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Proposal in federal budget aims to boost organic food labels



Burlington Free Press.com

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama's record $3.8 trillion budget proposal includes a $3.1 million boost in a program important to Vermont's organic farming industry.

Obama's budget, which must be approved by Congress, would increase spending for the National Organic Program by 44 percent, to $10.1 million. The program certifies that organically produced foods meet national standards. The increase includes $2.1 million for regulatory review and enforcement and to forge agreements with other countries to help expand exports.

USDA's Deputy Secretary discusses local, organic farming



Grist.com

“USDA really has an opportunity to help farm-to-school programs,” said Merrigan. “We see that as part of Know Your Farmer Know Your Food. And at the same time we want get our research agencies to think about what it means to go school-to-farm. What can we do in terms of curriculum and connecting farmers and schools? I think that needs to be part of the equation.”

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Organic Offers Positive Alternative to Picture Painted on ABC Nightline



OTA

Animal health relies to a great part on animal husbandry practices.
Under the U.S. National Organic Program, organic farmers are required
to provide healthy living conditions and animal welfare practices that
are good for the well-being of the animals being raised.

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Organic Standards Support and Promote Animal Health



Animal health relies to a great part on animal husbandry practices. Under the U.S.

Understanding the National Organic Program



The National Organic Program (NOP) is housed within USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). As a result, some people believe that the organic label is just a marketing tool. In fact, it is more than that. AMS is part of the Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) mission area. MRP agencies facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and ensure the health and care of animals and plants. MRP agencies are active participants in setting national and international standards.

Why to Buy an Organic Christmas Tree



Chicago Now

People give plenty of thought to how their food is grown and where it comes from, but what about Christmas trees? They all look green, but like any monoculture Christmas trees are heavily sprayed with a cocktail of pesticides and herbicides including glyphosate, dimethoate and di-syston 15-G, according to the Organic Consumers Association.

U.S. Organic Standards



Compared to natural and conventional products, organic products offer you and your family the unique opportunity to demand more of the products you buy by demanding less of the ingredients you don't want.

Demand more by demanding less

Ranchers say pampered livestock yield more organic product



News-JournalOnline

DELEON SPRINGS -- A frequent television commercial proclaims that happy cows come from California, but Trish Strawn will match the mood of her cattle at Deep Creek Ranch with anybody's.

"I don't treat them as pets, but sometimes we treat them better than we treat our own children," said the mother of two teens and sales/marketing manager for the family ranch run by her dad, David Strawn. "I think it's  important that they know they are taken care of. It's part of what we do."

London Goes Organic and Free-Range for 2012 Olympics



Manitoba Cooperator

The London 2012 Olympics Organizing Committee is pledging to serve "the best of British" food during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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U.S. Organic Standards



Compared to natural and conventional products, organic products offer you and your family the unique opportunity to demand more