OTA U.S.-EU Trade Partnership Webinar Coming Up
News of the historic organic partnership formed between the European Union and the U.S. broke last week. Now the Organic Trade Association is holding a live webinar discussing how the U.S.-EU trade partnership can help open the world's second-largest organic market to U.S. growers and companies.
Important: The webiar is coming up fast, this week Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 2:00 - 3:00 pm EST. There's zero cost to attend, but the webinar is limited to 300 participants and you must register before hand.
To register: Contact Cathleen Strong for registration details at cstrong@ota.com.
To learn more about the partnership in general read: June 2012 Organic Trade Policy Between U.S. and the European Union.
NOSB's Final Recommendations and Transcripts from Last Meeting Available Now
As you may remember, the last National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meeting of 2011 happened on November 29 - December 2, 2011 in Savannah, Georgia. The final recommendations for this meeting, along with transcripts are now available for your viewing pleasure.
Of course, until adopted by the National Organic Program these recommendations aren't official, but it's smart to read them over.
Historic Organic Partnership Formed Between European Union and the U.S.
News of the new US-Canada Organic Equivalence Arrangement barely broke and now another big announcement from the USDA National Organic Program.
As of today, February 15, 2010, both the U.S. and European Union jointly announced that as of June 1, 2012, organic products certified in the U.S. or Europe may be sold as organic in either region.
While some are concerned about the logistics of pulling off a successful organic trade agreement, especially since the U.S. and Europe differ on some key issues, such as antibiotic use, the agreement should strengthen and streamline organic production, plus help promote the viability of organics as a positive and growing business opportunity.
Learn more: June 2012 Organic Trade Policy Between U.S. and the European Union
UN Conference Forum on Organic Trade
Yesterday a United Nations-backed conference kicked off with the intention of addressing the future of access to markets for organic products. Delegates and experts are gathered together, maybe as we speak, to examine the impact of trade standards as they relate to organic farmers in the developing world.
Delegates specifically are spending their time discussing progress made in helping developing-country farmers expand their international market reach, ways to overcome technical marketing barriers and how varying organic standards play a role in hindering solid trade. It's a big deal, because of all the organic farmers worldwide, UNCTAD estimates that 80% of them are located in developing countries
Of course, not all of us can be in Nuremberg, Germany, so if you'd like to see what they're discussing at this conference, keep your eyes pasted on the GOMA website. I'm hoping they'll be posting some news and info from the event.
Will You Watch the Film "In Organic We Trust"?
There's a new documentary out, In Organic We Trust. So far it appears screenings are only scheduled in San Francisco and Washington DC - too bad because at the very least, this documentary looks interesting.
Documentary maker Kip Pastor notes the following about the film:
"We can no longer stomach our food system. It's killing more and more Americans and costing billions in healthcare. 73% of Americans eat organic food, because they think it's healthier. But is organic really better for us or just a marketing scam?When corporations went into the business and "organic" became a brand, everything changed. The philosophy and the label grew apart. Can gummy bears or bananas flown halfway across the world truly be organic? This film looks beyond organic for practical solutions for me and you. Local farmer's markets, school gardens, and urban farms are revolutionizing the way we eat.
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Not everything in the movie sounds on target though. For example, in a piece at the Huffington Post, Pastor points out, "You can even find all kinds of heavily processed foods and sugar-laden treats, like Heinz ketchup and gummy bears, bearing the "USDA Organic" label." I hate the organic isn't healthy argument, especially when pointed out in this manner. Organic suffers from misconceptions all the time such as it's greener or healthier, which most real organic advocates try to put into perspective. Pointing out yet again that (gasp) there are organic cookies and sweets, is moot and dilutes he real meaning of organic in my opinion.
Many organic growers and advocates are trying hard not to dilute organic and have it really mean something. That said, of course there are shady organic practices, just as there are shady practices in other industries. With that in mind, this sounds like an important documentary to see. I'm interested. Too bad it won't be in Oregon anytime soon.
Learn more about In Organic We Trust. Do you want to see this?
U.S. Organic Cotton Market Continues to Grow
According to the 2010 and Preliminary 2011 U.S. Organic Cotton Production & Marketing Trends report conducted by the Organic Trade Association (OTA), the U.S. organic cotton market is growing steadily. In part, this growth is due to consumer demand but price premiums and regulatory shifts on marketing restrictions for organic cotton products have also played a part in recent growth trends.
The survey shows that planted acres are up 36%, (reaching 11,827 acres in 2010) and bales harvested were up nearly 24%. 2011 also saw growth, but in acres, not harvested crops, mainly due to a drought in the Southern Plains. OTA estimates a modest acreage gain of two percent in 2012, which will bring U.S. organic cotton up to 16,406 acres.
What about costs?: Survey respondents noted it costs about $350/acre to $650/acre to grow organic cotton, with an average cost/acre of $440. Most survey respondents also reported receiving $1.50 per pound for organic cotton, but prices ranged as high as $2.40 for organic Pima cotton. Many survey respondents noted that their entire crop was sold to international buyers.
As for utilizing services, most U.S. organic cotton growers said they used help from government resources but also noted that they could further benefit from the development of additional seed stock varieties, increased market pricing, and tax credits that encourage additional acres to be transitioned to organic production.
Comments Requested on Bulk Unpackaged Organic Products
The National Organic Program is requesting that folks submit public comments on draft guidance for accredited certifying agents and certified operations related to unpackaged bulk goods (pdf), clarifying the requirements and limitations of 7 CFR § 205.101 of the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations.
This policy and the comments submitted will affect all accredited certifying agents, certified operations, and non-certified handlers of certified organic products, so if you have something to say, now is your chance. Some operators will be excluded so make sure to read over the entire draft guidance (pdf).
Submit your comments at regulations.gov. After comments are reviewed, the National Organic Program intends to finalize this guidance document in the Program Handbook.
Finding the Right Organic Certification Agency
It's a fact - if you're transitioning your business to organic or starting a new organic business you will need an organic certification agency. But, how to find the right one to meet your needs?
Each agency has its own variables that you need to consider, including educational options, support available, operation specialties, location, fees and much more. Luckily, you don't need to go into this search blind. There are plenty of ways to research certification agencies before you sign on with one. Check out the following resources; all of which should help you narrow down your search and find the best agency to suit your needs.
"HACCP for the Organic Professional" Training Coming in March 2012
This year, prior to Natural Products Expo West 2012, in Anaheim, CA, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and NSF International's Training and Education Division will be offering a two-day intensive program - HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) for the Organic Professional.
The HACCP workshop is a great resource for companies committed to maintaining both certified organic and food safety standards. The workshop will cover the seven principles of HACCP and how they relate to organic certification programs. Participants will also learn how to write and implement HACCP plans in organic food environments.
While anyone may benefit from a workshop like this, it's specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals responsible for organic and food safety programs in small- to medium-sized processing facilities, and those responsible for the communications messaging of these facilities. Organic certifiers and inspectors may also find the presentation useful. Space is limited.
What's included?: HACCP for the Organic Professional participants includes two full days of professional instruction, the NSF HACCP Manager Training Manual, which includes the Codex Alimentarius, as well as a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course.
Where and when?: March 7-8, 2012, right before Natural Products Expo West, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA
How much?: The fee for registration is $799 for OTA members and $875 for non-members.
Get more information and registration details: At Organic Trade Association.
Information About Organic Violations
Organic certification can be tricky. Sometimes people violate NOP policy on accident, less often folks may violate NOP policy on purpose. In any case, it's wise to be on top of common violations and issues that may pop up so you don't make a mistake in your place of business.
Additionally, if you see a violation occur within another organic operation, you can report it. I don't think it's shady at all to report what may be an actual violation of organic policy. I actually think it helps clear out unseemly organic practices and keeps profits with real organic companies.
All that said, why not take a closer look at organic violations today. It's not the most fun topic ever, but it is necessary.