Editor’s note: The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced this week that it is seeking public comments on a proposal for a nationwide research and promotion fee program to be paid by producers and handlers in the organic industry. Ken Cook of the Environmental Working Group wrote this opinion piece, which was originally posted on FoodTank.com…
Controversies loom for National Organic Standards Board
When the National Organic Standards Board meets this week in St. Louis, its 15 members will confront some particularly controversial agenda items involving whether certain substances and production methods are acceptable for use in food items certified as organic.
People who sell or label a product with the USDA organic seal…
Judge strikes down USDA compost guidance, orders a do-over
An industry trade group representing California and Arizona produce growers isn’t happy with a recent federal court decision striking down government guidance for using composted municipal green waste on organic farms. 
In a statement released June 21, Western Growers of Irvine, CA, expressed disappointment in the June 20 ruling by U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott …
Critic of Organic Agriculture Lacks Credibility
Recently, Mr. Mischa Popoff wrote an op-ed for Food Safety News critical of the organic movement. Popoff is a former Canadian organic certification inspection contractor, the author of a self-published book critical of organics, and a commentator affiliated with ultra-conservative think tanks in the U.S. that are funded by agrochemical interests. The article below, entitled,…