Weekly Top 5: Organic News You Need to Know #33

 Tonya Chats Organic Produce with Ashley Koff, RD, LLC and Robyn O’Brien on the TakeOut Podcast

OPN co-founder and EVP, Tonya Antle sat down with Ashley Koff RD LLC and Robyn O'Brien to chat about what organic produce means to her, how it can be made available to more people, and what the future looks like for the industry.

Listen in to the TakeOut podcast here: https://tinyurl.com/ya6wqzf4 

Costco Starts Offering Same-Day Grocery Delivery 

Originally known for their huge store format, food sample stations, cheap hot dogs and pizza, is now offering same-day grocery through Instacart as the company looks to expand its customer base. “Grocery delivery is becoming increasingly important as customers look to save time and add convenience,” said David J. Livingston, supermarket analyst and founder of DJL Research. Although Costco’s strength is still its warehouse store format, meaning the delivery options will be just another addition, not necessarily a pivot toward solely e-commerce.

Read more here. 

USDA Adds to Roster of Organic Farming Resources

In a recent content update, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conversation Service (NRCS) has updated resources ranging from informational videos to fact sheets. These resources serve to assist both organic farmers and farmers interested in transitioning to organic.

Check out the agency’s newest materials here.

U.S. Organic Imports up 25% in 2017

By Sustainable Food News 

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture trade statistics, the value of organic imports during Jan.-Aug. 2017 is up 25 percent compared to the same period from 2016. While the value of organic exports during the first eight months was up 14 percent, organic imports from Mexico rose 62%, organic corn imports dropped 12%, and organic milk exports are up 1,100%.

For a more detailed report, read more here.

We are Organic: CCOF Foundation Dinner

Hear from Secretary of the California Department of Food Agriculture, Karen Ross, and students who received grants from the Future Organic Farmer Grant Fund at this celebratory dinner on December 13th at TusCA Ristorante, Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa! The CCOF Foundation advances organic agriculture for a healthy world through programs that educate future organic farmers, help consumers understand organic, assist organic farmers in need, and provide ongoing training for organic professionals.

Tickets available at: www.ccof.org/weareorganic

"The Organic Grower Summit provides our farmers and growers the opportunity to network with others in the organic community, hear from industry thought-leaders, and learn about new products and services they can bring back to the farm.”

Kelly Shea, Vice President of Government and Industry Relations, DanoneWave