USDA Issues Draft Guidance on Calculating Organic Percentage

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service has published draft guidance on calculating the percentage of organic ingredients in products. This guidance clarifies how to calculate organic percentages of multi-ingredient ingredients used in organic processed products, determine the organic content of single-ingredient ingredient, exclude water from the calculation of ingredients used in organic processed products, calculate the organic content of carbonated beverages, exclude salt from ingredients used in organic processed products (USDA)

More than Half of Americans Value the Health Benefits of Organic Food, Poll Shows

The Pew Research Center has released a poll that has found that 55% of Americans believe that organic food, particularly organically grown fruits and vegetables, are healthier than conventional. The poll also showed that 41% believe that there is no difference between the two. (Organic Authority)

China and NZ Sign-off on Organics Deal

Organic producers and exporters in New Zealand and China have signed off on a new bilateral agreement. The Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Certified Organic Products was signed by the two countries in China late last month. New Zealand exports of organic produce to China are currently valued at NZ$27 million per year. (Fruit Net)

Acquisition will Push Greeley’s Pilgrim’s Pride Further into Organic Chicken Market

Pilgrim’s Pride will push a little further into the organics and natural foods market with its impending acquisition of a Minnesota chicken company. Pilgrim’s announced Tuesday it would spend $350 million to buy GNP Company, which is heavily focused on processing organic chicken. (The Tribune)