Straus Family Creamery’s Post

🌱 Advancing Organic Agriculture and Healthy School Meals 🌱 The USDA’s recent $15 million initiative to expand organic dairy in schools marks an important step toward promoting healthier food systems and supporting organic farmers. While this investment is small compared to the $17.2 billion school lunch program budget, it signals growing recognition of the need for sustainable and health-focused agriculture. Organic practices not only benefit our health but also address urgent climate, biodiversity, and environmental challenges. Research consistently shows the health risks of pesticide-laden diets, especially for children, and the transformative potential of organic food in reducing these risks while boosting academic performance and overall well-being. Efforts like the Safe School Meals Act (S. 5084) championed by Senator Cory Booker provide a crucial framework for ensuring safer school meals, free from harmful chemicals, and expanding organic access nationwide. Let’s continue advocating for universal organic food in schools for our children, our farmers, and our planet. 💬 How do you see organic agriculture shaping the future of food systems? #OrganicFarming #HealthyMeals #Sustainability #ClimateSmartAgriculture #PublicHealth

🌱🐟 Organic Aquaculture: Building a Sustainable Link to Organic Agriculture Transforming our food system is vital in addressing climate change, promoting healthy cities, and restoring biodiversity. While driving urbanization and economic growth, our current food production model has taken a toll on society and the environment. The linear food system, prevalent today, comes with hidden costs - for every dollar spent on food, society pays two dollars in health, environmental, and economic expenses. Half of these costs, amounting to USD 5.7 trillion annually globally, stem from the linear nature of modern food production, leading to resource depletion, waste, pollution, and environmental degradation. Intensive agricultural practices contribute to vast soil degradation and freshwater demands globally and result in significant food waste. Every second, the equivalent of six garbage trucks filled with edible food is lost or wasted, highlighting the inefficiencies in our current system. However, there is hope. By transitioning to a circular economy for food, we can mimic natural regeneration processes where waste becomes feedstock for another cycle. Organic resources, including food by-products, can be transformed into valuable products like organic fertilizers, new food items, or bioenergy. This circular approach rejuvenates living systems, supports biodiversity, and reduces waste. In this journey towards sustainability, organic aquaculture plays a crucial role. By adopting regenerative and local food sourcing practices, we can set high standards for sustainable seafood production, aligning with the circular economy ethos. Organic aquaculture promotes healthy and environmentally friendly food production and contributes to the health of our oceans and ecosystems. By embracing the circular economy principles and promoting organic aquaculture practices, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and thriving future for our food systems. Let's work towards a healthier and more sustainable food future together! 🌿 🐟 #SustainableAgriculture #CircularEconomy #OrganicAquaculture #FoodSystemTransformation #ClimateAction

Eco labels are everywhere, but not all are created equal. At the Organic Trade Association's #organicweek summit in Washington this month, #organic stakeholders debated the extent to which #environmental and #eco claims (including #regenerative and #regenerativeorganic) on #food and #beverage products help or hinder the promotion of holistic change to #agriculture systems. Read what they had to say: https://lnkd.in/g4y7NtQz #sustainability #sustainable #ecoclaims #climatechange #ag #farming #foodmarketing #greenwashing #labeling #marketing

Exploring the ESG journey in the feed industry is crucial for sustainable growth, a sentiment echoed in the World Grain article. At CircleTrade we specialize as a boutique AgTech trader, enhancing supply chain efficiency and profitability for small to medium animal producers and feed formulators. Meanwhile, CoreZero takes the lead as a carbon credit developer and broker, turning the positive environmental impact of food waste minimization and sustainable agriculture into quantifiable and monetizable carbon credits. Together, we're setting new standards in sustainability for traditional industries. #Sustainability #FeedIndustry #CoreZero #Circletrade

What is Organic Food Production? Organic food production refers to a method of farming that avoids synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Instead, it emphasizes natural practices such as crop rotation, composting, and the use of organic fertilizers. The focus is on enhancing soil fertility, conserving water, and promoting biodiversity. Organic farming also fosters healthier ecosystems by avoiding harmful chemicals that can damage soil, water sources, and wildlife. How is Organic Food Different? Organic food is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, meaning it is free from chemical residues commonly found in conventional farming. It also emphasizes humane animal practices, with livestock being raised on organic feed and allowed access to the outdoors. Organic certification ensures that strict guidelines are followed, making the food not only healthier but also environmentally friendly. Why Choose Organic? Choosing organic food supports sustainable agriculture that is better for the planet. It reduces your carbon footprint, supports biodiversity, and helps to maintain cleaner water and healthier soil. Moreover, organic farming helps in combating climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil through eco-friendly practices. To learn more about how we apply organic food production in our self-sustainable city project, read our blog articles here https://lnkd.in/gU3nFcHh #OrganicFarming #SustainableAgriculture #Biodiversity #EcoFriendly #HealthyLiving #SoilHealth #ClimateChange #SustainableCity #Permaculture #NaturalFarming

A Winemaking Byproduct Can Reduce Dairy Cattle Emissions Researchers at University of California, Davis, added fresh grape pomace left over from winemaking operations to alfalfa-based feed for dairy cows and found that methane emissions were reduced by 10% to 11%. The preliminary findings could offer a low-cost sustainable pathway for vineyards to reduce waste while helping dairy operations maintain quality while cutting back on emissions of methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas. Could you think about such a non-obvious advantage of wine? Source: https://lnkd.in/dRtZaAau

In choosing eco-friendly organic cashew nuts, consumers align themselves with a movement that goes beyond personal health benefits. It becomes a conscious decision to support a sustainable, environmentally friendly approach to farming. With Visimex leading the way, the future looks promising for eco-friendly agriculture, ensuring that the cashew nuts we enjoy today leave a positive legacy for generations to come. Experience the green goodness and make a choice that’s good for you and the planet – choose eco-friendly organic cashew nuts. https://lnkd.in/gT8nuNnu

Today, September 23rd, we celebrate EU Organic Day. EU Organic Day is an initiative by the European Union to promote organic farming and organic food across Europe. The day was first introduced in 2021 as part of the EU’s "Farm to Fork Strategy" and "Biodiversity Strategy", which aim to make the EU’s food systems more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Organic farming plays a central role in these efforts by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, supporting biodiversity, and promoting soil health. The main objectives of EU Organic Day are: 🌍 Raising awareness: to increase public awareness of the benefits of organic farming and organic products. 🌍 Promoting sustainability: to highlight the role of organic farming in promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing the environmental footprint, and contributing to climate change mitigation. 🌍 Increasing organic farming: to work toward the EU’s goal of having at least 25% of agricultural land under organic farming by 2030. This aligns with broader European sustainability and climate goals. On this day, events are organized across Europe to celebrate organic food, educate consumers, and encourage farmers to adopt organic practices. The day also recognizes those contributing to organic agriculture with the EU Organic Awards 📣 , which honour organic farmers, retailers, and companies promoting sustainability. 🍃 EU Organic Day serves as a key moment to unite farmers, businesses, and consumers in a collective effort to advance environmentally friendly agricultural practices across the region. #organic #agriculture #EU

Welcome back, Ms von der Leyen: EU organic looks forward to continue transforming our rural areas & food systems The European organic movement congratulates Ursula von der Leyen on her re-election as President of the European Commission and wishes her a successful second mandate. As IFOAM Organics Europe, we welcome her commitment to the European Green Deal and expect its effective implementation and continued progress to sustainable and resilient agri-food systems throughout her next mandate. Organic farmers and operators have high expectations for the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture’s outcomes and the vision for Agriculture and Food announced today. Commission President von der Leyen’s commitment to ensure that all farmers get a fair remuneration, and especially adequately compensate farmers who already protect the environment and ecosystems by using sustainable methods and farm with nature, is encouraging and in line with IFOAM Organics Europe’s priorities. According to Jan Plagge, IFOAM Organics Europe’s President: “Organic agriculture is the proof that protecting our natural resources and contributing to European competitiveness can go hand in hand. The launch of the Strategic Dialogue on food and agriculture was a smart move. As IFOAM Organics Europe we have constructively contributed to this process. We did so because we are confident that it will help overcome the recent misguided polarisation which has slowed down efforts to protect our water, soil and biodiversity – which we depend on for our food production and prosperity. In line with her commitments, we expect the Commission President’s actions will ensure that farmers who protect the environment are fairly rewarded by the market and receive adequate public support from policies like the Common Agricultural Policy.” Jan Plagge ended by stating: “As a European organic movement, we look forward to collaborating with President von der Leyen and the next European Commission supporting the transition to sustainable agri-food systems where organic farming continues to lead safeguarding the climate, protecting #biodiversity and our environment – at the same time increasing food security and the attractiveness of Europe’s rural areas. Organic offers a competitive alternative in the EU and global agri-food system and a viable opportunity for farmers to engage in the sustainability transition”. https://lnkd.in/dtXk-4Fc #agriculture #foodsecurity #organicagricutlure

🌱🍃 Happy National Organic Month! 🍃🌱 As we celebrate National Organic Month, it’s important to reflect on how our food choices impact not only our health but also the health of our planet. Choosing organic is a powerful step. By avoiding harmful pesticides and supporting farming practices that are gentler on the earth, organic living helps us move towards a more sustainable future. The key tenant that we can exercise with our food are our choices. We can demonstrate our respect for the land, water and animals that contribute to our wellbeing, by caring about how they are grown and treated. How farming happens matters a lot. In addition to organic farming, there are also biodynamic and regenerative approaches to soil, animal, and water care that go even further down the path to restore the health of ecosystems. What we must pay attention to is the whole integrated system, which includes the food, the farmer, the workers and the final outcome on the dinner table.  “When we show our respect for other living things, they respond with respect for us.” - Native American Proverb, Arapaho As you select your food – be it at a farmer’s market or in a grocery store - be aware that a carrot is truly more than a carrot. How it was grown will deliver better flavor and nutrition to you and your family. As we honor Organic Month – please choose products certified USDA Organic with the seal on the package or with produce numbers that begin with #9! Organic gives back to the ecosystems that sustain us. Imagine not just maintaining the earth, but regenerating it – leaving the soil richer, the water cleaner, and the air fresher for future generations – that is how important our choices for how and what we eat truly are! As we honor ‘organic’ this month, let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made by choosing certified organic, and contribute to regenerating farming to create lasting positive change. Every meal can be a step toward healing the planet. Together, we can nourish ourselves and our earth. 🌻 To learn more about the impact of practicing and supporting organic and regenerative agriculture, check out https://lnkd.in/gWVKQG6i! #RegenerativeRising #RodaleInstitute #NationalOrganicMonth #RegenerativeAgriculture #HealTheEarth #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyChoices #USDAorganic #Biodynamic Regenerative Rising Seleyn DeYarus Erica Mellon Reilly Thomas Maryam Mohiuddin Ahmed Nancy Coulter-Parker Elizabeth Candelario nisha mary poulose Gina (Asoudegan) Nagel Jason Knoll Pablo Muñoz Ledo Robyn O'Brien Marci Zaroff Guy O. Williams