organic

Secretary Vilsack releases statement on organic sector report

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has released a statement on the Organic Trade Association's report that the organic sector posted its largest-ever dollar gain in 2015. Total organic product sales grew by $4.2 billion, reaching $43.3... more »

Enforcement protects organic integrity

The mission of the National Organic Program (NOP) – part of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service – is to protect the integrity of the USDA organic seal. Consumers look for and trust the organic seal because they... more »

Organic industry sees double-digit growth

Earlier this month, my agency – the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) – released data showing that there are now more than 21,000 certified organic operations in the United States, and more than 31,000 around the... more »

NSAC applauds USDA insurance expansion for organic agriculture transition

Interest in organic products has boomed over the last several years, between 2004 and 2016 sales of organic food more than tripled (from $11.1 billion to $39 billion), but farmers are finding it difficult to... more »

USDA expands insurance options for farmers transitioning to certified organic

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the expansion of a crop insurance option to allow producers to purchase insurance coverage that better reflects their product's actual value. Producers transitioning to certified organic production can now use the... more »

USDA scientists using organic approach to improve carrots

Organic carrots are coming into their own. About 14 percent of U.S.-produced carrots are now... more »

USDA: $3.8 million available for transition to organic farming

USDA announced the availability of $3.8 million to support research, education, and extension projects that will assist current organic producers and those transitioning into organic farming. The funding is available through the Organic Transitions Program,... more »

Funding available for organic agriculture research, Extension programs

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Dec. 10 the availability of $17.6 million in funding to support research and outreach activities that will help growers, producers, and processors find innovative ways to improve organic agriculture. The grants... more »

Organic plant breeding effort to produce novel varieties, train new breeders

A new effort to provide California growers with seeds for tomato, bean, pepper and other crop varieties that are specially bred for organic farming has been launched at UC Davis. The organic plant-breeding project was... more »

Birds’ benefits, impact on organic farms researched

Washington State University will help organic growers protect human health by assessing the risks and benefits of wild birds on organic farms. Researchers received nearly $2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Organic Research... more »