
This week, we do a review of all of the Organic Insider newsletters from the past quarter. Topics such as fraud in organic, the changing nature of the National Organic Standards Board, and the marketing of organic products all received a tremendous amount of attention.
With The Cornucopia Institute having just released a blockbuster report on fraudulent imported organic grains, we take a look at who is responsible for this situation, how it can be rectified, and how it will impact the integrity of organic.
If you’ve been confused by seeing the terms “organic marijuana”, “organic cannabis” or “organic pot” lately, you are not alone. We set the record straight on what terms are allowed to be used and discuss which states and organizations are certifying "clean" cannabis.
The Real Organic Project could end up being an incredibly important valuable program for both organic farmers and consumers. More specifically, it will address two main areas of organic that the USDA is falling short -- two areas that are having a real negative impact on the integrity of the organic seal.
Arguably, regenerative will be the most important theme in the organic industry for the next ten years because our environment, our farms and our food supply are so dependent on soil becoming healthier. Given its importance, organic brands need to take into account two specific considerations when marketing regenerative products to consumers.
The 2017 U.S. organic industry sales figures were just reported last week, and the sector's 6.4% growth was described as "maturing." Having trouble accepting that "maturing" is the right word, I take a look at what exactly the numbers were showing, what might be missing, and the risk that the industry is facing.
Despite the outcry from many people in the industry that the organic checkoff was rejected by the USDA, support for this program was absolutely not unanimous. I discuss how the rejection of the checkoff could actually present a result far better than anyone could have imagined.
As the eagerly awaited proposed GMO-labeling standards were released last week -- also known as the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard -- the most interesting aspect of these regulations was what they did not say. I discuss what may be really happening behind closed doors.
At Organic Insider, we have been covering the issue of fraud in organic extensively over the past year and have been extremely concerned about it. Yet, what took place at the National Organic Standards Board meeting in Arizona made me feel very optimistic about things. Here is why.
Despite a few positives, the 2018 farm bill will create real harm to the organic industry. I explore the good, the bad and the long-term implications for organic if this piece of legislation does go through.
As the organic food industry continues to experience rapid growth and with more companies entering the space each year, the sector is also facing numerous challenges, particularly on the regulatory level. Wanting to get a sense of how my fellow colleagues view the industry, I asked several of them to share an opinion, insight or observation about...
There is a very painful truth that we must accept, and it has to do with how the current USDA views the National Organic Standards Board. Unfortunately, this has very serious and negative consequences for the future of our industry.
With American organic farmers suffering hundreds of millions of dollars in losses, all due to fraudulent imports, the USDA refuses to get proactive enough to stop the bleeding. And the longer we wait for the USDA to do something, the more damaged will be caused to the organic seal.
What are the major trends in the organic pet food world? Sarah Goldberger, founder of Lord Jameson, one of the hottest brands in the industry today, gives us the scoop. And it's some fascinating insight.
Organic food companies need to come to terms with the super-toxic pesticides that are being sprayed on our nation's farms. We take a look at what these chemicals are and the serious health risks that they carry.
Natural Products Expo West 2018 was the biggest and busiest show ever. Yet, there was one theme seemed to dominate Expo West, and this trend will only become more prominent as the years go on.
While there has been a lot of discussion about GE-salmon ever since it was approved by the FDA in 2015, the fact remains that it is still not on the market. We examine all of the factors that explain this and ask the question -- will it ever be for sale in the U.S.?
Nutiva founder John Roulac played an incredibly important role in making U.S.-grown organic hemp a reality. In a story that very few people know, we retrace how this perilous and fascinating journey has come full circle. It's one of the most inspirational stories in the industry today and shows one man's determination to fight for what he believes...
Rose Marcario, the CEO of Patagonia, is slowly and quietly becoming one of the most important leaders in the organic food movement. What is so admirable about Rose is that she is not afraid to speak her mind and to do the right thing, on behalf of protecting organic and the environment. Here is my candid conversation with Patagonia's fearless CEO.
Out of frustration at the National Organic Standards Board and its unwillingness to ban hydroponics from organic, The Real Organic Project has been formed. Learn who is behind it and why it intends to bring back the true interpretation of the organic program.
In the organic food industry, competition from private label brands is coming fast and furious. Here are five strategies to make sure you are well-positioned for this shift in market dynamics.
Within a very short period of time, pressed juice has become one of the highest-profile categories in the organic sector, largely because many people view it as an essential daily component of their health routine. Yet, there are conflicting signals as to whether the growth in the category is still strong or has flattened. In this week's Organic...
In what may have been unimaginable in the past, brands are now pushing back against Whole Foods. We take a look at why this is happening and how the company's proposed merchandising policy is impacting the entire industry.
I recently attended the BioNutrient Food Association conference in Massachusetts, and the technology that is emerging from this group could disrupt organic farming -- and benefit consumers -- in a way that we have never seen before. It is an approach unlike anything that I have ever seen before.