Happy Dirt cultivates sustainability in organic farming
When it comes to organic produce, California of course jumps to mind, along with Washington, Pennsylvania and Texas. But within the top organic produce states there are several other key contributors that have risen in status over the years, including North Carolina, which sits in the top five producers for several organic crops, including sweet potatoes. North Carolina has held US producer rankings ranging from sixth to 11th since 2016, and has remained a strong producer today thanks in part to the community-building efforts of Durham, North Carolina-based Happy Dirt.
Benefits of U.S. Organic Production Highlighted in Evidence-Based Research that Supports an Expedited Transition
Researchers at Prairie View A&M University in Texas published in the journal Sustainability a study of organic agricultural systems from 1960 to 2021, concluding that “the outlook for U.S. organic fruit and vegetables is encouraging, supported by expanding consumer demand, government support, and improved conditions for international trade.” While delivering upbeat findings, including health benefits, the study identifies tremendous obstacles to entry into organic farming, including the limited support for alternative pest management and pest control systems in the United States in recent modern history, compared to the assistance provided for highly subsidized, petrochemical-dependent agricultural practices.
California, West anchor U.S. organic production
The West anchors the U.S. organic economy, led by California’s unmatched scale and complemented by the region’s climate diversity and innovation, and market growth presents a tremendous opportunity for growers considering transitioning to the practice, an organization advises.
However, the region could use reinvestments in local processing, composting and feed infrastructure to enhance economic resilience and keep organic value in-region, asserts the Rodale Institute, which promotes organic practices through research, farmer training and consumer education.
Niman Ranch Launches Domestic Regenerative Organic Beef Program, Setting New Standard with USDA-Graded Choice and Prime Quality
Niman Ranch, the pioneer in humane and sustainable meat, today announced the launch of its Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) beef program sourced entirely from U.S. family ranches and brought to market at meaningful scale. The program debuts with a network of ranchers covering 105,000 U.S. acres and a roadmap to reach 250,000 acres by 2028.
Early evidence for the benefits of biochar in organic regenerative agriculture
Enhancing soil carbon stocks is important to improve soil quality, but also plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change. The potential of innovative approaches such as regenerative farming practices for increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) needs to be explored.
