The USDA has issued a final rule regarding the agency’s National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances for the National Organic Program. The agency renewed 187 of 198 substances submitted by the National Organic Standards Board as part of the 2017 sunset review. The document became effective March 15. Full Notice
The Wall Street Journal has a story this morning about a debate taking place in the food industry over one simple question that apparently does not have a simple answer: What, exactly, is milk? Here’s how the Journal frames the story: “Dairymen are lobbying Congress to restrict use of the word ‘milk’ to products derived[…]
U.S. farmers who transitioned to organic farming are rightfully upset that imports from other countries are affecting their prices. It’s not an easy process to become an organic-certified farm. The required three-year transition period that can be daunting and expensive. And while foreign organic farms also have to be certified in order to import to[…]
WhiteWave Foods — which makes Silk — and Blue Diamond Growers — which makes Almond Breeze — were both hit with class-action lawsuits from consumers who say their alternative milk products falsely claim to be equally or more nutritious than dairy milk, according to Bevnet. Those fighting for the cause will tell you that milk comes from cows, not[…]
You will probably enjoy this video: http://www.infowars.com/milk-hits-the-fan-farmers-spray-eu-council-building-with-dairy-powder/ The outgoing Bush administration claimed that the “origin of livestock rule” was a top priority towards the end of their reign. When taking the helm at the NOP Mr. Miles McEvoy made the same claim (oops …. eight years after the Obama/Vilsack administration took control and I guess[…]
A study commissioned by the European Parliament concluded that organic farming policies have benefits for human health. The review of existing research, coordinated by Assistant Professor Axel Mie, who is affiliated with both Karolinska Institute and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, found the support for animal health and restrictive use of antibiotics in organic animal[…]
USDA has proposed a rule eliminating 11 substances from the National List for use in organic production and handling. The removals pertain to the 2017 sunset review of substances and utilize recommendations submitted by the National Organic Standards Board. The agency will accept public comment for 60 days. read more – https://www.specialtyfood.com/news/article/usda-proposes-eliminating-11-substances-national-list-use-organic-production-handling/
The Organic Trade Association has partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help guide farmers transitioning to certified organic agricultural production. The National Certified Transitional Program will rely on standards developed by the OTA and provide oversight to approved Accredited Organic Certifying Agents offering transitional certification to producers. This system will help ease the[…]
Bloomberg reports on a new Nielsen study saying that people increasingly are paying more attention to ingredients and less to marketing claims. According to the story, “Food purchases are less driven these days by what’s written on the front of the box than what’s listed as ingredients, said Andrew Mandzy, director of strategic insights at[…]
Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) and two dozen bipartisan congressional lawmakers have signed a letter sent to U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf requesting the agency take action to investigate the use of the term “milk” by plant-based dairy brands. Of primary concern to these lawmakers and members of the conventional dairy industry is the[…]