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, [...]
Targeted regulatory, legislative, and marketing news and information for the organic business community.
- Nominations are open for OTA Board of Directors
- Nominations are open for OTA Board of Directo…Posted 4 days ago
- One week left for Organic Leadership Award nominations
- One week left for Organic Leadership Award no…Posted 4 days ago
- Reserve space now for BioFach 2014
Organic Week in Washington was a Rousing Success
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
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
The organic sector has until June 3 to comment to the National Organic Program (NOP) on 1) proposed draft guidance addressing Classification of Materials; 2) proposed draft guidance on Permitted Crop Production Inputs; and 3) the Sunset 2013 Proposed Rule. The first draft guidance describes the procedure used to address the classification of materials as synthetic [...]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
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
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
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
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
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
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 [...]
