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The Ever-expanding Industry of Certified Organics

January 18, 2023 Terry Matlock, Public Affairs Specialist, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Last month, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the results of the 2021 Certified Organic Survey. The data showed a continued upward trend in the organic industry since 2008, when organic data collection first began.

Research and Science

Exploring New Careers and Growing the Organic Sector

January 19, 2023 Laura Gallagher, Program Analyst, NOP

In the field and at organic organizations across the U.S., students grew new career skills in summer 2022.

Initiatives

Professional Training and Cooperation Sustain Organic Careers

August 23, 2023 Laura Gallagher, Program Analyst, USDA National Organic Program

One week on the job can take organic inspectors from a field crop farm to a dairy pasture or food production facility. Inspectors audit organic farms, ranches, and businesses to verify that they follow the USDA organic standards. Travel and flexibility are inherent to inspection work, and many...

Farming Organic

Organic-focused Education Paves the Way to Technical Skills

June 29, 2023 Laura Gallagher, Program Analyst, AMS National Organic Program

Consumers around the globe often recognize the USDA organic seal but may want to learn more about the practices the organic standards include. During an Introduction to Organic Farming and Gardening Course offered by USDA Human Capital Initiative partner Florida Organic Growers (FOG), Dr. Juan C...

Organic

Apprenticeships Develop Inspectors Skills to Protect Organic Integrity

April 24, 2023 Laura Gallagher, NOP Program Analyst, Agricultural Marketing Service

Every year, thousands of farmers, ranchers, and businesses grow and produce organic products – and all these operations are audited by qualified organic inspectors. Organic inspectors visit fields, pastures, or processing plants to conduct annual reviews where they meet with farmers and processors...

Farming Organic

USDA Meat, Poultry and Egg Quality Grades Can Help Guide Your Summer Menu Choices

June 08, 2023 Jennifer Porter, Deputy Administrator, AMS Livestock and Poultry Program

As the warm weather approaches, so do days spent outside firing up the grill with friends and family. The month of May kicked off grilling season and whether you are shopping in the grocery store, or doing an online pickup order, there is one easy way to be assured that you’re getting what you paid...

Health and Safety

2501 Grant Enhances Food Sovereignty Among Native Communities

November 30, 2023 Joyce El Kouarti, Communications Director, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement

Since 2017, FEED 7 Generations has worked to improve the health and wellness of Native people in the Pacific Northwest.

Equity Initiatives

Next Steps in Providing Financial Assistance to Borrowers Who Have Faced Discrimination: Organizational Deadline

March 14, 2023 Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator, Farm Service Agency

Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law by President Biden in August 2022, directs USDA to provide financial assistance to producers who have experienced discrimination in USDA’s farm lending programs. This program provides USDA the ability to deliver financial assistance...

Equity Farming

2501 Grants Support Traditional Farming and Culture in Hawaii

October 05, 2023 Marquita Bady, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement Public Affairs Specialist

In Hawaii, the word ‘āina describes interconnected relationships between people, the environment and spiritual kin.

Equity Initiatives

Codex Alimentarius: Keeping Us Safe and Expanding Market Access

June 07, 2023 Mary Frances Lowe, U.S. Manager for Codex Alimentarius at USDA and Nick Gardner, U.S. Dairy Export Council and Food Industry Codex Coalition

The Codex Alimentarius, or just Codex for short, is an international set of food standards that protect public health by ensuring food safety and promoting fair trade practices. It is produced by an international commission that formulates voluntary international standards, codes of practice, and...

Health and Safety