Industry Watchdog Calls for Independent Investigation of USDA’s National Organic Program

The Cornucopia Institute has requested an independent audit of the National Organic Program, charging multiple illegal actions and inactions. The Wisconsin-based farm policy research group in a letter to USDA’s Office of Inspector General, alleges that the National Organic Program has failed to enforce the laws governing organic agriculture thereby allowing multinational corporate agribusinesses to squeeze out family-scale farmers. (yahoo)

USDA Announces $3.8 Million for Research to Help Farmers and Ranchers Meet Growing Demand for Organic Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture y announced the availability of up to $3.8 million in funding to support research, education and extension to support organic farmers and ranchers. The grants are funded through the Organic Transitions Program, administered by NIFA and authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. (USDA)

Organic Valley Expands Grassmilk Production in Mid-Atlantic to Become Largest Producer of Organic, 100% Grass-fed Dairy in Country

Organic Valley, announced it has created a new route with 12, 100% grass-fed dairies in the Mid-Atlantic to increase production of its Organic Valley Grassmilk branded milk products. The production expansion makes Organic Valley the largest producer of organic, 100% grass-fed dairy in the country.

Georgia Sees Historic Growth of Organic Farms with Ground-breaking Partnership

Georgia Organics and the Georgia Department of Agriculture launched the 100 Organic Farms Campaign in 2015, a state-wide collaboration to grow Georgia’s organic industry from 75 certified organic farms to more than 100 certified organic farms by the end of 2016. Georgia surpassed that goal and will end the year with a 45% increase, bringing the new number of certified organic farm and livestock operations to 110.