Newsletter

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.

Find out more about a rancher who inspired Bill Wolf. September means school time, and the Organic Materials Review Institute and the International Organic Inspectors Association have teamed up to offer more training webinars on input materials. Plus, in this edition, there’s a link to a free webinar especially for the coffee sector on Strengthening Organic Enforcement, National Organic Program news, opportunities to serve USDA advisory committees, a new report about what a taste and nutrition powerhouse organic produce can be and more.

An unofficial grace period for the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rules will end in September, so make sure you’re ready. Check out the international news, too, for a bit about the ways France protects its water resources. Researchers have been busy as well, with studies on the organic label, farmers thoughts on microbiomes, and regenerative agriculture.

For the featured topic this month, Bill Wolf and John Foster outline why organic agriculture is so important in efforts to combat climate change. This month’s issue also includes summaries of recent studies on how agriculture methods change seeds, which categories lead US organic sales, and how rural and urban shoppers differ.

This issue covers results from the first month of the Strengthening Organic Enforcement regulations, a report on TOPP activities, opportunities for energy and equipment funding for rural small businesses, and more.

Our latest issue is bursting with news, including a summary of the Organic Trade Association’s consumer research, standards updates in Canada, and California’s efforts to define “regenerative agriculture.” The Strengthening Organic Enforcement rules brought changes to the National Organic Program’s Handbook and to the Organic Materials Review Institute’s operations. Read it here, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter over on the Contact Us page so you’ll get the next one by email.

Japan is using organic farms to further climate goals; the European Union drops their pesticide reduction plan, and everyone in Denmark buys organic. This issue is stuffed with international news, plus information on grants of interest to the organic community and our COO’s take on recent industry events.