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Oregon Tilth Submits Comments on Proposed Pasture Regulation
Oregon Tilth comments on Proposed Pasture Regulation
Permaculture Design Course to Be Offered In Portland OR
Toby Hemenway and guests will offer a weekend intensive certificate program for Permaculture Design in Portland, OR starting January of 2009. A variety of permaculture design prinicples, soil ecology, community economics and more will be the focus of this program.
USDA Amends Certification Cost Assistance Program
The USDA, today, announced that they have amended the organic certification cost share program, resulting in funds being eligible to more farmers, producers and processors.
NOP Releases Proposed Pasture Regulation
New proposed pasture regulation for organic livestock production has been released. The proposed regulations could mean major change for organic livestock producers. Comments on the recommendation requested.
Oregon's Organic Farmers Fight Against GMO's
Critics of genetically modified crops have warned about "frankenfood" and "superweeds" for years. But today, more than four-fifths of the nation's corn, cotton and soybean crops are altered to resist pesticides and insects.
Organic Farm Prevails Against Pesticide Spraying Company
Landmark ruling sends a clear message to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) that pesticides that evaporate and move to non-target property with wind or fog need to be strictly regulated to prevent future property damage. Judge awards damages in the sum of $1 million.
OTCO Procedures Manual Revisions
The Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO) program revised certification procedures became effective September 15, 2008.
Organic Certification Cost Share Funds Available
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced September 18th that $22 million in federal funds are available for organic certification cost assistance. The funds are available for producers and handlers of organic agricultural products in any state of the United States of America
Oregon Tilth and IOIA Cosponsor Training
The International Organic Inspectors Association and Oregon Tilth will cosponsor a series of organic trainings in Corvallis, OR in October. Registration Deadline Sept. 15th
OSU Extension and Oregon Tilth Launch New Program
OSU Extension and Oregon Tilth have joined forces to launch the New Organic Gardening Certificate Program. This program is similar in scope and size to the famous OSU Master Gardener Program, but with an organic focus.
"Organic Essentials Guide" Released by The Organic Center
A new complimentary pocket guide can help consumers avoid the high-risk fresh produce during the summer and winter season.
Toxic Consequences of the Green Revolution
India: Four decades after the so-called Green Revolution enabled this vast nation to feed itself, some farmers are turning their backs on modern agricultural methods—the use of modified seeds, fertilizer, and pesticides—in favor of organic farming.
Despite Economic Dip, Organic Food Sales Soar
Even in a down economy, green consumers have shown a willingness to pay more for organic, natural or environmentally-friendly products, per a study released last week by the Natural Marketing Institute and The Nielsen Co.
Vegan Farming Takes Organic to the Next Level
Much like certified organic farmers, veganic farmers use no synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or genetically modified ingredients. Veganic farmers use crop rotations and composted plant matter -- or "green manure" -- to fertilize their crops.
Herb Pharm Receives Herbal Industry Leader Award
American Herbal Products Association Honors Herb Pharm for Outstanding Business Practices
Farm Bill Victories for Organic Farmers
America's ten thousand organic farmers have won a strong commitment to organic systems research, according to the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF). "With the override of the President's veto and final passage of the 2008 Farm Bill, Congress has made a substantial down payment toward a fair share of federal funding for organic agriculture," said Steve Ela, an organic tree fruit grower from Colorado and President of OFRF.
Oregon's Organic Agriculture and Processing Industry
Organic agriculture and food processing is a relatively small but rapidly growing segment of Oregon's total agriculture industry.
WSU To Offer Online Organic Course
WSU develops new online Organic coursed to prepare student for work in organic agriculture industry.
Food Prices on the Rise, What Will This Do to the Organic Shoppers?
Organic prices are rising for many of the same reasons affecting conventional food prices: higher fuel costs, rising demand and a tight supply of the grains needed for animal feed and bakery items. In fact, demand for organic wheat, soybeans and corn is so great that farmers are receiving unheard-of prices.
Organic Center Study Shows Health Benefits of Organic
In depth review of the published scientific literature which finally gives us the ability to answer the basic question -- are organic foods generally more nutritious than conventional foods?
