This week the National Organic Standards Board discussed emerging ag production systems and their role in organic agriculture – just as they have since 2002.Ever-developing technology poses ever-changing questions about agriculture, policy and regulation. Consider the relatively new boom in indoor farming, also referred to as “vertical,” “stacked” or “controlled environment.” Can such systems be certified to produce organic food? This was the topic of USDA’s National Organic Standards Board (NSOB) webinar yesterday in preparation for its October semi-annual meeting, and it was convened specifically to “discuss the development of proposals on aeroponics/bioponics/hydroponics....”The following terms refer to the medium surrounding the roots o...
Like all marmots
An adult Vancouver Island marmot typically measures 65 to 70 centimetres (26 to 28 in) from the tip of its nose to the tip of its tail.
The magpie goose (Anseranas semipalmata) is the sole living representative species of the family Anseranatidae. This waterbird is found in northern Australia and southern New Guinea.[2] The species is not truly migratory but it sometimes travels large distances to find food and water, especiall...
The common ostrich (Struthio camelus), or simply ostrich, is a species of flightless bird native to certain areas of Africa (and historically, Arabia) and is the largest living species of bird. The common ostrich is one of two extant species of ostriches, the only living members of the genus St...
A pika (/ˈpaɪkə, ˈpiːkə/ PY-kə, PEE-kə[3][4]) is a small, mountain-dwelling mammal native to Asia and North America. With short limbs, a very round body, an even coat of fur, and no external tail, they resemble their close relative the rabbit, but with short, rounded ears.[5] The large-eared pi...
Kolkwitzia amabilis /kɒlˈkwɪtsiə əˈmæbɪlɪs/,[2] commonly known as beauty bush, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caprifoliaceae. It is the sole species in genus Kolkwitzia.[1] It is a deciduous shrub grown as an ornamental plant. In China, where it originated, the plant is cal...