Organic
Despite crop delay, California melon growers applaud crop
California farmers say this season’s melon crop was delayed by about two weeks due to cool temperatures and wet fields, which affected early harvest of watermelons, cantaloupes and honeydews. It postponed melon deliveries to supermarkets... more »
Bills support specialty crop group’s Farm Bill priorities
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), a national coalition of more than 200 specialty crop organizations representing growers, has endorsed legislation that addresses several key priorities in the 2023 Farm Bill. Recent bills align... more »
Kelp-based fertilizer Afrikelp aids in managing heat stress
The record-breaking heat this summer has focused attention on measures to stay cool and safe, especially for those who work outside in agriculture and other industries. Heat can also adversely affect the crops those workers... more »
ProducePay partners with table grape grower on direct-to-retail supply chain program
ProducePay starts first direct-to-retail supply chain program First direct-to-retail supply chain program started by ProducePay ProducePay is partnering with a table grape grower to start what ProducePay calls the fresh produce industry’s first-of-its-kind direct-to-retail supply... more »
Organic Grower Summit booth registration opens
Booth registration is open for the sixth annual Organic Grower Summit. The summit is Nov. 29-30 in Monterey, California, and is presented by Western Growers and the Organic Produce Network. Booth registration is online. Organic... more »
Resource on Strengthening Organic Enforcement available
Consumer confidence in the USDA organic seal has fueled industry growth and market expansion, according to the agency’s National Organic Program (NOP), which is tasked with ensuring rules protect the organic market as it grows.... more »
OTA names new president, board members
The Organic Trade Association’s incoming president for 2023-24 is Tracy Favre, vice president of sustainability for live operations at egg company Handsome Brook Farms LLC. Joining Favre on the member-elected Organic Trade Association (OTA) board... more »
California diesel phaseout worries compost dealers
Daniel Pacheco, owner-operator of Lucky Diamond Trucking in Sonoma County, recently picked up a 24-ton order from Cold Creek Compost in Ukiah and hauled it two hours through Mendocino, Lake and Yolo counties before dumping... more »
