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Cropping Systems News from the NOP Insider The National Organic Program (NOP) is requesting public comments on four draft guidance documents which address kelp in organic livestock feed, allowed ingredients and sources of vitamins and minerals in organic livestock feed, pesticide residue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accepted (document number AMS-NOP-11-0002; NOP-11-02) until August 12, 2011 at http://www.regulations.gov To view the draft guidance documents, go to http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/NOPDraftGuidance To subscribe to the NOP Insider, the newsletter of the NOP, go to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/ | Read our organic farming articles! http://www.eXtension.org/ Organic_Production Connect with us Facebook Twitter YouTube Spread the Word If you would like eOrganic literature to hand out at your next conference/workshop/house party, please get in touch. We have bookmarks, factsheets, brochures, and even displays you can use! Use our online form to request materials eOrganic Mission eOrganic is a web community where organic agriculture farmers, researchers, and educators network; exchange objective, research- and experience-based information; learn together; and communicate regionally, nationally, and internationally. Ask an Expert Have a question about organic farming? Use the eXtension Ask an Expert tool to connect with eOrganic. Tag your question as "organic production" to make sure it reachs our members. |