News & Research
Stay up-to-date on the latest from OCIA International, our operators, and the organic industry.News: Updates from the Organic Industry
We’ve compiled the latest news from the organic industry to help you stay up-to-date on industry innovations and regulatory updates.
Strengthening Organic Enforcement: Online Resources Available
Consumer confidence in the USDA organic seal has fueled industry growth and market expansion. Our job at the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) is to make sure the rules protect the organic market as it grows. As part of our continuous improvement of the organic...
Honey Bees More Faithful to Their Flower Patches Than Bumble Bees
Kim Kaplan || ARS News Service MADISON, WI, June 29, 2023—Honey bees are more faithful to their flower patches than bumble bees when it comes to returning to collect more pollen and nectar, according to a study by U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research...
USDA AnnouncesOrganic Market Development Grants and Cost Share Funding
USDA Announces New Steps to Enhance Organic Markets and Support Producers Release & Contact Info Press Release Release No. 0106.23 Contact: USDA PressEmail: press@usda.gov WASHINGTON, May 10, 2023 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced...
Request for Public Comments – Origin of Livestock
The NOP is seeking public comment on the burdens, costs, and other effects of the information collection required by the final rule, which adds a process by which organic operations may request a variance, or exception, from certain livestock sourcing requirements....
Two New Grant Opportunities
The USDA is accepting applications for two new grant opportunities: the Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant (IAG) program and the Local Meat Capacity Grant (Local MCap) program. Both programs focus on expanding or enhancing animal protein...
Informational Webinar on Strengthening Organic Enforcement Final Rule
Tuesday, February 21, 1:00pm, Eastern Time The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) published the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule in the Federal Register on January 19, 2023. NOP will hold an informational webinar to provide an overview of the rule’s...
USDA Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule
The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) has announced an update to the USDA organic regulations that strengthens oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sale of organic products. Businesses that are a part of the organic food, ingredient and service...
Funds Available to Help Restore and Protect Rangeland
Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Nebraska producers have funding opportunities to help address the spread of invasive woody vegetation on rangeland. Landowners interested in receiving funding should...
USDA Invests $3.3 Million in Two New Partnerships to Expand Outreach on Crop Insurance to Underserved Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing approximately $3.3 million in two new partnerships that will train and equip the next generation of crop insurance agents, adjusters and outreach educators about crop insurance options. These partnerships with the...

