Action groups slam Siddiqui nomination

04-Nov-2009 - An alliance of farming, health and environmental groups has protested against the government’s choice of a pesticide industry executive to represent US interests in agricultural trade talks.

USDA invests in organics

03-Nov-2009 - The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $19m in funding for organic agricultural research across the country as part of a drive toward a more sustainable supply of organic ingredients.

Recession not driving ethical spending underground

06-Oct-2009 - Tighter purses are not turning consumers away from ethical shopping with interest in all things sustainable or humane thriving despite the recession, according to market researcher, Packaged Facts.

USDA report examines organic sector’s ‘revamped marketing’

02-Oct-2009 - The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has compiled a report on the marketing of organic food, which it says aims to respond to a dearth of information on the fast-changing sector.

New association urges industry to profit from ecological thinking

17-Sep-2009 - The food industry can clean up its image, benefit the environment, and become more profitable while doing so, says the founder of a new trade association, the Ecological Food Manufacturers Association (EFMA).

‘EcoSocial’ organic certification arrives in the US

16-Sep-2009 - Organic ingredients supplier Global Organics has introduced ‘EcoSocial’ certified organic cane sugar to North America – a certification that aims to incorporate environmental, social and economic criteria.

Education key to GM and irradiation acceptance: Report

16-Sep-2009 - Negative consumer attitudes towards biotechnology (GMOs) and irradiation could be improved through communication and education, a new report has concluded.

Organic foods are now ‘mainstream’, says USDA

14-Sep-2009 - Organic food has entered the mainstream with strong growth in all sectors over the past decade, including packaged and prepared foods and beverages, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

US shoppers choose local over organic

07-Sep-2009 - US consumers are far more likely to regularly buy locally grown fresh produce than organic, even at the same price, new research has discovered.

Consumers stay loyal to organic food

04-Sep-2009 - US shoppers are staying loyal to organic food even though the majority admit to having changed their cooking and eating habits because of the state of the economy.

Aurora Organic Dairy denies further allegations of malpractice

01-Sep-2009 - Aurora Organic Dairy has denied accusations by small-scale farm campaigning organization the Cornucopia Institute accusing it of selling milk that does not adhere to organic standards.

National Organic Program to undergo independent audit

10-Aug-2009 - The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has ordered an independent audit of its National Organic Program (NOP) to boost transparency and integrity, and bring it in line with international standards.

More room for growth in fragmented kids’ organic sector

27-Jul-2009 - The market for organic kids’ snacks and baby food presents a growing opportunity for smaller food manufacturers, says a new report, although larger brands might do better to steer clear.

Premium consumers still drawn to natural, organic foods

15-Jul-2009 - Wealthy consumers who have taken a hit in the recession are more likely to buy natural, organic and ethical foods than those who have been unaffected, claims a new report on psychographic responses to financial setback.

Aging population could boost sales of healthy foods

08-Jul-2009 - Foods that are perceived to bring added health benefits are forecast to be among the fastest growing market trends over the next decade, according to a new report from the NPD Group.

US consumers think natural is greener than organic, says survey

06-Jul-2009 - American consumers believe that a ‘natural’ label claim is a better indicator of an eco-friendly product than ‘organic’, according to a new survey from advertising firm the Shelton Group.

Both GM and organic farming could help feed the world: Report

01-Jul-2009 - With the global population expected to reach nine billion by 2050, investment in both GM crops and organic farming could help to ensure a reliable food supply, says a new report from Deutsche Bank.

Dispatches from IFT

IFT trend tour: Naturally sourced

19-Jun-2009 - At the IFT trade show in Anaheim, Caroline Scott-Thomas followed the naturally sourced trend tour, and caught up with some of the companies highlighting natural products at the show.

Exclusive interview

Food technologists ‘under attack’, says former IFT chief

19-Jun-2009 - Food technology is a profession under attack – and both industry and government need to invest to ensure its future, says former IFT president Dr John Floros.

US and Canada agree on organic equivalency

18-Jun-2009 - The US and Canada have come to an agreement on organic equivalency standards, expanding organic trade opportunities, US Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced on Wednesday.

Organic sector increasingly dependent on imports: USDA

04-Jun-2009 - The US organic sector has become increasingly dependent on imported ingredients as a supply squeeze continues to limit the sector’s growth, according to a new report from the US Department of Agriculture.

Stevia’s organic potential is not limited, claims PureCircle

12-May-2009 - Major Reb A supplier PureCircle has disputed recent suggestions that stevia’s potential for use in organic foods could be limited, although it agrees that certification poses problems.

US organics buck recessionary trend

05-May-2009 - US sales of organic food have surged despite dire predictions for its resilience as consumers look for ways to cut spending, according to a new survey on American organics.

USDA puts organics in the spotlight

30-Apr-2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the US Department of Agriculture will conduct its first ever large-scale survey of organic farming in the US this spring.