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Announcement

November 12, 2014

We are pleased to announce a November 20 webinar session from the USDA Organic Working Group, a streamlined approach for including a "Non-Genetically Engineered" statement on certified organic meat and poultry products, and a whole farm revenue protection program.

Organic Working Group Training and Outreach Webinar: November 20

On Thursday, November 20, 2014, from 2:00-3:00 PM Eastern Time, the USDA Organic Working Group (OWG) will host a webinar on organic training and outreach resources. The OWG is currently updating its Organic Literacy Initiative package, which includes the Organic 101 and 201 training modules, the "Is Organic an Option for Me?" brochure, and the USDA Organic Resource Guide. Over 30,000 USDA employees have completed organic training to date.

The OWG will open with a short presentation, and then ask for comments and discussion from participants. The OWG seeks feedback on how the current organic training materials are used, what information is most helpful, and what additional tools are needed.

Pre-registration is not required for this webinar session. To participate:

Step 1- Dial In by Phone:

Toll-Free (U.S. & Canada): 866.740.1260

Access Code: 7202000

Step 2: Also Access the Web:

Meeting URL: http://www.readytalk.com

On the left side of the screen, enter Participant Access Code: 7202000

Streamlined Procedure: "Non-Genetically Engineered" Statements

Organic meat and poultry producers can now use a streamlined process to get approval for labels verifying that their products do not include genetically engineered (GE) ingredients. USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) released new procedures for including a "non-genetically engineered" statement on the label of organic meat and poultry products. This is consistent with organic regulations, which have always prohibited the use of GE in organic products.

Read more about the new procedure.

Whole Farm Revenue Protection

A new Whole-Farm Revenue Protection insurance policy is now available from the Risk Management Agency (RMA) for the 2015 crop year. The policy allows producers to insure between 50 to 85 percent of their whole farm revenue and makes crop insurance more affordable for producers, including fruit and vegetable growers and organic farmers and ranchers.

Interested producers should contact a crop insurance agent for further information. A list of agents can be found on the RMA Web site. For more information, visit the whole farm web page.

About the USDA Organic Working Group

The USDA Organic Working Group (OWG) brings together representatives from all USDA agencies to implement Secretary Vilsack's 2013 guidance to USDA agencies on organic agriculture. The USDA Organic Policy Advisor coordinates the OWG's project action teams to work on the five major areas of the guidance: data, research, outreach, growing the sector, and reciprocity. The OWG will host a series of webinars in fiscal year 2015 to share its work with the public.

About the Agricultural Marketing Service
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) facilitates the competitive and efficient marketing of agricultural products. Through its National Organic Program, AMS facilitates trade and ensures the integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. Learn more.

About the USDA Organic Insider

The USDA Organic Insider informs the organic community on a wide range of functions, including regulatory updates, requests for public comments, and USDA programs and services.

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