News From OTA

Nominations are open for OTA Board of Directors

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:42:33 +0000

OTA’s Board of Directors has unanimously recommended the following slate of candidates for the upcoming 2013 elections to be held this summer. Up for election are three U.S. seats. The Board will also make two appointments. Robert Craven, CEO, FoodState, division of MegaFood Kim Dietz, Human Resources Manager, Smucker Natural Foods Chris Ely, Co-Founder, [...]

Organic Week in Washington was a Rousing Success

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:39:51 +0000

OTA’s Policy Conference and Hill Visit Days made headlines in The Washington Post with the newspaper proclaiming the organic sector is gaining clout on Capitol Hill, prompted by rising consumer demand. Following a full-day conference line-up which included Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR); Mike Taylor, Deputy Commissioner at the FDA; Congressman Chris Gibson (R-NY); USDA Secretary [...]

Farm Bill advances in Senate, House

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:36:34 +0000

The Senate Ag Committee’s version of a proposed Farm Bill—S. 954,the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013—has moved to the Senate floor this week for debate. Meanwhile, the House Agriculture Committee finalized and approved its first draft of the House 2013 Farm Bill—H.R. 1947, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of [...]

Comments due June 3 on materials, inputs, Sunset Review

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:34:02 +0000

The organic sector has until June 3 to comment to the National Organic Program (NOP) on 1) proposed draft guidance addressing Classification of Materials; 2) proposed draft guidance on Permitted Crop Production Inputs; and 3) the Sunset 2013 Proposed Rule. The first draft guidance describes the procedure used to address the classification of materials as synthetic [...]

Maine legislative committee approves GMO labeling measure

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:31:47 +0000

On May 14, the Maine Legislature’s Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee approved a GMO labeling measure on an 8 to 4 vote. The bill—LD 718, known as An Act to Protect Main Food Consumers’ Right to Know about Genetically Engineered Food—if approved by state legislators, would not go into full effect until 2018, and only [...]

ISS commander returns to earth

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:29:34 +0000

Welcome home, Col. Chris Hadfield! Our Canadian hero on the International Space Station took Taste of Nature’s Nova Scotia Blueberry Fields organic snack bars on the five-month trip. Hadfield brought the ISS and fabulous views of the planet into our homes and schools—and entertained millions. View his Space Oddity performance.

Manitoba proclaims Organic Agricultural Products Act

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:27:45 +0000

Manitoba on May 4 adopted its Organic Agricultural Products Act (OAPA), becoming the first Canadian province to pass a law that mirrors the federal regulations, relying on the same system of federally accredited Certification Bodies to ensure that organic operators comply with organic standards. OAPA, which comes into force July 1, will apply to all [...]

May 25 GE protests

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:25:57 +0000

COTA has prepared talking points for members who are participating or may be asked to speak to the public or media on the occasion of the May 25 March against Monsanto. This march will be taking place in 36 countries. Interested members should contact Stephanie Wells for this information.

BioFach Latin America

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:23:44 +0000

BioFach Latin America will take place June 27-30 in São Paulo, Brazil. Held in conjunction with BioBrazil, the event represents the biggest organic event in Latin America, with hundreds of companies in attendance. COTA has export initiative support for Canadian companies exhibiting or attending. To find out more, visit the event’s official website or contact [...]

One week left for Organic Leadership Award nominations

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:20:59 +0000

Please remember to honor heroes in the organic sector by submitting a nomination for OTA’s 2013 Organic Leadership Awards. In addition to the traditional Organic Leadership Award for Growing the Organic Industry, OTA is seeking nominations in two inspiring new categories: an Organic Farmer of the Year award and a new Rising Star award. Nominations [...]

May 28 deadline for submitting items for The Organic Report

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:18:41 +0000

As an OTA member, your company is encouraged to share its business news, milestones, and new product releases in The Organic Report, OTA’s quarterly news magazine for its members. This opportunity is free and only open to OTA members. Meanwhile, OTA members receive discounted rates on advertisements placed in this news magazine, published both in [...]

Reserve space now for BioFach 2014

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:15:50 +0000

New U.S. exhibitors to BioFach Germany have an opportunity to showcase their products in OTA’s booth within the U.S. Pavilion Feb. 12-15, 2014, in Nuremburg. First-time exhibitor packages for U.S. organic suppliers include a tabletop display within OTA’s booth, and reimbursement for airfare and hotel expenses (based on federally allowed per diem rates and Fly [...]

Ag Secretary Vilsack unveils landmark agency guidance

Organic Trade Association — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:54:06 +0000

During OTA’s 2013 Policy Conference yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack officially recognized the unique production system covering U.S. organic agriculture, and announced guidance to remove agency obstacles to its continued growth. A major part of his speech focused on plans to increase federal crop insurance coverage for organic crops this year and next, [...]

Senate Ag Committee approves Farm Bill

Organic Trade Association — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:51:00 +0000

The Senate Agriculture Committee marked up and approved a proposed 2013 Farm Bill by a vote of 15 to 5 yesterday. The proposed Senate version of the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013, including approved amendments, will next move to the Senate floor for discussion and a vote by the entire Senate. Speaking [...]

OTA establishes Farmers Advisory Council

Organic Trade Association — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:49:51 +0000

OTA has formally established a Farmers Advisory Council to provide input from small- to medium-sized organic farmers, ranchers and growers to the trade association on matters geared to advancing organic agriculture. Each state and regional organic farming organization that enters into a strategic alliance with OTA for the Farmers Advisory Council will receive one Council [...]

Organic Valley headquarters damaged by fire

Organic Trade Association — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:46:04 +0000

Fire and smoke damaged approximately two-thirds of Organic Valley’s headquarters in La Farge, WI, late yesterday afternoon, according to an account in the La Crosse Tribune. The article noted that no one was injured, but the headquarters building was severely damaged.

Historic GE labeling bill advances in Vermont

Organic Trade Association — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:44:30 +0000

The Vermont House of Representatives on May 10 voted 98 to 42 to pass H.112, a bill requiring the labeling of foods derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This marked the furthest any such legislation has moved in the United States. The bill will now move to the Vermont Senate when the legislature returns in [...]

Two environmental impact statements planned on new GE crops

Organic Trade Association — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:42:23 +0000

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on Friday announced plans to prepare two separate environmental impact statements (EIS) to help decide the regulatory status of crops genetically engineered to be resistant to 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic (2,4-D, an ingredient in Agent Orange) and Dicambra. These crops—one corn and two soybean varieties resistant to 2,4-D and [...]

Secretary Vilsack addresses questionable biotech rider

Organic Trade Association — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:39:57 +0000

At a recent U.S. Senate Agriculture Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Secretary Vilsack testified that the biotech rider (that has become known as the “Monsanto Protection Act”) in the March Continuing Resolution is of questionable legality, and has made it more difficult for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop rules and programs to allow for the [...]

Standards interpretation comment period

Organic Trade Association — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:38:20 +0000

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency developed the Organic Standards Interpretation Committee (SIC) to provide the Canada Organic Office with interpretive guidance on issues related to the National Standards for Organic Agriculture (CAN/CGSB 32.310 and CAN/CGSB32.311). The current comment period on standards interpretations will end on May 24. More details are available, including proposed answers to [...]

Ongoing organic data collection

Organic Trade Association — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:36:41 +0000

COTA is actively compiling data on organic sales and trends to guide policy-making and long-term international marketing strategies that support your sales initiatives. Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada and Statistics Canada want to expand the HS Codes program, which now tracks 65 organic commodity imports, to track the value and quantities of Canada’s organic exports. Statistics [...]

Local food claims

Organic Trade Association — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:32:53 +0000

In upcoming weeks, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will conduct a review of the term “local” with input from consumers, industry and stakeholders. CFIA has adopted an interim policy that establishes ‘local’ as food produced in the province or territory in which it is sold, and/or food sold across provincial borders within 50 km of [...]

Two weeks left for Organic Leadership Award nominations

Organic Trade Association — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:28:54 +0000

For 2013, in addition to the traditional Organic Leadership Award for Growing the Organic Industry, OTA is excited to seek nominations in two inspiring new categories. “Because organic agriculture all starts with farmers, OTA will hail their importance to the rapidly growing organic sector with an Organic Farmer of the Year award. In addition, a [...]

United Nations program looks at impact of ‘green’ enterprises

Organic Trade Association — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:24:01 +0000

In its comprehensive Green Economy Report released last week, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has projected the global market for organic food and beverages will grow to $105 billion by 2015. The report notes that efforts to “green” economies provide a new engine of growth, a net generator of decent jobs, and a vital [...]

Ag Secretary Vilsack officially recognizes distinct needs of U.S. organic agriculture

Organic Trade Association's Organic Newsroom — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:51:06 +0000

Delivers agency guidance to remove obstacles to the growth of organic production

Contact: Barbara Haumann (bhaumann@ota.com; 802-275-3820)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 14, 2013)— Speaking today to member-attendees of the Organic Trade Association’s (OTA’s) Policy Conference, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack officially recognized the unique production system covering U.S. organic agriculture, and announced guidance to remove agency obstacles to its continued growth.

Organic Trade Association plants “seeds” for active farmer involvement

Organic Trade Association's Organic Newsroom — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:48:46 +0000

Formalizes new Farmers Advisory Council to engage farmers across America

Contact: Barbara Haumann (bhaumann@ota.com; 802-275-3820)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 10, 2013)—The Organic Trade Association (OTA) has formally established a Farmers Advisory Council to provide input from small- to medium-sized organic farmers, ranchers and growers to the trade association on matters geared to advancing organic agriculture.

Last call for OTA’s Organic Week in D.C.

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:35:44 +0000

Organic Week in Washington is next week! If you haven’t done so, please register now for one of the few remaining spaces at OTA’s annual Policy Conference and Hill Visits. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to hear USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack share his perspectives on diversity in agriculture and the future of [...]

OTA’s Board of Directors to meet next week

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:33:36 +0000

OTA’s Board of Directors will hold its next meeting Thursday, May 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in The Hall of the States in Washington, D.C., following the two-day Policy Conference and Hill Visit Days. OTA welcomes members to attend and observe its meetings, except during its Executive Session. If you wish to attend [...]

Proposed rule for 2013 Sunset review open for comments

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:31:40 +0000

Public comments on the National Organic Program’s (NOP) 2013 Sunset Proposed Rule, published in the May 3 Federal Register, will be accepted through June 3. The proposed rule addresses the recommendations made by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) pertaining to the 2013 Sunset review. The proposed rule would continue the allowed uses of multiple synthetic and [...]

NOP Organic Topics of Interest

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:29:53 +0000

NOP recently launched a new feature on is website called Organic Topics of Interest. The new site provides perspective on controversial issues and the necessity for USDA to balance what farmers and processors need versus what consumers want. Topics currently discussed are carrageenan and protecting organic crops from synthetic fertilizers.

Acting Deputy Agriculture Secretary named

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:28:04 +0000

The White House has named Michael Scuse, most recently Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS), as Acting Deputy Agriculture Secretary, effective May 4. Former Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan’s last day in office was May 3. Before joining the Obama Administration, Scuse was Agriculture Secretary for the state of Delaware, and served as [...]

COTA’s new office

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:25:35 +0000

Last week, COTA moved into its new long-term location in Ottawa. The new office is based out the office tower at the Royal Ottawa Hospital and shared with Fairtrade Canada and Canadian Organic Growers. The move is part of an effort to continue to strengthen relationships with similar organizations based in Ottawa. COTA’s mailing address [...]

Codex Alimentarius to discuss food labeling

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:23:04 +0000

COTA will attend the Codex Committee on Food Labeling May 14-17 in Charlottetown, PEI. The Codex Alimentarius, organized by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, is the international body for food standards, guidelines and codes of practice to contribute to the safety and quality of food products. [...]

IRDA inaugurates organic agriculture research center

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:22:01 +0000

The Research and Development Institute for the Agri-Environment (IRDA) inaugurated the Organic Agriculture Innovation Platform (OAIP) last week. Located in Saint-Bruno-De-Montarville, Quebec, the 90-hectare piece of land is the largest organic agriculture research site in Quebec and Canada. OAIP has received $13.1 million in funding, with $7.5 million for infrastructure and $860,000 in seed money, [...]

GE Atlantic salmon in development on PEI

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:19:50 +0000

The U.S.-based AquaBounty Technologies is producing genetically engineered Atlantic salmon on Prince Edward Island for research and development. The GE Atlantic salmon is injected with growth genes from a Chinook salmon and a seal eel in order to reduce growth time by almost half. The plan is to ship the eggs to Panama to be [...]

Consumer knowledge of USDA Organic seal on the rise

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:17:55 +0000

A recent OTA study shows growing consumer awareness of the USDA Organic seal. Among U.S. families overall, 40 percent reported they are “very familiar,” with the USDA seal, up significantly from 32 percent in 2011. The findings are outlined in OTA’s recently published 2013 U.S. Families’ Organic Attitudes and Beliefs Study. Overall, 78 percent of [...]

Nominations sought for three Organic Leadership Awards

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:14:51 +0000

IOIA schedules training webinars in May

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:11:26 +0000

The International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) will hold numerous training webinars this month. The first series, to be held May 16 and 23 from 9-11 a.m. Pacific, will be 300-level sessions on grower group inspection and certification. On May 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific, there will be a 200-level webinar on Natural [...]

Share your news in The Organic Report

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:07:30 +0000

USDA & EPA release honey bee health report

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:05:32 +0000

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have released a comprehensive scientific report on honey bee health. The report states there are multiple factors playing a role in honey bee colony declines, including parasites and disease, genetics, poor nutrition, and pesticide exposure. A pdf of the report is available [...]

Video features surfer who chooses organic

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:03:02 +0000

Forty-year-old surfer Kelly Slater is featured in a video extolling the importance of organic in his life, and his concerns over experimental trials with genetically engineered crops on the islands of Hawaii.

Voting open for Green America “People & Planet Award finalists

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:01:14 +0000

A public voting period is now open for finalists of the Green America “People & Planet” Awards recognizing America’s best green small businesses. Each of the three winners will receive $5,000. Among the 10 finalists is OTA member company Archi’s Acres of Escondido, CA. Voting is open online until May 31.

Nominations sought for three prestigious Organic Leadership Awards

Organic Trade Association's Organic Newsroom — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:45:28 +0000

Deadline for submissions is May 31

Contact: Barbara Haumann (bhaumann@ota.com; 802-275-3820)

BRATTLEBORO, VT (May 1, 2013) — The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is currently seeking nominations for its prestigious Organic Leadership Awards. This is your opportunity to nominate an organic unsung hero who has made a significant difference to organic agriculture, industry and trade.

Farm Bill markups

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:23:28 +0000

House Agriculture Chair Frank Lucas intends to hold the House Agriculture Committee markup of the Farm Bill on Wednesday, May 15. This is the same day as OTA’s Policy Conference and Hill Visits—so OTA members will be on the Hill lobbying on organic issues when they are being considered in the Ag Committee. This will make [...]

Senate Rural Summit

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:22:41 +0000

Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) invited Terry Ingram, an Organic Valley dairy farmer, to attend the Senate Democratic Rural Summit sponsored by the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee. The Summit included remarks by Senator Mark Begich (D-AK), Chair of the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee; Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR), Co-Chair of the Senate Democratic Rural [...]

FDA extends comment period on two FSMA proposed rules

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:21:17 +0000

As expected, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) April 24 issued Federal Register notices to extend the comment periods on the proposed rules for Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food (the Preventive Controls proposed rule) and Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption (the Produce [...]

Outgoing Deputy Merrigan honored at reception

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:17:56 +0000

OTA’s Executive Director Christine Bushway and Executive Vice President Laura Batcha took part in a farewell celebration reception April 24 in honor of the outgoing Deputy Secretary of Agriculture held at the Jamie L. Whitten Building in D.C. Kathleen Merrigan has penned a message for the sector as she prepares to step down May 3 [...]

Only a few spaces left for Policy Conference

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:15:26 +0000

Organic Week in Washington is just two weeks away. If you haven’t done so, please register now for one of the few remaining spaces at OTA’s annual Policy Conference and Hill Visits. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to hear USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack share his perspectives on diversity in agriculture and the [...]

Organic Week in Canada sponsorship

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:14:11 +0000

Organic Week in Canada 2013 sponsorships are now open. Join us and become a part of Canada’s biggest annual organic celebration. Coordinated by Canadian Organic Growers, COTA and Canadian Health Food Association, Organic Week has become the premier marketing campaign for reaching consumers, media and policy-makers in Canada. There are two levels of sponsorships, and [...]

Food safety forum

Organic Trade Association — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:13:09 +0000

CFIA will hold a Food Regulatory Forum in Ottawa June 4. The one-day forum will provide the opportunity to discuss new regulatory requirements under Canada’s Safe Food for Canadians Act, including labeling, import licensing, and other food regulations. The event is free but space is limited, so register early. See registration form in English or [...]