Organic farming, which is deeply rooted in traditional agricultural practices, has witnessed a profound evolution over the last century. Transitioning from a grassroots initiative resisting the industrialization of agriculture to a global industry, organic farming now plays a pivotal role in addressing contemporary challenges related to environmental health, sustainability, and food safety. Despite the growing consumer demand for organic products and market access, organic farming has its challenges. This paper discusses the origin and evolution of organic farming with an emphasis on different types of organic fertilizers, benefits, and challenges. Nutrient variability and the slow-release nature of organic fertilizer often do not meet crop demands and can substantially reduce yield. Some organic fertilizers, like manure and biosolids, can provide a higher yield benefit, but there are environmental and health risks associated with them. Weed and pest management in organic farming can be labor-intensive and increase costs. Inefficient planning of organic farming and rapid transition can also create food insecurity. This paper also gives a brief account of the current certification process for organic fertilizers and their technicalities. It showcases how the holistic approach of organic farming extends beyond production, including strategies like reducing food waste and building self-sufficient farming communities. These practices contribute to a more sustainable agricultural system, reducing environmental impacts and supporting local economies. Future technological innovations, especially in precision agriculture and bio-physicochemical models, can help in formulating targeted organic fertilizers.

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a versatile crop with applications in fiber, seeds, and medicine. Recent legalization has renewed interest in industrial hemp in the United States, particularly in fiber production, which has a critical role in carbon (C) sequestration and various industries, including textiles and construction. A 2‐year field experiment (2022–2023) was conducted at Rodale Institute—Pocono Organic Center, Blakeslee, PA, evaluating the performance of four hemp varieties (MS 77, Futura 75, Santhica 27, and Han NE) under regenerative organic systems. Seed rates were considered as 73 kg ha⁻¹ for Santhica 27 and Futura 75, 135 kg ha⁻¹ for MS 77, and 270 kg ha⁻¹ for Han NE, targeting a plant population of 2.47 million plant ha⁻¹ across varieties. Data on canopy cover, plant height, yields (biomass, stem, leaf, and flower), and cannabinoids were collected to assess the effects of variety and environmental conditions on growth and yield. Root samples from 2023 were also analyzed for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization. Han NE demonstrated the highest growth, yields, and canopy cover, followed by MS 77, with more favorable growing conditions in 2023. Additionally, AMF colonization was consistent across varieties, reporting a higher colonization in MS 77 (45.37%), suggesting enhanced nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. Based on the results, Han NE and MS 77 are promising hemp varieties for fiber production in this region. Further research is required to explore the impact of mycorrhizal colonization on hemp production under varying nutrient conditions for sustainable production.

Industrial hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.), displaying more than 25,000 products, has been grown in North America since the 16 ^th century. However, knowledge gaps persist in optimizing agronomic practices, including precision nitrogen (N) management, which is crucial for yield and phytochemical quality, for example, delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Addressing these gaps, a 2‐year field trial (2022 and 2023) was conducted at the Rodale Institute‐Pocono Organic Center in Blakeslee, PA, aiming to optimize CBD hemp production through precision N management. Forty experimental plots were established, with each assessing two main factors: (i) N rate: 0, 56, 112, 168, and 224 kg N ha ⁻¹ using an OMRI‐listed fertilizer, blood meal (12% N) and (ii) application method: banding and broadcasting. The 3‐week‐old hemp seedlings were transplanted into main plots, followed by fertilizer application and drip irrigation. Parameters including plant height, bud weight, biomass, and CBD yield were assessed, alongside CBD and THC concentrations in floral components and N concentration in leaves and flowers. There was a significant interaction of N rate and application method, impacting biomass yield, while the N rate also influenced CBD concentration. Blood meal supplied at 224 kg N ha ⁻¹ yielded the highest biomass and elevated CBD and THC concentrations; however, this did not differ significantly from 168 kg N ha ⁻¹ application. Therefore, the recommended optimal N fertilizer rate for Northeastern CBD hemp production is 168 kg N ha ⁻¹ , with an upper limit of 224 kg N ha ⁻¹ . Furthermore, the banding method of fertilizer application was more effective than broadcasting.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a widely cultivated crop due to its short production cycle and high market demand. However, powdery mildew (Golovinomyces cichoracearum) poses a significant threat, reducing yields by up to 30% in various lettuce cultivars. This greenhouse study, conducted at the Rodale Institute in Pennsylvania, evaluated the impacts of pre-transplant UV light exposure and post-planting application of an OMRI-certified fungicide, potassium bicarbonate (MilStop), on powdery mildew infestation, yield, and nutritional quality of lettuce. The treatment included three factors: (a) UV-B (280 to 315 nm) exposure: treated vs. non-treated, (b) UV-C (100 to 280 nm) exposure: treated vs. non-treated, and (c) fungicide application: treated vs. non-treated, arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design with four replications. Lettuce seedlings (Salanova cultivar) were exposed to UV light before transplanting and later treated with MilStop. The results indicated that the combination of UV-B and MilStop significantly reduced powdery mildew infestation, while UV-C alone showed no significant effect. MilStop application enhanced lettuce yield, with treated plots showing a 44.8% increase in harvestable weight over control plots. While mineral and monosaccharide content were unaffected, UV-B exposure significantly increased total amino acid concentrations, including essential and non-essential amino acids. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a strong negative relationship between powdery mildew severity and harvestable weight, highlighting the importance of disease management. These findings highlight the potential of integrating UV light treatments and fungicide applications as effective, sustainable strategies for managing powdery mildew, improving lettuce yield, and maintaining nutritional quality in regenerative organic systems.

Biofilms pose significant challenges in various industries due to their resistance to cleaning and sanitation. This publication explores the formation and implications of biofilms in food and agriculture settings. Biofilms play critical roles in microbial survival and have been linked to foodborne illness outbreaks, resulting in significant economic burdens. Factors contributing to biofilm formation include environmental conditions, material surfaces, agricultural practices, and processing conditions. Measures to prevent and control biofilms and their persistence in food processing environments include standard cleaning and sanitation procedures, as well as more innovative technologies. Understanding and addressing biofilm challenges are critical for ensuring food safety and minimizing economic losses throughout the food industry.