organic

Growers optimistic on California organic grape season

Optimism is ruling in this year's California organic grape season. As California organic table grape growers size up their fall varieties, they are expecting good supplies that will result in improved retail promotional opportunities moving... more »

Organic market development grants released by USDA

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has awarded $9.7 million for 13 grant projects through the Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) program. The funding brings the total amount awarded through the program... more »

Larger SweeTango apple season reported

A bigger SweeTango apple season is being predicted. The marketers of the SweeTango apple variety are forecasting this year’s harvest to bring a fifth more production. In a crowded apple market, it’s now retailers’ chance... more »

USDA program assists new organic growers

As the USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) nears the 1.5-year mark of its five-year mission, participation in the $100 million initiative’s mentorship program continues to grow. TOPP uses a variety of methods, including... more »

Endowment to aid California organic growers

California organic growers to benefit from a California Certified Organic Farmers Foundation (CCOF) endowment designed to help organic growers continue growing organically produced crops. The CCOF endowment was created to ensure growers can remain growing... more »

Texas opens organic certification cost share program

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) have announced that its National Organic Certification Cost Share Program is now accepting applications. This program offers financial assistance to organic producers, processors,... more »

USDA expands insurance options for specialty, organic growers

Apples, pears, prunes and other fruits and vegetables are to benefit from changes in USDA's crop insurance options. The USDA is expanding crop insurance options for specialty and organic growers starting with the 2025 crop... more »

Great Bear Vineyards’ biologicals focus

As the owner of Great Bear Vineyards, which will complete transitioning all grapes to organic production this year, Marcus Meadows-Smith relies on biological products to help control disease and pests. He’s not just a user... more »

FieldWatch partners with Georgia ag dept. on pesticide safety

A partnership between Georgia and a nonprofit mapping operation is designed to promote safe pesticide handling. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is partnering with FieldWatch to introduce new technology aimed at promoting safe pesticide... more »

FieldWatch highlights locations of organic crops, bees

An online mapping registry that allows organic growers and beekeepers to alert commercial pesticide applicators and neighbors who farm about sensitive acreage continues to gain interest across the U.S. FieldWatch, a nonprofit that provides the... more »