Center for Food Safety’s Post

Organic, ROC, OPT—what do these certifications and labels mean for dairy graziers and how are they accessed? 🤔 Join us at Miller’s Natural Foods in Lancaster County and learn from several consultants and industry experts about the different certifications and labels relevant to dairy graziers, including USDA Certified Organic, Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC), OPT Certified Grass-Fed Organic certification, and other pasture standards relevant to dairy farming. We’ll discuss what each means, which co-op or farmers are using them, and what the costs, limitations, processes, and certifiers associated with each are. Light refreshments of organic milk and cheese will be provided. 🐄 🥛 Bring all of your dairy grazing certification questions! Get the details at https://lnkd.in/daZErtCj! #dairygrazing #dairyfarming #dairyfarm #sustainableag #sustainableagriculture

What does the future of farming look like? 🌾 From plant-based meats to fungi and precision fermentation, the landscape of protein production is evolving rapidly, presenting new avenues to farmers worldwide. Gemma Tadman Ⓥ's latest article for the ProVeg New Food Hub explores the blossoming opportunities (and challenges) for farmers in embracing alternative proteins, shedding light on the benefits ahead. 💡 But it doesn’t stop there! We also explore how businesses can support farmers transitioning from animal agriculture to alternative protein production. Let’s work together to create a more secure and sustainable food system!  🌱 Read the article ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e6naanen #ProVeg #Farmers #SustainableAgriculture

MOVE BEYOND NATURAL. SWITCH TO ORGANIC. Over many years, changes in the way farming is undertaken have seen the rise of Genetically Modified crops (GMOs) and the addition of Growth Hormones and Antibiotics in livestock feeds. Alongside this, large corporations have developed various Chemical Cocktails in the forms of Artificial and Natural Aromas, Flavours, Colours, Additives and Preservatives. The consumption of these products in our day-to-day lives has highlighted possible links to many health-related issues and problems. WHAT IT MEANS TO BE 100% ORGANIC! Being “Organic” refers to food from purely organic farming practices. Organic Agriculture is a particularly natural and environmentally friendly form of agriculture where foods are grown without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides or mineral fertilizers. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are also strictly not allowed. At the centre of Organic Agriculture, is the so-called Organic Circular Economy (OCE). Organic Farmers attempt on their Farms a balance between soil, plants and livestock. This balance is achieved with farming practices operating in specific cycles: The soil is through natural methods so that strong and adapted plants for the specific environment can grow. The plants then serve the Farmer not only as a harvest but also as forage for their Livestock. Livestock manure and compost then give a natural fertiliser for the soil and ensure the healthy growth of plants. The farmer keeps also only as much livestock as he can feed with the farm’s forage. This then results in only so much manure that is needed for the respective fields. This balance between tillage, crops and livestock provides a methodology to avoid over-farming and ultimately protect the environment. Of particular concern within Organic Agriculture is animal welfare. Livestock are provided enough space to wander freely on open pastures, are provided organic feeds, which come mostly from the farm itself and have a good housing climate to retreat to. These housing conditions provide the animals with are more vital and less stressed environment which not only benefits the animals but also the quality of the milk gained from such livestock. Remember, real nutrition has the power to make a real difference in people’s lives and at BioAlpine® our mission is to help more people live vibrant lives through the power of good, clean nutrition. #bioalpine #organicwhey #organic #madeingermany #alpinewhey #alps

Consumers increasingly want #food that is not only good for them, but also good for the planet and those who work the land, which is why Daily Harvest is teaming with industry leaders and USDA to help more #farmers -- including small-scale #BIPOC farmers -- transition to #organic and adopt #regenerativeagriculture practices. Watch my video interview with Ricky Silver to learn more about the power of private-public partnerships to rethink food production, #agriculture and the overall #foodsystem. https://lnkd.in/gMYuWc2h

We want to give a shout out to the participants in the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). For the past few National Organic Standards Board meetings, participants from the nearest TOPP regions have talked about their successes and challenges. Several NOSB members mentioned that they really appreciate this information and a chance to hear more about what’s happening on farms and with farmers who are interested in shifting to organic production. Staff from the organizations participating in TOPP met concurrently to the NOSB meeting, and we popped in for a moment and snapped a picture—what a delightful, and dedicated, group. Check below for a link to more information about TOPP—if you know a farmer who has been waffling about switching to organic agriculture or who could benefit from some technical help to solve a sticky problem, please let them know about this program. And, if you are a farmer with expertise to share, there are paid mentorships available. Our founder Bill Wolf said recently and in public comment that our ratio of US organic production to organic sales has got to increase dramatically. TOPP is one way to help make that happen, as are the market development grants from USDA (and the proposed standards for mushrooms and pet foods—comment by May 10). There are some hefty challenges, but if we work together, we can make a difference for farms, communities, and the health of the soil and the planet. #Organic #organicfarming #agriculture #climatesmart #sustainability #organicfood #organicfiber #petfood #mushrooms

I appreciate that debates about different farming approaches can frequently become polarised, and I would champion organic every step of the way. But ensuring we have a properly considered land use policy, twinned with a robust trade policy and a fair and transparent supply chain, would mean farmers are able to produce the necessary food while protecting our environment and addressing climate change. Largely unable to influence pricing, many farmers have rationalised their production to remain economically viable by cutting costs or increasing yields, frequently both. Even with farm support, all we've seen is lower consumer prices, higher land prices and higher rents, rather than improved farm profitability. In parallel to this development, government has sought to strengthen environmental legislation, which is laudable, but fails to address the underlying tension between the continued need to "run harder and faster" within a free market, while also taking care of the environment. Continuing to ignore this huge disparity in our food and farming systems is reckless. Resolving this complex issue requires an equally colossal shake-up. Organic is a powerful force for change. #proudtobeorganic #IGrowYourFood #IFOAMorganicseurope #regenerativefarming #ofgorganic #sustainability #health #sustainablefarming #organicfarming #organic #organicfood #organiclife #UKorganic #organicresearchcentre #biodynamic #sustainabledevelopment #farmingforthefuture Paul Holmbeck Vicki Hird Sarah Compson James Cashmore Adrian Carne Dominic O. Lucy Todd Hazel Hunt Catriona Mantle Adam Forrest Cristina Dimetto Maria Taffurelli Christopher Stopes Steven Jacobs Becky George Debs Roberts Jo Barron

Dive into the fascinating world of organic farming with Dave Chapman and Dr. Frank Sabatino on the #NHAHealthSciencePodcast! Discover the nuances of hydroponics, unravel organic definitions, and explore the Real Organic Project. In this episode, the two navigate the complexities of organic certification, spotlighting industry challenges. The conversation delves into the essence of sustainable living, emphasizing the critical connection between our food, health, and the environment. Amidst these challenges, Dave Chapman introduces the Real Organic Project—a grassroots movement aiming to redefine and safeguard the integrity of organic farming. He discusses the project's role in providing consumers with clear information about the authenticity of organic produce and the importance of building a movement to drive change. Dave dismisses simplistic notions of organic farming, emphasizing its historical definition tied to healthy soil. The conversation takes a sobering turn, revealing the USDA's certification of hydroponic crops and the certification of massive confinement CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) as organic. Dave passionately discusses the legal violations and fraud within the organic certification process, shedding light on the need for watchdogs and advocacy. Amidst challenges, Dave introduces the Real Organic Project—a grassroots movement redefining organic farming integrity. He urges listeners to explore the project's resources, podcasts, and certified organic farms information. Join the movement at buff.ly/47KfSxk and be part of the quest for Real Organic practices. #RealOrganic #FoodTransparency #NHAHealthSciencePodcast

OF&G (Organic Farmers & Growers CIC) has published a manifesto targeting policymakers, which sets out a framework for radical policy change based on the four principles of the organic food and farming movement – health, ecology, fairness, and care. OF&G’s chief executive, Roger Kerr says the future of food and farming is becoming a political hot potato. “The nation’s seen huge upheaval in the last eight years. A flawed food system has left the country at the tipping point of catastrophic environmental and human health crises. Decisive action cannot come soon enough. We need policies that create jobs, improve rural livelihoods while delivering sustainable and economically viable food and farming systems,” says Kerr. “Restoring this balance and equity requires ambition and vision from Government. The long-term effects of recent policies are still unfolding, but the need for action is urgent. One thing is clear; we must aspire to accomplish more.” OF&G says that by considering organic’s four founding principles, its manifesto identifies solutions that address the “huge disparity” that exists in current food and farming systems. Follow the link below, to read the full story. 👇 #foodpolicy #organic #organicfood #ukgeneralelection https://lnkd.in/eCqu_Rfb

OF&G (Organic Farmers & Growers CIC) has published a manifesto targeting policymakers, which sets out a framework for radical policy change based on the four principles of the organic food and farming movement – health, ecology, fairness, and care. OF&G’s chief executive, Roger Kerr says the future of food and farming is becoming a political hot potato. “The nation’s seen huge upheaval in the last eight years. A flawed food system has left the country at the tipping point of catastrophic environmental and human health crises. Decisive action cannot come soon enough. We need policies that create jobs, improve rural livelihoods while delivering sustainable and economically viable food and farming systems,” says Kerr. “Restoring this balance and equity requires ambition and vision from Government. The long-term effects of recent policies are still unfolding, but the need for action is urgent. One thing is clear; we must aspire to accomplish more.” OF&G says that by considering organic’s four founding principles, its manifesto identifies solutions that address the “huge disparity” that exists in current food and farming systems. Follow the link below, to read the full story. 👇 #foodpolicy #organic #organicfood #ukgeneralelection https://lnkd.in/e73-ZEiP

What does the future of farming look like?  👀 🌾 From plant-based meats to fungi, the landscape of protein production is evolving rapidly, presenting new avenues to farmers worldwide. Our latest article explores the blossoming opportunities (and challenges) for farmers in embracing alternative proteins, shedding light on the benefits that lie ahead. 💡 But it doesn’t stop there! We also explore how businesses can support farmers transitioning from animal agriculture to alternative protein production. Read now to find out more: https://lnkd.in/e3-_4HJB Let’s work together to create a more secure and sustainable food system!  🌱 #NewFoodHub #ProVeg #Farmers #FoodProduction #SustainableAgriculture