, and how no-till fits with regenerative agriculture. Meet our team member Joe Dickson, too.

The regulatory landscape is changing again—USDA proposes rescinding the long-sought for pet food and mushroom standards. Research results are rolling in—learn more about the organic market tin North America, why organic strawberries are so delicious, and how US organic acreage is changing. Meet this month’s featured Associate, Mark King. All this, and more news for the organic community.

As California moves toward a definition of regenerative agriculture and private standards for “ultra-processed” firm up, organic mushroom and pet food standards implementation is delayed. We also take a look at risk-based residue testing options, and introduce our Associate Kelly Abbot. Plus, other key happenings in these fast-moving times.

Welcoming 2025, and the many changes ahead, our President’s message offers perspective from recent work with clients in the organic sector. New rules for organic mushroom production and organic pet foods are now in place. Canada plans revisions to its standards, and the NOSB has new members. Read one for more about what’s coming this year.

Our December news looks at carbon emissions on coffee farms, how long it takes farm plant biodiversity to recover, and a new survey about familiarity with regenerative agriculture. If you’d like a new job in the new year, several excellent organizations are hiring. In addition, there’s good news about organic milk for school children.

Curious about key decisions at the National Organic Standards Board? We sum it up for you here (and in our wrap-up issue available exclusively to newsletter subscribers). Labels are getting some attention in Europe and California, and that may spell big changes for packaged goods makers. Plus, there’s some new research on: what GenZ shoppers look for when they are food shopping; what’s happening in the Ontario, Canada organic market; U.S. Organic cotton production, and more.