Articles tagged under: organic
Animal Welfare Standards Included in USDA Organic Rule
Published October 26, 2023
USDA’s new standards for Organic Livestock and Poultry Production include strong language dealing with animal welfare. To qualify for the organic label, poultry must have access to the outdoors and pigs must have adequate space to move freely. Agriculture Secretary…Efforts Underway to Update Organic Program
Published January 19, 2023
USDA is making changes to strengthen the enforcement of its National Organic Program. The proposal calls for improved farm-to-market traceability and greater insight over imports.Origin of Livestock Rule Released
Published April 1, 2022
The USDA released the details of the Origin of Livestock rule for organic dairy. This final rule changes USDA’s organic regulations that are meant to promote a fairer and more competitive market for dairy farmers. This new rule allows new…Now Accepting Applications for MN Organic Share Program
Published September 25, 2021
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Minnesota Organic Cost Share program through November 1. Minnesota’s organic farmers and processors can apply for a rebate of up to half the cost of their organic certification costs. Find…USDA Adds Revenue Insurance Flexibility for Organic Production
Published September 1, 2021
The Risk Management Agency has updated its Whole-Farm Revenue Protection plan to benefit organic farmers. It increases the expansion limits for organic producers to $500,000 or 35 percent, whichever is higher. The change also allows farmers to report certified organic…Comment Period Open for Origin of Livestock Rule
Published October 3, 2019
A public comment period has been reopened for the proposed Origin of Livestock rule. Originally published in 2015, the proposed rule would change the requirement for the origin of livestock under USDA organic regulations. Comments will be accepted until December…Olson Shares Organic Farming Expertise
Published January 16, 2019
During the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention, Cottonwood, Minnesota farmer Carolyn Olson shared her expertise in organic crop farming. Olson sees potential for market growth. "There's everything from vegetables and row crops to livestock that are being raised in the…Growing Interest in Organics
Published January 10, 2019
The interest in organic food production continues to ramp up. Minnesota Crop Improvement Association President and CEO Fawad Shah says the organization has seen growth in its organic program. "It really took off in 2011/2012 and we have seen growth…Planting Wraps Up Near Cottonwood, MN
Published May 23, 2018
Cottonwood, Minnesota farmer Carolyn Olson has all of the small grains seeded, and the crop is starting to emerge. However, planting progress was put to a halt by thunderstorms Wednesday morning. "We've been dry, so we were excited when we…