New 100% biological 1kg strawberry box

When Professional Horticultural Consulting decided to start growing the strawberry varieties they’d been offering at their nursery for more than a decade, they had year-round production in mind and, moreover, a crop that wouldn’t be competing on the domestic market with their own plant material customers…

Hydroponic farming; a sound investment

Hydroponic farming is a method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent. Hydroponics can rapidly help serve unmet demands for fresh organic vegetables, grown close to their market. To certify soil for organic farming after its been used in conventional farming…

New AutoStix developments in North America with the AutoStix Media Strip

Visser Horti Systems through joint development with Ball Horticultural Company, introduce the latest innovation within the AutoStix program: the new AutoStix Media Strip for the North American market. After promising test results in North America and Europe this new concept enables growers to import…

CAN (ON): New tool for knowledge sharing and evidence-based decision-making in organics

The Organic Council of Ontario (OCO) announces the development of the Organic Resource Hub (the Hub), an online platform that will provide reliable, comprehensive data and…

"Export and domestic organic horticulture industry will benefit from a national New Zealand standard"

Horticulture New Zealand says it backs moves to introduce a national standard for organic products through the Organic Products Bill, currently before Parliament.  ‘Having a uniform,…

"Integration of practical experience and science, a golden combination"

How are things going with Aldo van Os, the organic grower who stopped last year to start coaching (organic) growers, with his partner Mark Velders of The Conscious Farmer? Good, as it shows after reading the story below in which both gentlemen share their experiences. "Organic crop protection and…

Pongpipat Yatra | Dreamstime.com

Survey gauges demand for organic certified hydroponic nutrient solution

New research from Monash University is looking to conduct market research within the overlapping hydroponics and organic farming spheres in the form of a five-minute survey, or ten-minute phone interview. This research will be used to gain a better understanding of customer needs and preferences in this…

Farm economics – soilless (hydroponic) farm costs

Research and reports have consistently shown that consumers today are looking for local, fresh, healthy, and sustainably grown food. An additional aspect that is equally as important is ensuring that the food is competitively priced. Farms, therefore, are not only challenged to fill a growing need for…

COVID-19 will shape organic industry in 2020 after banner year in 2019

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic this year – and its enormous impact on everyday lives – has already had dramatic consequences for the organic sector in 2020. As shoppers search for healthy, clean food to feed their at-home families, organic food is proving to be the food of choice for home. Never…

Switching grower starts with organic strawberries

A new crop, a new partner and a switch to organic cultivation. For Bart Vromans of Dutch fruit nursery Terravie, 2020 is the year of change. In 2006, Bart started with growing redcurrants in Brabant. The nursery has since grown to 2.7 hectares of redcurrants and half a hectare of cherries. This year,…

Organic supply chain applauded for resilience in COVID-19

The Organic Trade Association on Tuesday honored all of its members with its Member of the Year Award, applauding the resilience, commitment and community spirit shown by the entire organic supply chain in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. “We truly think our members are exceptional,” said CEO and…

Organic Trade Association

US: Importance of organic continues to rise, says OTA

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic this year -- and its enormous impact on our everyday lives – has already had dramatic consequences for the organic sector in 2020. As shoppers search for healthy, clean food to feed their at-home families, organic food is proving to be the food of choice for home.…

The state of organic farming in Hungary

Last week, the European Commission revealed its Farm to Fork and biodiversity strategies, two novel elements of the European Green Deal, which is the Commission’s overarching…

Poll shows consumers value organic more than ever in pandemic

As the initial pantry-loading phase of the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, households of all sizes have begun to settle into longer-term routines and shopping patterns. For those…

"Don't make containers and hydroponic production methods prohibited practices"

The Coalition for Sustainable Organics (CSO) says it's heartened by the initial response of the Department of Justice to defend organic growers’ rights to incorporate…

Germany: Product submissions for organic Input list 2021 now possible

For the 16th year now, the FiBL (Research Institute for Organic Agriculture) calls for the submission of trade products, that are fit for use in organic farming and organic…

Indian aquaponic growers have big plans for organic produce

When Lalit Jhawar and Mayank Gupta wanted to enter the organic food supply chain and source and supply fresh organic produce across the different cities in India, they realized that there is barely any cultivation and supply of organic produce in India. So, they decided to delve further into this…

USDA allows flexibilities for organic certification amid coronavirus pandemic

Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) may allow organic producers to report acreage as certified organic, or transitioning to organic, for the 2020 crop year if they can show…