July 2011

eOrganic The National Online Information, Training and Networking System for Organic Agriculture

In this Issue

- New Webinar: Fly Management in the Organic Dairy Pasture
- Seasonal Information from eOrganic: Weed Management
- News from the NOP Insider
- Organic Sprout Production: Information and Food Safety
- Dirty Dozen

New Webinar: Fly Management in the Organic Dairy Pasture

On July 6, 2011, join Dr. Donald Rutz and Keith Waldron of the New York State IPM Program for an eOrganic webinar about managing fly pests that attack cattle while they are out on pasture, especially horn, face, and stable flies. The webinar will take place at from 2-3:15 PM Eastern Time (1PM Central, 12PM Mountain, 11AM Pacific Time) and is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required at http://www.extension.org/pages/59441/fly-management-in-the-organic-dairy-pasture-webinar-by-eorganic

Seasonal Information from eOrganic: Weed Management

Need a break from all the weeding? Check out these practical and informative articles to help you deal more effectively with weeds.
An Organic Weed Control Toolbox
Knock Weeds Out at Critical Times
The Organic Grower's Dilemma: How to Manage Weeds Effectively Without Compromising Soil Quality
Video: Weed 'Em and Reap Part 1. Tools for Organic Weed Management in Vegetable Cropping Systems

News from the NOP Insider

The National Organic Program (NOP) is requesting public comments on four draft guidance documents which address kelp in organic livestock feed, allowed ingredients and sources of vitamins and minerals in organic livestock feed, pesticide residue testing, and seeds and planting stock in organic crop production. Comments are being accepted (document number AMS-NOP-11-0002; NOP-11-02) until August 12, 2011 at http://www.regulations.gov

To view the draft guidance documents, go to http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/NOPDraftGuidance

To subscribe to the NOP Insider, the newsletter of the NOP, go to http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001tanuLSmJHqsq1D840Z7eyw%3D%3D

Organic Sprout Production: Information and Food Safety

German officials have traced the recent deadly E.coli infection to sprouts grown on an organic farm in northern Germany. Below are some general resources on sprout and organic sprout production regulations in the United States. Organic certifiers may also have specific regulations or require an supplemental systems plan for organic sprouts.

Organic Trade Association, Sprout-Associated Outbreaks – NOP & EU Regulations and US Food Safety: http://www.ota.com/organic/foodsafety/organicsprouts.html

FDA Sprout Production Guidance Documents: http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/Product-SpecificInformation/FruitsVegetablesJuices/ucm078690.htm

Dirty Dozen

The Environmental Working Group has released a new Shopper's Guide to Pesticide in Produce to inform consumers about which fruits and vegetables are highest in pesticide residues and would be best to buy organic. It includes both the "Dirty Dozen list of the most contaminated, as well as the "Clean 15" list of least contaminated fruits and vegetables. To view or download the list, go to http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/

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Published June 27, 2011

This is an eOrganic article and was reviewed for compliance with National Organic Program regulations by members of the eOrganic community. Always check with your organic certification agency before adopting new practices or using new materials. For more information, refer to eOrganic's articles on organic certification.