Organic fertilizer program boosted in the Philippines

Called the Agri-Kalikasan, the program is designed to help small and vulnerable farmers. Targeted to allow farmers to grow rice less expensively, the program's aim is for "full development of community-based organic fertilizer production and minimal use of oil-based fertilizer,'' according to a release.

For more, read the release at PIA Information Center.

IFOAM: Governments should boost organic production

The resolution was passed during the recent International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements conference in Australia. Gunnar Rundgren of Sweden, the group's president, said governments should "give us the resources spent over the last fifty years on chemical farming and we will present miracles.''

For more on IFOAM, see its Web site.

Organic community mobilizes against Bush administration attempt to weaken organic standards

The new standards, included as a rider in the 2006 agriculture appropriations bill now being considered in a House/Senate conference committee, would allow the use of synthetic ingredients and processing aids in food certified organic. The rider would also give the USDA the major role in determining what is considered appropriate to be put into organic products.

The Organic Consumer's Union is spearheading the attack against the rider. The organization says its members have submitted more than 54,000 emails and 10,000 phone calls to members of Congress opposing the rider

For more information and to learn what you can do, see the Organic Consumers Association Web site.

Organic catching on in China

More and more organic products are available in China's markets, said the State Environmental Protection Administration organic food development center chief. The primary products being produced organically are vegetables, tea leaves, grains, oils, fruits, honey, Chinese herbal medicine, marine products, farm animals and condiments.

More than 745,000 acres are currently farmed organic, with most of the activity located in the eastern coastal area and various provinces in the Northeast.

Read more in Xinhua Online.

Planet Organic to open second Calgary store

The Canadian-based natural and organic products supermarket is targeting a site in North Calgary for its second store.

The store will feature a complete natural and organic food selection with cooking demonstrations, product samplings, 100 percent organic produce, and a deli with natural and organic food. The company will also be active in the community by sponsoring events, donating food and money to local causes, and becoming a neighborhood gathering place.

For more, see the Planet Organic Web site.