Join us at the ACA Conference, January 21–23.
The latest in conferences, speaking engagements, newsletters, and updates from W&A.
Leading organic industry consultancy opens 2026 with top leadership changes to support its growth and expanded services as the organic industry wrestles with uncertainties in the marketplace.
After more than three decades of building this firm and serving the organic community, Bill Wolf is passing the title of President to John Foster. He does so with real confidence and a deep sense of continuity. John brings a rare combination of technical rigor, strategic vision, and respect for the values that built this firm in the first place.
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.
An organic industry pioneer and leader for 30 years, Wolf & Associates today announced its expanded team and offerings as cause for celebrating the firm’s next 30 years. W&A’s “Watchdog” services are designed to help organic brands and businesses stay compliant, resilient, and ahead of change. Watchdog is “always on duty” and offers flexible, on-call support, while our new Marketing & Branding division is available to help companies elevate their presence in the market with strategic marketing and branding.
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.
Wolf & Associates has been privileged to be an instigator and steward, walking alongside the evolving organic community for many years. The modern organic movement was born during a key moment with a defiant spirit and a commitment to improving the world.
Read on as Bill Wolf and John Foster share their thoughts about the direction of the organic community at this critical time.
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.
The National Organic Standards Board will meet via webinar April 29-May 1. This meeting is open to the public. Read on for a preview of what will be discussed.
Plus, we introduce our Associate Connie Karr and you can learn more about organic seeds, produce and other industry news.
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.