Weekly Top 5: Organic News You Need to Know #63

Thailand Promoting Organic Farms

Thai governments have also been committed to promoting organic farming here the past several years. But development seems to be face numerous stumbling blocks.

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Challenges of Organic Grape Production

Organic winegrape growing, especially on the Eastern part of North America, is quite a challenging endeavor. Whether it’s fungal pathogens or pest pressure, the odds are somewhat stacked against organic growers.

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Red Aphids in Organic Lettuce

Alejandro Del Pozo-Valdivia shares his input regarding the presence of “red aphids” in organic romaine lettuce that is resistant to the lettuce aphid, Nasonovia ribis-nigri. The lettuce aphid is considered a difficult pest to manage.

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OFRF Announces First Research Grant of 2018

OFRF’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce a research grant award to Edmund Frost of Common Wealth Seed Growers. The project will assess resistance to both Bacterial Wilt and Cucurbit Downy Mildew among selected cucumber and muskmelon seedstocks, continuing with the development of a pickling cucumber that is resistant to both diseases. 

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The Farm Bill Can Make or Break Organic Farmers

The federal Farm Bill has a powerful impact on the cost of farming—both organic and non-organic. A version of the bill introduced by the House Agriculture Committee would cut existing programs for organic farmers and increase their costs, while at the same time continuing to use taxpayer dollars to artificially lower the costs of non-organic food.

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"One of the biggest challenges facing organics is to have better enforcement of the label. This will help the industry and consumer. People who have fraudulent certificates need to be removed from the food chain and consumers need to know that is happening."

Dr. James Richard Greenwood
Greenwood Groves Avocados