Wild Farm Alliance (WFA) published a new report on how Organic System Plans (OSP) are addressing biodiversity. OSPs ensure certifiers, inspectors and farmers are implementing sound practices that represent the integrity of the organic label. While each certifier has a unique OSP they use to ensure compliance, not all are operating on the same playing field in terms of biodiversity conservation - each having varying degrees of biodiversity language and practices.

While some think of the fall equinox as the end of the growing season, warm weather, or summer vacation; I like to think of the fall equinox as the beginning; planning for the next growing season, experiencing the beginning of a new season, and for Wild Farm Alliance, the launch of new work.

I recently returned from a birding trip and was fortunate enough to see this great blue heron hunting for gophers in a pasture. Many a farmer knows these birds are their allies in rodent control, as are the closely related egrets that follow tractors in hopes of their prey being turned up. But so are our small songbirds. 

I just returned from a trip to D.C. for The Organic Center's Organic Confluence Summit. Over two days, leaders in the organic movement discussed the success and future of the organic label. I was honored to be part of the discussion.

This Saturday is Earth Day - the anniversary of the day a voice was given to the environmental movement. A day when we celebrate and get our hands dirty. Nearly five decades have passed since the launch of this historic movement, celebrating the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency, passing laws such as the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act, and more recently the launch of the National Organic Program. 

Spring is just around the corner; warming weather, planted fields, birds heading north, and buds emerging from branches. While most people are thrilled to see the seasons change, spring is arriving across the country 2-3 weeks earlier than normal in certain areas. Not surprising since 2016 was the hottest year on record, right after 2015 and 2014. 

Article written by Jo Ann Baumgartner, Wild Farm Alliance and was printed in MOSES Organic Broadcaster January/February 2017 Issue.

The National Organic Program’s (NOP) three-year waiting period for land to be free of prohibited substances unintentionally incentivizes producers to convert native ecosystems since this land is instantly ready for organic production. While organic agriculture is an ecological management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, it offers no environmental protections prior to certification.

Supporting Wild Farm Alliance with a tax-deductible donation is more important than ever before. Your donation will help farmers across the country create critical habitat for wildlife, protect precious water resources, and ensure the integrity of our agricultural lands for future generations.