48. Trust the Organic Label w/ Kathleen Merrigan

The organic ecosystem is as varied and complex as the U.S landscape. The industry faces a number of challenges including consumer confusion around what organic means, input and product shortages in organic supply chains, competition from new environmental labels, and the concern that some NOP rules are limiting further growth and innovation that has been achieved in other markets. 

In this episode, I’m joined by Kathleen Merrigan, Executive Director and Professor at the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems Arizona State University and the Former Deputy Secretary of USDA, to talk about the complexity of organic and the potential for its future.  

Join us as we discuss:

The definition and standards of organic, 
How does sustainable agriculture and vertical farming fit in
Acceptance of biotechnology and genome technology in organic agriculture 

Resources:

Organic Trade Association 
The Critical To-Do List for Organic Agriculture: 46 Recommendations for the President