Top 5 - Organic News to Help You Grow #294

1. OFRF and FFAR Fund On-Farm Organic Research of Companion Plants for Brassicas

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) are pleased to announce OFRF's third award for its 2021/22 organic research grant cycle. Christiana Huss of the University of Georgia was awarded $19,977 to research companion plants that reduce the destruction caused by invasive yellow-margined leaf beetle (Microtheca ochroloma) on leafy brassica greens across the Southeastern United States.  Read More

2. Nutjobs Wins AgSharks Pitch Competition 

Western Growers and S2G Ventures have announced the winner of the 2022 AgSharks Pitch Competition, with Nutjobs earning a record equity investment offer of $6 million from the event's judges. Nutjobs transforms nutshell waste into bio-benign plastic alternative products that are bio-based, compostable, and derived from secondary agricultural waste. By transforming nutshell waste into bio-benign plastics, Nutjobs creates plastic substitutes that are cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.  Read More

3. Row 7 Seed Co. Launches Organic Vegetable Line

Co-founded by chef Dan Barber and vegetable breeder Michael Mazourek, flavor-first organic seed purveyor Row 7 Seed Co. has launched a line of organic branded vegetables by which it aims to advance its mission to reimagine food from seed to table.  Read More

4. Brighter Bites 10th Anniversary Gala Raises Nearly $750K 

Brighter Bites, a nonprofit organization delivering fresh fruits and vegetables as well as nutrition education resources directly into families’ hands, hosted its first gala to celebrate its 10th birthday. As part of the celebration, the nonprofit exceeded its $500,000 campaign goal by raising $741,467 to support the company’s mission of helping under-resourced communities throughout the US have access to fresh produce and nutrition education.    Read More

5. Upward Farms Unveils New Packaging 

The world’s largest organic vertical farming company, Upward Farms, has unveiled a resealable packaging design for its line of organic microgreens.    Read More