News & Updates

April 2024

Questions and Answers Regarding Milk Safety During Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Outbreaks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is closely working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state partners to investigate an illness among dairy cows in multiple states that is causing decreased lactation, low appetite, and other symptoms. As of Tuesday, April 2, the agencies confirmed the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1) viruses in several dairy herds in Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico and Texas. HPAI viruses were detected in unpasteurized, clinical samples of milk, swabs and tissue samples collected for diagnosis of sick cattle on the dairy farms. These samples were submitted as part of an investigation into illness among primarily older dairy cows that is causing decreased lactation, low appetite, and other symptoms. However, these detections are also appearing in some younger lactating cows. Presumptive positive test results have also been received for additional herds in Idaho, Ohio and Texas.

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2024 NOSB Comments 

WODPA had the opportunity to comment on substances and discussions considered for the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Spring, 2024.

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Sonoma County Family Farmers Alliance

Today, Sonoma County Family Farmers are under attack. A ballot measure is being proposed by an animal extremist group from Berkeley, CA, aimed to eliminate Sonoma County’s diverse animal agriculture production. If passed, the ballot measure could put multi-generational farming families out of business and as a result, the cost of dairy products, eggs, and poultry will increase significantly. Further, the proposed ballot measure will increase our greenhouse gas emissions since these products will have to be imported from other parts of our state, country or even other countries. The measure will cost taxpayers millions.

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Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS)

Final Rule has been published

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2024 NOP Program Handbook Update from USDA

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Baltimore port closure to have limited effects on organic ag

Washington, 28 March (Argus) — The indefinite closure of the Port of Baltimore after a bridge collapse Tuesday morning will likely have a limited short-term impact on organic agriculture imports due to seasonal trends and the location of key import infrastructure.

While Baltimore is the USA's largest organic ag import port by volume, April is historically the month with the smallest volume of organic imports into the port. About 5,000 metric tons (t) of organic corn, soybean, sunflower, and canola products combined come through Baltimore in April on average for the past three years. May organic agricultural imports through Baltimore average about 17,000 t, but the largest volumes are not expected until the third and fourth quarters, according to Argus organic market research.

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USDA Announces New Steps to Enhance Organic Markets and Support Producers

USDA Announces New Steps to Enhance Organic Markets and Support Producers | Agricultural Marketing Service

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Organic Transition Initiative Direct Farmer Assistance 

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Executive Director Report

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