OTA Fact-Checks EPA’s PFAS “Fact Check” After Mischaracterizations of Organic
EPA recently posted a “Fact Check” on PFAS and pesticide approvals. While we appreciated that the agency clearly noted organic as a strong consumer-choice alternative for those seeking to avoid PFAS in their diets, OTA was compelled to request correction of several inaccurate statements in the release.
Without Increased Staff and Pesticide Limits, USDA’s Regenerative Ag Initiative Falls Short
Today, the Trump administration announced a new “Regenerative Agriculture Initiative” that will put $700 million of funding towards regenerative agriculture programs. U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services jointly announced the initiative and billed it as part of their “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. The money will be directed into two existing programs – the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) – that pay farmers to implement conservation practices on their farms. Earlier this year, however, the Trump administration cut billions of dollars of funding that was similarly allocated to helping farmers adopt regenerative practices, as well as more than 1,000 critical staff at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
USDA to Conduct 2025 Organic Survey
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the 2025 Organic Survey. In Early December, NASS will mail survey codes to respondents with an invitation to reply online. NASS will follow up by mailing the full questionnaire in early January. Last conducted in 2021, this Census of Agriculture special study will look to gather new data on organic production, marketing practice, income, and expenses in the United States. This effort is critical to help determine the economic impact of organic agriculture production on the nation. The results will be available on October 30, 2026.
How Nature’s Path Pioneered Organic Breakfast Cereal 40 Years Ago
When most organic food brands faced pressure to sell to multinational corporations, Arjan Stephens and his family chose a different path. As President of Nature’s Path Organic Foods, Stephens has helped steer the company his parents founded 40 years ago to become one of the last major independent organic brands in North America. Under his leadership, the company has not only resisted acquisition offers but has built a $40 million food bank donation program that proves purpose and profit can coexist. In this conversation, we explore how Nature’s Path educated consumers on organic food before it was mainstream, the company’s approach to brand architecture and innovation, why staying family-owned matters to their mission, and how they’re using product lines like Love Crunch to address food insecurity.
Glyphosate: One of the most influential studies guaranteeing the herbicide’s safety retracted, twenty-five years after its publication
A 2000 study that concluded the well-known herbicide was safe, and which has been widely cited ever since, has just been officially disavowed by the journal that published it. The scientists who signed the study are suspected of having endorsed a text prepared by Monsanto executives.
UK pilot program shows how organic food can be affordable and profitable
A three-year UK program delivered £8.78 (US$11.15) in social value for every £1 (US$1.27) of public money spent subsidizing organic produce for low-income households and schools. The findings show that the F&B industry can profit from the organic sector while providing affordable food to consumers.
