Parkland Hospital Goes Organic

"Basic basil and bell pepper makes for healthier hospital food.

That's what is happening at Parkland, where the kitchen is going organic.

"This is the broccoli cheese strudel. It's got chopped broccoli, some garlic, some onions, cheddar cheese, with a little bit of egg for binding," said Parkland executive chef, Marvin Schmidt.

The dish is made from local, seasonal produce with no guilt or pesticides.

"We're not force-feeding it on anybody. But we feel that it's our obligation to change, or help change, the way some people are eating," Schmidt said."

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Chico Begins Organic Dairy Production

"A bold new day has dawned at the California State University, Chico dairy, ushering in an approach that educators and students hope will bring consistently higher prices for their milk and a prosperous future for students.

After 40 years of following the mainstream, the university's dairy in the spring completed a shift from conventional milk production to organic, making it the first educational facility in the West with that distinction.

Animal science professor Cindy Daley is in charge of the university dairy. She cited two major reasons for the change: first, to meet the growing demand for organic food and, second, to bring new and exciting work opportunities to Chico State students.

She said prices for organic milk are steadier and have typically been higher than the conventional market. In fact, for much of the summer, Chico State's organic milk returned more than double the price it would have received for conventional product."

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Butcher Predicts Organic Future

"West Vancouver butcher Sebastian Cortez is betting that his new 800-square-foot shop will ride the Lower Mainland's burgeoning organic wave.

The 32-year-old Cortez, who moved to Vancouver from Toronto a year ago after immigrating to Canada two years ago from Chile, opened Sebastian & Co. Fine Organic Meats in the 2400-block of Marine Drive seven months ago.

With business partner Jessica Gibson, Cortez has seen sales rise to between $6,000 and $7,000 a week today from between $2,000 and $3,000 a week in the first two weeks. Cortez said in an interview that he's just starting to make a profit.
Sebastian & Co. Fine Organic Meats co-owner Sebastian Cortez holds a side of dry-aged beef ribs. His beef is from a certified-organic Alberta farm.

"I didn't expect to open so soon, but we found the perfect location with an industrial kitchen. We didn't advertise. We just opened the door."

"[Sales] have been growing, but not as fast as I thought it would," said Cortez, who has hired two employees."

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Carbery Announces Industry's First Organic Whey

"Ingredients group Carbery today announced that it will begin organic production of whey proteins, making the company one of the first suppliers in the segment to the dairy industry.

According to Carbery, the decision, announced at the opening of the Food Ingredients Europe show, was made because of the small number of organic whey companies in the UK and Europe.

A Carbery spokesperson told DairyReporter.com that the focus, as well as meeting huge growth in demand for organic products, also represents a wider strategy of providing "clear label" goods for processors, looking to avoids additive use.

The market for organic food alone is expected to reach a value of €30bn by the end of 2007, according to figures by industry body organic monitor."

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7 For All Mankind to Launch Organic Jean Line

"You can eat organic food, and now, you can wear organic clothing as well! Stylish jeans-makers "7 For All Mankind" have just come out with new jeans made from 100% organic cotton.

The women's version of the organic jeans are a bootcut featuring Seven's logo on the back pockets, and are available in a versatile dark wash with minimal distressing. They're perfect for dressing up or down.

Men can also pick up a pair of Seven's organic jeans, which are available in a straight-leg cut, dark wash. There's also a relaxed "slouchy" fit version. Like the women's organic jeans, these are also versatile enough to wear with just about anything."

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Organics in Spanish Schools

"Organic meals will arrive in more than one hundred schools in Andalusia during this school year, thanks to a program of promotion that was implemented by the Ministers of Agriculture, Environment and Education. Furthermore, in a trial phase, organic meals are also available in two large dormitories and in a hospital in Granada. Altogether, more than 10,800 people will be reached.

The program is open to all Andalusian schools preparing the meals on site, about two hundred of about 1,200 school cafeterias in the Spanish region. The task is to offer meals consisting of at least 60 % of organic food ingredients."

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Batam Meets Organic

"Rusmin, 36, quickly counted off all the positives. "It grows well. The growth time is much faster. And it tastes sweet."

Standing between his modest house made of thin triplex board normally used for home ceilings, and his 1,000 square meter spread behind him, the dark-skinned wiry farmer explained how his crops fared after using compost.

Rusmin and four other farmers on Batam island are part of a trial project in the use of the compost, organic fertilizer made from land waste.

Batam is known as a growing free trade zone with 25 industrial parks on the island, the largest being Batamindo Park at more than 400 hectares. It wants to become a manufacturing and service hub to eventually rival its more sophisticated northern neighbor."

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University of Alaska Sees Some Green

"The organic food contest was a way for SCTF to show people the variety of food that could be made with local and organic foods and a way to get some donations for their club.

The Sustainable Campus Task Force, or SCTF, held a local and organic food contest in the Wood Center on Oct. 26 . The top prize of this competition was an all expense paid trip to the Alaska forum on the environment in February.

The contest was held as a fundraiser for SCTF. A $5 donation was suggested for those who wished to partake of the food.

Tara Hutchison, the vice president of the SCTF presided over the contest.

“The task force, exists to further the understanding of sustainable or low impact living at UAF and thereby create a model for the state of Alaska that encourages environmental, social and economic responsibility through education, student leadership and community engagement.”

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Graig Farm Organics Relaunches Website for Anniversary

"A pioneering organic business is realaunching its website to celebrate a decade online.

Graig Farm Organics’ award winning website, which has been running since 1997, has undergone a thorough re-design and improvement.

Over the years the website has attracted various unusual requests from all over the world, including a request from Taiwan for a container full of chicken testicles- an enquiry which wasn’t pursued.

“It makes you realise how small the world has become.” said Bob Kennard, partner at Graig Farm.

“Within minutes of taking a photograph of say our stunning local landscape, anyone in the world with access to the internet can see it!

“We always aimed to inform people as well as sell to them. Whilst many more people now buy organic food, I am not sure how many really understand the many benefits of organic food. We try to explain this in our website.”

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Make Aurora Dairy Disappear!

"Aurora Organic Dairy's High Plains Dairy near Gill, Colo., will be allowed to continue operations despite a substantial fly problem bothering neighbors.

The Board of Weld County Commissioners decided on a split vote Wednesday to continue a hearing until August 2008 that could revoke the dairy's special permit to operate the dairy with 4,500 cows.

Of central concern to dairy neighbors is a substantial fly problem that they say has inundated their properties and homes. Commissioners are giving the dairy until August to absolve the pest situation.

"I would like this dairy to disappear," said Wendy Rogers, who owns a farm next to the dairy. "The dairy is too big to manage naturally."

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FTC Is Still At It!

"In an unusual move, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission is pursuing an appeal of a district-court ruling that allowed natural-foods giant Whole Foods to acquire its former competitor Wild Oats in August. The $565 million deal has already been completed, but the agency hopes the long-shot appeal will reverse it."

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I thought this news was kind of funny since Wild Oats is already filled with Whole Foods brand products.

OTA Thrilled By New Study

"GREENFIELD, Mass., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Organic Trade Association (OTA) today hailed preliminary findings from a four-year European Union (EU) study that indicate some organic foods are more nutritional than their non-organic counterparts.

"This study may be the breakthrough that helps prove what many in the organic sector believe to be true about food grown using organic practices," said Caren Wilcox, OTA's Executive Director, on learning of the findings announced by Professor Carlo Leifert of the Tesco Centre for Organic Agriculture based at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom.

Preliminary results from this study, which is part of the EU-funded Quality Low Input Food (QLIF) Project, show organic fruit and vegetables have up to 40 percent more antioxidants than non-organically grown produce, while organic milk contains up to 60 to 80 percent more antioxidants than conventionally produced milk in the summer, and 50 to 60 percent higher levels in the winter. Organic milk also was found to contain higher levels of vitamin E."

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Boosting Exportation in Vietnam

"HCM CITY — The wide use of organic farming will not only protect people’s health and the environment, but also boost the country’s exports since such a move will help farmers better meet international food and environmental safety standards, said experts in the country’s agricultural industry.

More than 300 scientists, agricultural managers and farmers from HCM City and southern provinces gathered in the city yesterday to discuss the use of organic products and the sustainable development of the domestic agricultural sector.

Leading experts gave presentations on the importance of the use of organic products in agricultural production, particularly micro-organism fertilizers, and Viet Nam’s current agricultural practices.

"Organic agriculture has many benefits for farmers," said Dr Duong Van Chin, deputy director of the Mekong Rice Research Institute."

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Another Study Backs Organic

"London, United Kingdom (AHN) - A European Union-funded study found that organic foods are healthier than ordinary produce because they contain 40 percent more antioxidants.

The $24 million study is dubbed to be the most expensive one undertaken into the subject matter, which employed researchers growing fruits and vegetables on adjacent organic and non-organic areas covering 725 acres (about 290 hectares) attached to Newcastle University and other sites in Europe.

Researchers found that antioxidants in milk from organic herds were 90 percent higher than in milk from non-organic ones. Antioxidants are said to prevent cancer and heart diseases."

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Grow Your Own Organic Roses

"When Anya Feldman moved into her home in Sycamore Township, she decided to grow roses - using organic methods.

She asked the owner of a greenhouse for advice and says he laughed at the idea of growing roses organically in Greater Cincinnati. But the nurseryman's doubts didn't stop her.

"I love roses, and I totally don't believe in pesticides," says Feldman, a massage therapist who drives a hybrid vehicle and uses an organic lawn service.

She bought a few roses and planted them in her front yard. She didn't have a lot of luck the first year, but she added more roses this spring, for a total of 11 hybrid teas. Hybrid teas have one bloom per stem.

She bought two truckloads of compost and piled it onto her garden.

"After I put the compost on ... you could really feel like (the roses) were a lot happier," Feldman says."

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Organic Fish Producers Won't Lose Organic Label in U.K.

"Organic fish producers, who airfreight fish will not lose their organic status as long as they can show their activities benefit their local community and do not harm the environment, the U.K. Soil Association said.

It follows the announcement of the outcome of a four-month review of the organic certifier's standards, amid public concerns that the airfreighting in of foodstuffs from overseas is adding to the amount of carbon in the earth's atmosphere. The review concluded that organic goods should only be air freighted to the United Kingdom, if they deliver genuine benefits for local farmers' and communities in developing countries."

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Conquer Hunger With Organic

"MALITBOG, Bukidnon (MindaNews/26 October) -- Eugenio “Eunie” Geraldo, a farmer with six children in a village called Tumigbong here fell into a depression when his wife Apolinaria died while giving birth to youngest child Lourdes three years ago.

He has bounced back and is now able to feed the four children who are still living with him. More than that, he has become one of the star members of a group called MASIPAG, and his farm is now a model of organic and diversified farming. The word “masipag” literally means “hardworking,” but it is also an acronym for Magsasaka at Siyentipiko Para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (in English, farmer-scientist partnership for the development of agriculture), a group advocating sustainable agriculture."

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Green Bishop

"DIPOLOG CITY (MindaNews/25 October) -- "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

Or so the Chinese proverb says.

But for Dipolog Bishop Jose R. Manguiran, 71, "that's obsolete now.” For the Bishop, it should be updated to something like: "Don't just teach him how to fish; teach him how to take care of the seas and the environment."

The Bishop may not be into fishing, but he is very much into farming. He began helping his father in the farm as soon as he learned to walk, and he is still planting up to this day, just a few years shy of retirement.

"Take care of Mother Earth, and she will take care of you," he said. "Mother Earth gives us food, and so we should return the favor, by taking care of her properly."

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Cage-Free Eggs Growing in Popularity

"The 13,000 hens roam the barn floor, spread their wings and duck into nest boxes covered by red plastic flaps to provide a dark area that encourages egg-laying.

Three months earlier, the same barn housed nearly four times as many chickens, but they were confined to small wire cages stacked on top of each other.

Egg farms are increasing their production of cage-free eggs, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to convert barns by tearing out cages, installing new floors, reconfiguring feed and water lines, and changing ventilation systems."

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Limits on Raw Milk in California

"Raw milk, as precious as mother's milk to about 40,000 California consumers, is likely to be tougher to find on store shelves come January because of a state law that the Legislature passed quietly this month.

For the first time, raw milk will have to meet a strict limit for coliform bacteria.

"It basically prohibits raw milk in California," said Mark McAfee, managing partner of Organic Pastures Dairy in Fresno, which produces most of the raw milk sold in California. He sees the standard as a stealth attempt to ban raw milk."

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Save Your Pet With Organic

"Entrepreneur Liz Nuttall has invented a life-saving pet food which is set to hit supermarket shelves on Monday.The 40-year-old from Cirencester came up with OrganiPets after her dog, Raffy, was diagnosed with cancer and given six months to live.

The 14-year-old Jack Russell is now in remission and vets say it is thanks to her organic diet.

Businesswoman Liz said: "We believe you are what you eat and the same applies to your animals."

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Interview with Alan Greene On Going Green

"If you were to give a check-up to Alan Greene, eco-pediatrician extraordinaire, you just might diagnose him with ASHD -- Attention Surplus Hyperproductivity Disorder. It isn't a real disorder, of course. But whatever Greene's got -- whatever blend of vim and vision allows him to stay at the cutting edge of environmentalism and e-medicine while also writing books, doctoring, and being a 100-percent-organic-food-eating father of four -- well, it's something that's helped the world get better."

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Glanbia Steps Up Cheese Production

"Dairy and ingredients firm Glanbia is stepping up production of organic cheeses to offset declining profitability for its conventional products.

The decision reflects the increasing pressure on dairy processors to look to new markets and higher value production to offset increasing commodity costs.

Group president Jeff Williams told DairyReporter.com that the company was increasing its focus in organic production after witnessing annual growth of about 20 per cent for such products in the US market alone, especially for milk and yoghurt.

He added that the category grew while non-organic cheese production continues to be hurt by increased prices for milk."

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Soil Association Will Strip Organic Label If Standards Are Not Met

"Three-quarters of the organic food flown in to Britain from overseas could be stripped of its valued status, as part of a plan to cut carbon emissions by eliminating air-freighted food from supermarket shelves. Only those farmers or processors which can prove they meet stringent ethical standards would be allowed to keep their organic status, the Soil Association announced today.

The environmental charity's policy director Lord Melchett estimated that currently only about a quarter of all exporters of organic food met high enough ethical standards to keep their all-important organic label. Farmers must start investing in local communities, allow their workers to form unions and fund education schemes by 2009 if they want to keep their status. "Some will find it impossible I suspect," he said.

Sweet potatoes and salad flown in from America would the most likely foods to be stripped of their organic status. The measures follow a public consultation in which scores of respondents called for food transported by air to be banned from carrying the organic logo."

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U.S. College Students See More Green

"Joleen Ong's favorite breakfast at The College of New Jersey is an organic burrito stuffed with tofu and tomato, washed down with a cup of yerba mate tea grown on a farm in Ecuador.

Her dining choices two years ago were far more limited.

"There was French toast, Tater Tots, pancakes with nasty syrup and scrambled eggs with cheese," said the 21-year-old senior from River Edge. "It was good, but it wasn't good for you."

The generation that grew up on Whole Foods diets and graduated from high school cafeterias forced to ban cupcakes and soda is hitting campus dining halls -- with predictable results.

Nutrition savvy students with an interest in organic, locally grown foods are pressing colleges for changes. And they are getting them.

Schools nationwide are offering students more healthy menu options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes, sushi, organic juices and locally grown fruits and vegetables. Some schools have their own organic mini-farms. Trans fat has been stripped from menus, and nutrition labels are plastered across dining halls. In some places, schools offer convenient pre-balanced dishes measured down to the calorie."

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Colin Peterson Says Organic Consumers are DUMB

"Today's headline from the Organic Consumers Association: Congress Agriculture Committee Head, Colin Peterson, Says U.S. Consumers Who Buy Organic Food Are 'Dumb'.

The quote actually comes from a MSNBC.com Financial Times article by Alan Beattie, US farm bill unlikely to aid good nutrition. Excerpt:

But those in charge of farm policy largely disagree [that research on organic production needs more subsidy], and their view is almost certain to prevail. Collin Peterson, chairman of the House of Representatives agricultural committee, says the farm sector that raises organic produce and grass-fed beef for local consumers needs little federal help. "It is growing, and it has nothing to do with the government, and that is good," he told the FT. "For whatever reason, people are willing to pay two or three times as much for something that says 'organic' or 'local'. Far be it from me to understand what that's about, but that's reality. And if people are dumb enough to pay that much then hallelujah."

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Organic Fish Fingers Across U.K.

"The world’s first sustainable, organic codfish fingers are now being stocked by more than 600 Sainsbury’s and Tesco supermarkets in the UK.

Marketed by Friend of the Sea, the organic-certified fish fingers are branded No Catch.

“Atlantic cod stocks are either over-exploited or severely depleted, according to the main fisheries institutes in the area,” said Dr Paolo Bray, director of Friend of the Sea.

“Neither hake nor hoki should be seen as a sustainable alternative to cod, as their stocks too are over-exploited and they are mostly caught by bottom trawlers, which plough the seabed causing extensive habitat destruction and high by-catch rates of corals, sharks and skates."

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Organic Chef Receives Top Honors

"The GaultMillau gastronomic guide on Tuesday proclaimed new boy on the block Jean-Luc Rabanel, a southerner with a penchant for organic food, France's chef of the year.

Rabanel's 35-seat L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel in southern Arles was plucked from gourmet oblivion in 2006 as one of France's best 200 "young cuisines" by the Omnivore gastronomic magazine."

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Waitrose Introduce Organic Pet Food

"THE Bury St Edmunds branch of Waitrose has expanded its pet food range to include organic dog and cat food.

A Waitrose spokesperson said the range appealed to the healthy lifestyles their customers wanted for their pets.

“Our customers are increasingly looking to buy organic,” he said. “The products also support Waitrose's commitment to British farming.”

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CCOF Holds Second Annual Organic Beer and Wine Tasting

"Wine and beer lovers who want to imbibe while supporting greener production methods can gather Oct. 26 for the California Certified Organic Farmers 2nd Annual Organic Beer and Wine Tasting.

Vintners and brewers accredited by the CCOF will come from all around the Bay Area and beyond to share organic wines and beers with authentic regional flavors. There will be live music to accompany the tasting while Ferry Building food vendors will offer organic snacks.

CCOF is an organic certifier organization founded in 1973 to produce wine and beer made with organic products and natural methods of soil usage. Organic wines are made with herbicide-free and fertilizer-free cultivated grapes. Any kind of synthetic contribution is banned, while renewable resources and soil restoration are emphasized. Overall, the principal concerns are human health and the environment."

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Eco Lips Introduces Eco Tint 90% Organic Lip Balm

"Cedar Rapids, Iowa (October 22, 2007) Eco Lips, America’s premium organic lip balm company, announces Eco Tints, the most natural and organic color-tinted lip balms available in the market. With 90% certified organic ingredients, Eco Tints are carmine-free, lead-free, gluten-free, lanolin-free, petroleum-free and do not contain hydrogenated oils common to many natural and conventional lip balm products. Consumers can now treat their lips to a naturally glistening lip moisturizer made with earth minerals in three beautiful tints: Rose Quartz, Plush Red and Mocha Velvet.

According to Steve Shriver, Founder and President of Eco Lips, “We chose to use 100% naturally occurring mineral pigments in our formula. Most cosmetic companies use a small amount of mineral pigments in conjunction with chemical dyes and carmine.” Carmine, commonly sourced from Peru and the Canary Islands, is made from dried, ground-up beetles and its bright red color is used in food products, beverages, candies and many cosmetics. Adds Steve, “We are aware that public interest groups have petitioned the FDA to ban this ingredient or at least require labeling that informs consumers of its origin. We are taking a strong stand against its use.”

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Frozen Dinners Destroy the Organic Vision?

"This week marks the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program. It was five years ago that the little green "USDA Organic" seal first appeared on organic product labels.

By most measures, the program has been an incredible success. Organic sales have soared and tens of thousands of pounds of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers have been kept off farmlands and food. But some organic advocates see a downside to the rapid growth in the organic market."

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Reasons for India to Promote Organic Farming

"Only organic methods can help small family farms survive, increase farm productivity, repair decades of environmental damage and knit communities into smaller, more sustainable distribution networks — all leading to improved food security in and around India.

We can notice the after effects of LPG [Liberation, Privatisation and Globalisation] world over and Kerala in particular.

Paddy fields and agriculture sector are slowly vanishing. People who used to cultivate rice are migrating into other fields. The most important challenge in front of the Kerala government is how to sustain fast growing populations and also to break the claim made by agribusiness industry that there is no alternative to using genetically modified crops in agriculture if 'we want to feed the world'.

We have to find a way out to escape from the brink of food disaster. Organic farming is one way to promote either self-sufficiency or food security in states like Kerala."

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Healthy Soil

"OSLER -- When farmer Steve Guenther plans his fertilizer use for next year's crop, he finds a careful application of liquefied fish and molasses does the trick.

While many Prairie farmers are maximizing production by applying the latest in technological and chemical methods, Guenther and his wife Jan are gradually steering about 1,000 acres of rented and owned land in the Osler area in a different direction: they're going organic.

Much of this year's crop, including potatoes, beets, carrots, hemp and flax, all now proudly carry the label organic. The couple also grow oats, hull-less barley, fall rye and peas."

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Review: Amy's Roasted Vegetable Pocket

I have had a strong aversion to vegetables pretty much my entire life. Sure, I could eat things like potatoes, salads or tomatoes (okay, okay they are botanically a fruit, but they are LEGALLY a vegetable) but other vegetables weren't very appealing to me.

So it came as quite a surprise when I absolutely loved Amy's Kitchen's roasted vegetable pocket. What is this magical product? Why do I even prefer it to cookies? Well..

Amy's says:
"Inspired by Amy's Roasted Vegetable Pizza. The same great tasting combination of organic shiitake mushrooms, roasted red peppers, sweet onions and marinated artichoke hearts."

Shiitake mushrooms? Red peppers? Artichoke hearts? Since when have I ever ventured to eat these things? Since now, I guess. This little pocket is totally satisfying in every way: the flavor and texture are just right, and it leaves you perfectly satiated. Definitely my new favorite thing to eat, especially after writing myself crazy with the amount of school work I have. (I am stocked with roasted vegetable pockets now.)

I'm really happy about it being vegan too because I've been thinking about taking the "plunge." (It's hard to forget how much I like cheese pizza though..)

In short, if you haven't already tried the roasted vegetable pocket or pizza, you are missing out. Seriously. Even if you think you won't like it, just try it. I never imagined I would enjoy it this much.

Aladdin Beverage Leading the Way in Organic Beer

"BROOKLYN, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 10/22/07 -- With organic food products taking center stage among consumers, Aladdin Beverage (PINKSHEETS: ADTJ) is at the forefront of this trend within the beer industry. "You see some domestically brewed organic beers in the market, but very few imported organic beers. We capture two emerging niches in the beer industry by signing with Green Man Brewery -- organic beer and imported beer," states Ted O'Connor, President of Aladdin Beverage.

Organic beer sales are climbing fast. North American sales of organic beers grew from $9 million in 2003 to $19 million in 2005, according to the Organic Trade Association. Even Anheuser-Busch, the nation's largest beer company, has recently gotten in the game with two domestic organic beer brands. "We could not be more happy. This tells us organic beer is marketable and is here to stay. We made a smart move with Green Man," states O'Connor."

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Square One Organic Vodka Sponsors 2007 Environmental Media Association Awards

"San Francisco, CA, October 22, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Square One® Organic Vodka (www.squareonevodka.com) is proud to announce that, for the second year in a row, it is a sponsor of the 2007 Environmental Media Association Awards (www.ema-online.org), an evening that celebrates the achievements of the environmental and entertainment communities. The event will take place on October 24th at the Ebell Club of Los Angeles. Square One will be the exclusive organic vodka at all of the bars and has specially created the Square One EMA-Gimlet – an organic basil gimlet which it will serve from the Square One Organic Vodka Bar. Santa Monica’s acclaimed Border Grill will also be serving cucumber-infused Square One Spa-jito shooters with its food.

“We’re thrilled to participate in the EMA Awards again this year,” shared Allison Evanow, Founder and CEO of Square One Organic Vodka. “It’s a perfect way to share Square One with this important green audience and a fun way to salute the honorees. We will toast them with a truly green, organic cocktail.”

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Organics on Canadian College Campuses

"For students who enjoy meals comprised of mass-produced ground beef or greasy Chinese food, Price Center offers a smorgasbord of quick and tasty options that may not provide nourishment but definitely leave students feeling full. But where can those students find something more nutritious, healthy and even fresh? Fortunately, UCSD has an expanding amount of options for students searching for organic foods; it just takes a little invested interest to find them.

Students who shop at Groundwork Books or find themselves lost between John Muir and Revelle Colleges might have found the student-run Food Co-op in Student Center, which provides vegan and vegetarian snacks, along with fresh produce and an organic salad bar. Though it is tucked away in a part of campus that is home to more construction than students, the co-op promotes making educated choices about food, not only for personal health, but also for the world.

“The main thing [about organics] is connecting yourself with the communities that provide you food, not having it appear in a Styrofoam box,” Muir College senior and Co-op member Adam Calo said. “People don’t understand how their individual choice is important.”

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One Year Since E. Coli Scare: Is Our Food Safer Now?

"Farmers are now forced to comply with an array of new food safety measures, some of which are scientifically unproven and environmentally harmful.

Late in August 2006, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta began investigating cases of severe food poisoning reported by health officials in 26 states and one Canadian province. Over the next six weeks, a rare and particularly virulent strain of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 sickened more than 200 people, hospitalizing half of them, some with severe kidney damage, and killing two elderly women and a child. For epidemiologists, the outbreak presented a breakthrough because a DNA-fingerprinting system enabled CDC investigators to trace back the source of the infections from clusters of cases nationwide."

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An Organic Farmer's Aspirations

"On a windswept half acre about 25 miles southeast of Midland, Matt Hanson is organically growing produce such as watermelons, tomatoes, okra, peppers, lettuce, cowpeas and other varieties.

On that plot are also the seeds of a more ambitious project.

Hanson, who has moved to and from Midland twice since graduating from Midland High, most recently returned here from Austin in March to be closer to family. He was involved in commercial organic farming in that area for about four years, during which time he says he learned a whole lot despite the lack of a formal education on the subject."

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Organic Preserves Flavor

"LAS CRUCES — Every Thursday, Jeff Graham distributes organic produce to people in Las Cruces, including New Mexico State University students, faculty and local families.

Graham, owner of Mysterious Horizons Farm west of Las Cruces, sells shares of organic produce to members for a yearly fee. Although he spent most of his life working on conventional farms, he decided his latest venture should be an organic farm.

"I felt it would be in my best interest as well as in the best interest of my customers that I grow it organically," he said."

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Trader Joe's Will Phase Out Chinese Imports

Trader Joe's, the hip, wholesome food store with 15 locations in the Chicago area, said Friday it will phase out foods imported from China amid concerns that standards on "organic" products from the country aren't as stringent as they should be.

Alison Mochizuki, spokeswoman for the Monrovia, Calif.-based grocer, e-mailed a statement saying the grocer will phase out single-ingredient products from mainland China by Jan. 1.

"We feel confident that all of our products from China meet the same high quality standards that we set for all of our products," the statement read. "However, our customers have voiced their concerns about products from this region and we have listened.

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The Dominican Republic to Help Other Countries

"Santo Domingo.- The Inter-American Agricultural Cooperation Institute (IICA) in the Dominican Republic has been appointed to help other countries develop organic food production initiatives.

This is the result of the country’s leadership as the world’s leading exporter of organic cacao and bananas.

IICA representative Víctor del Angel said that the Dominican Republic had attained this distinction thanks to the combined work of IICA and the Agriculture Ministry."

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It's funny because a few days ago, there was a story saying the Dominican Republic still needed to break into the organic market!

So Baby Wins £50,000 Prize

"AN ORGANIC baby food firm is proving it has the recipe for success after scooping a £50,000 prize from millionaire Liverpool businessman Steve Morgan.

Chester firm So Baby won the Best New Business title at the Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards last night.

The foundation, funded by Redrow founder Mr Morgan, launched the awards with a £100,000 prize pot to honour the region’s young entrepreneurial role models.

The winners were named at a ceremony last night in Liverpool’s waterfront Crowne Plaza Hotel."

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Organic Farming Act Puts Consumers at Ease in Denmark

"Denmark’s status as frontrunner in the field of organic food and farming must not be blemished. Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Eva Kjer Hansen has just presented a parliamentary bill for a new Organic Farming Act that will effectively keep rotten apples out of the organic farming business

The credibility and good reputation of organic food and farming among consumers is vital to the continued growth and development of this field. So, with the new Organic Farming Act, actions that can damage public confidence in organic production will be viewed upon with extra stern eyes.

Under this bill, farmers who have been convicted of for instance gross neglect and abuse of animals within the last five years will not be able to obtain a licence to engage in organic farming. The same applies to farmers with convictions for importing illegal medicines."

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Buy Organic in Bulk to Save

"CLEVELAND -- There's no doubt about it -- when it comes to food, organic is in.

Consumers can't get enough of produce that is pesticide-free or meat and dairy without antibiotics or growth hormones.

But the organic label usually comes at a cost.

NewsChannel5's Angie Lau reported on how you can fill up your fridge without emptying your wallet.

Like most moms, Paula Key tries hard to take good care of her family.

She likes buying organic food but doesn’t like the premium prices. Since she's on a tight budget, she sometimes has to make tough choices about what to put in the cart.

"Do I want the organic milk so the kids don't have the hormones, or do I want to go with the organic fruit so the kids don't have the pesticides and all that other stuff?" Key said.

Craig Minowa is an environmental scientist, and he said you can go organic without shelling out the big bucks.

For one thing, consider buying in bulk."

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Make the Switch to Organic Lipstick

"Last week's report from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics exposed many popular-brand red lipsticks to contain potentially hazardous amounts of trace leads, raising concern as to what other pernicious ingredients might be lurking under the beauty-product radar. Though we've come a long way from the centuries-old practice of tinting lips with beeswax and red-stained plants, our advancements haven't got us that far. Lipsticks no longer contain whale blubber, but they are still full of animal fats (and in some cases, cow brains), petroleum waxes, carcinogenic coal tar dyes and other toxins. Given lipstick's ills, is it possible to be green and still coat the kisser in red?"

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Organic Farms Have Fewer Lame Cows

"A Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) study has shown that the incidence of lameness is lower on organic dairy farms compared to non-organic farms.

The lower incidence was associated with longer periods that the cows spent at grass and the higher age at which they first calve. The levels of hock lesions were also lower on organic farms.

The three-year study, sponsored by Defra at a cost of £300,000, compared 40 organic farms and 40 non-organic farms across Great Britain and assessed lameness, mastitis, ketosis, somatic cell counts, fertility and cow behaviour. Other than foot and leg health, there was little difference between the health and welfare of Holstein Friesian dairy cows on organic and non-organic dairy farms."

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Organic Candy Info

"For health-conscious parents, Halloween presents a conundrum: Either cave to convention and give out the brand-name candy bars kids love or hand out apples and risk neighborhood condemnation. But now, candy makers are offering a variety of organic candies that can satisfy a sweet tooth.

Just don't expect nutritious treats. "Sugar is still sugar," says Sari Greaves, a registered dietitian with NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and these candies can be just as fattening as their traditional counterparts.
[Photo]
Lake Champlain chocolate, YummyEarth drops and lollipops from NaturalCandyStore.com

So who should buy them? Ms. Greaves says you should check them out if you or your kids are allergic to the ingredients found in traditional candy, or if you want to avoid products with ingredients treated with pesticides or chemicals. We looked at some of the latest USDA certified organic candy available for sale online."

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New Chief Executive Officer for China Organics

"China Organic Agriculture, Inc. (OTCBB:CNOA), a growth-driven agricultural and products company leading China's organic foods revolution, has appointed Zhidong Li, a forward-thinking marketing and finance executive, to the position of Chief Executive Officer and the Company's Board of Directors.

Mr. Li has held positions as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Marketing Director, as well as Investment Banker, Fund Manager and Asset Manager. At age 27, he was the youngest fund manager for Alliance e-Finance in Australia, managing hundreds of millions of dollars in investments."

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Modmix: The First USDA Certified Organic Cocktail Mixer

"PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspired by three women and their love of organic living, clean design, and a finely crafted cocktail, Modmix, the first USDA certified organic cocktail mixer, makes its Oregon debut during Portland's 4th Annual PDX Fashion Week October 19-24. Designers, models and 'fashionistas' can unwind after a long day on the catwalk with a stylish Modmix cocktail available at the main and VIP bars during PDX Fashion Week.

Exclusive to the PDX Fashion Show, Modmix has created two signature drinks to celebrate the event entitled the "Fashionista Margarita" and the "Couture Mojito." Both specialty cocktails embody the spirit of Portland with the style of the show and can best be described as Portland perfection with a twist!"

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Happy Hallow-Eats!

"BOULDER, CO (October 17, 2007) - Organic Orbit and the Boulder convivium of Slow Food team up for a special "Hallow-Eats at the Orbit"dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 28th. Tickets are $55 for Slow Food members and $65 for non-members and include a welcome glass of champagne or "Hallowtini" at the door. Please send checks made payable to Slow Food Boulder to P.O. Box 991, Niwot, CO 80544. Checks will confirm the reservation.

Net proceeds from the dinner go to Boulder non-profit ¡Cultiva!, a youth-operated organic garden. Participating youth learn how to care for and protect the environment, operate a small business and take part in a variety of activities, which create positive change for the community, the environment and themselves."

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GAP Fights USDA Over Mushroom Troubles

"WASHINGTON - October 18 - Today, the Government Accountability Project (GAP) requested that the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP) initiate an investigation into violations of organic standards allegedly committed by a mushroom production company based in California. A formal complaint from GAP was submitted earlier today against Golden Gourmet Mushrooms, Inc. (GGM) of San Diego County.

According to documents acquired by GAP, the specialty mushroom company may have violated organic standards and public confidence in several ways, including:

* The sale of conventional mushroom products as organic
* The manipulation of organic certification documents
* Making false claims regarding the nature and origin of its mushroom products."

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Organic and Eco-Friendly for Halle Berry's Baby

"First-time mom-to-be Halle Berry is beginning to plan her nursery, and the Oscar-winning actress is keeping the planet in mind. At the premiere of her new film Things We Lost in the Fire last night, Halle said the baby's room is "going to be organic and eco-friendly."

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Only 8% of Farmers in the Philippines Are Green

"KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/16 October) -- Organic agriculture still remains a "speck in the dust" in Mindanao, with only around 7% to 8% of farmers adopting it, an advocate said.

Tom Villarin, executive director of the non-government group Siad in Mindanao Convergence for Asset Reform and Regional Development, said most of the farmers practicing organic agriculture are those in remote areas.

"They practice organic agriculture because they have no choice as accessibility to synthetic inputs is difficult," Villarin noted during the "Mindanao Celebration of World Food Day" Monday."

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Search for Organic Coupons

"As shoppers become more selective in making healthful choices at the supermarket, many shoppers are opting for organic grocery products. In the past, shoppers had to make a special trip to buy organic foods, as they were available only at specialty natural and health food markets. Today, almost every type of grocery store and supermarket has a selection of organic foods as shopper demand for organic food increases.

To stay competitive, traditional supermarkets have increased their selection of natural and organic foods. This makes sense, since most shoppers buy some organic items but also need traditional grocery staples. Being able to buy everything they need at one store is a convenience every shopper appreciates.

One of the challenges to becoming an organic shopper is finding affordable options. Most organic grocery products are more expensive than their non-organic options. If a household is buying just a few organic items each week, the impact on their household's grocery spending is minimal. However, making a complete conversion to buying only organic dairy, meat, cereals, snacks, juices and produce will definitely impact a household's grocery budget."

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29% Say Organic is a Waste of Money

"Savannah, GA--As part of an agreement with the North American Millers' Association (NAMA), Harris Interactive (HI) conducted an online interview with more than 2,000 adults in the continental United States.

After the data was analyzed, Humphrey Taylor, chairman of The Harris Poll, presented theresults of teh poll at NAMA's 2007 Annual Meeting in Savannah, GA.

Consumers were asked questions about purchasing habits for groceries, what they thought of organic food, and their perception of the safety of the U.S. food supply.

To the question, "Is organic food worth the money?", 36% agreed that "Organic food is much better for you and, even though it usually costs more, the extra expense is worth it to have better food."

Another 36% were "Not sure" and 29% agreed that "Organic food is a waste of money as it is no better for you than conventional foods available in the supermarkets."

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Organic Growth in Brazil

"In Brazil, the organic product sector has become a growing market, expanding above the average of the conventional food, beverage and cosmetics sectors. Producing and selling green has turned into something more professional and gained scale. Worldwide, it has a yearly turnover of US$ 40 billion and growth of 30%.

Over the last two years there has been 50% expansion in sales, in Brazil, well above that identified in other countries, large global consumers of products free of pesticides, like Germany and the United States.

Biofach Latin America 2007, which began Tuesday, October 16, in the sidelines of ExpoSustentat, in the city of São Paulo, in the Brazilian southeast, confirms the sector's growth trajectory."

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Organic Struggles in China

"The US market for organic foods is expanding into traditionally improbable markets like Middle America -- predictably raising concerns about the Wal-martization of organic food. The industry to fill that demand is booming as well -- but in a location that is somewhat unlikely, and yet in some senses altogether predictable: China. Chinese organic produce, milk, and even livestock are serving demand thousands of miles away."

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Amish Naturals Acquires Amish Wholesale Bakery

"Amish Naturals (AMNT) today announces the cash acquisition of the thirty-year-old Schlabach Amish Wholesale Bakery in Benton, Ohio. They produce a large variety of all-natural gourmet foods, featuring proprietary Amish recipes for granola, nutritional bars, and other whole grain cereal products. They are currently offered in hundreds of retail and specialty outlets, including Whole Foods, Giant Eagle, Dutch Valley, Van Kampen and more. The bakery will continue to manufacture their complete line of gourmet granola products from their present location and continue utilizing their same hands-on methods and formulas.

David C. Skinner, Sr., Amish Naturals' President and CEO, adds, "This is an exciting time for Amish Naturals. The Amish bakery products are very high quality, filled with natural ingredients, and they fit perfectly with the Amish Naturals' mission. We are thrilled that Schlabach Bakery recognized Amish Naturals as a natural fit for expanding their distribution and production capabilities. Also, the reorganization of our sales divisions will fit perfectly with the company's goals to offer the finest Amish made food products to markets nationwide."

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Buying Organic in Dallas

"Here are a variety of sources for local fresh produce and meats.

Burgundy Pasture Beef: A family-owned pastured beef ranch with its own Burgundy Boucherie retail outlet in Grandview. Makes regular delivery runs to Dallas. 800 McDuff Ave. (Highway 4), Grandview; 817-866-2247; www.burgundypasturebeef.com.

Central Market: The supermarket that does the best, most diligent job of bringing in produce from local farmers; signs above individual items show their source. CM also carries many local artisanal cheeses and locally produced foods, from Xochitl organic tortilla chips made in Dallas to Organic Valley Texas Pastures organic milk sourced from local farms. www.centralmarket.com."

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The First European Fraud Workshop

"How can a pro-active risk management recognise and prevent fraud attempts? How are traders, label organisations, certification bodies and authorities dealing with fraud in the organic sector? These were the central topics of discussion among 60 experts at the first European Fraud Workshop, held on 2 and 3 October 2007 at the Research Institute for Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in Frick, Switzerland.

The market for organic food is growing rapidly in Europe, North America and Asia. The flow of trade is becoming more international and there is a shortage in the supply of various commodities. This leads to a situation where those who do not take the organic requirements seriously are tempted to enter the lucrative market."

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Cocaine Today, Organic Tomorrow

"THE Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, has hit out at double standards among the better-off in Irish society who use cocaine on a Saturday night and eat organic food on Sunday.

In a wide-ranging interview, Archbishop Martin also called for money and property seized from criminals by the Criminal Assets Bureau to be given back to communities.

Renewing his proposal for a national summit of community leaders to address violent crime in spite of its rejection by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, the Archbishop pointed out that British Prime Minister Gordon Brown shared his view that the battle against crime will be won at the level of communities."

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Iloilo City to Hold 4th National Organic Agriculture Congress

"The 4th National Organic Agriculture Congress opens in Iloilo City on October 17-18, 2007 at the Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center. The theme of the Congress is "Converging Thrusts for the Organic Industry Development in the Philippines."

This event is organized by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fishery Product Standards of the Department of Agriculture (DA-BAFPS), headed by Director Gilbert Layese. The Congress is organized in cooperation with the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) chaired by Prof. Marilou Ang – Lopez, and the Panay Organic Producers Association, Inc (POPA), headed by Ms. Dawn Jamandre. ABS-CBN is the media partner for the event."

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USDA to Discuss Permitted Ingredients

"The US National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will next month meet to examine whether certain substances should continue to be permitted for use in organic food production.

Ingredients to be reviewed at the November 28 meeting include agar-agar, animal enzymes, calcium sulfate, and glucono delta-lactone, and cellulose.

The meeting will also consider the proposal to allow gellan gum and grape seed extract for use in organic food production."

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The Organic Buying States

"According to a recent survey Austin ranks number seven in organic buying, behind western strongholds of San Francisco and Seattle.

Scarborough Research found that 35 percent of San Francisco adults used organic food in the past month, making it the top U.S. city for organic fans.

Austin didn’t rank far behind, with 23 percent of adults buying organic."

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Sundia Introduces Organic Fruit Cups

"Extending its True Fruit(TM) cup product line, Sundia Corporation, the nation's fastest growing produce brand, today announced two industry firsts: ready-to-eat organic as well as low calorie/low carb fruit cups.

Sundia unveils two extensions of its True Fruit(TM) line -- Lite and Organic -- both industry firsts, only a few months since the line first debuted in July. The unveiling makes Sundia the only company to offer retailers low-carb, low-calorie as well as organic fruit cup products."

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Organic Gives U.S. a Good Name

"FINLAND, Minn. — The current state of America's food industry reads like a litany of unmitigated disasters. Consider just a few of the most recent events:

-The discovery of contaminated food imports — chiefly from China — with the potential for sickening and, in some cases, killing, tens of thousands of unwary consumers.

-Congress once again bypassing sensible agricultural reforms and doling out billons of dollars in misguided subsidies to giant companies engaging in industrial-strength agriculture."

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The Prince's Garden

"HIGHGROVE HOUSE, England -- The head gardener to Prince Charles here has gotten used to unusual requests from the heir to the British throne.

Like the time David Howard was asked if he could cut yew bushes into various shapes to represent the "Platonic Solids" from ancient Greece.

"I said, 'Yes sir, of course I could,' then worried about it later," Howard said."

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Justin's Nut Butter Receives Loan from Whole Foods

"Justin's Nut Butter, a Boulder-based company that produces organic peanut butter in a variety of flavors, received a $25,000 micro loan from Whole Foods Market to expand its new line of squeeze packs - a portable pouch of the company's peanut butter.

The company's jarred peanut butter has been on Whole Foods' shelves for the past three years and is sold in six regions. Justin Gold, the company's founder and chief executive, was skeptical about whether his company would qualify for the loan.

"I had heard that they were doing a micro loan program for Rocky Mountain region and didn't think a company like mine would qualify, so I didn't take it seriously," Gold said. "I received a generic e-mail about it and made a phone call, and the timing was perfect for our company because I had just raised a little bit of capital and was able to put the loan right into our plan with payment schedules."

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Caring for Roses Organically

"Robert Powell knows what do with this newspaper when he's done with it: shred it, compost it and let his garden eat it.

"What else are you going to do with a pile of newspapers at the end of the week?" Powell said after checking his compost pile for earthworms. "I try not to put the slick ads in." He likes the black-and-white pages best, and, apparently, so do the worms that wiggle over freshly turned soil peppered with decomposing bits of old news.

Shredded newspaper is just one part of Powell's organic gardening strategy. While his practices are not completely organic (yet), he's been moving away from synthetic fertilizers and sprays for the past two years."

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Yeo's Organic Yogurt Sticks for Kids

"As the battle against childhood obesity rages on, organic dairy brand Yeo Valley has taken the initiative and is launching Yeo’s - a new range of healthy organic yoghurt sticks designed by Blue Marlin Brand Design especially for kids. The innovative new packs consistof tasty thick creamy organic fruit yoghurt squeezed into handy tubes.

Yeo’s feature friendly, fun bug characters, and use speech bubbles to ‘talk’ to kids. This highly creative approach, using strong colours relevant to the fruit flavour in each tube has been designed to help the brand build a powerful relationship with children."

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The Wedge Buys into Organic

"The Wedge gets into the organic farming business

The Wedge Co-op, one of the nation's largest consumer-owned food cooperatives, said Monday it has agreed to buy Gardens of Eagan, a 100-acre, certified-organic farm in Farmington, Minn., for $1.5 million.

The Minneapolis-based natural and organic food cooperative has more than 13,000 member-owners and posted sales of $37 million for its fiscal year ended Sept. 30.

In its 33-year history has grown to become the largest single store, consumer-owned, natural food cooperative in the United States."

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Organic Coffee Sales Through the Roof in '06

"U.S. retail sales of organic coffee in 2006 increased 24 percent to 110.36 million dollars, according to the Organic Trade Association's (OTA's) 2007 Organic Manufacturer Survey, the result of increased consumer awareness, availability and high quality.

(PRWEB) - Sales of organic coffee are growing faster than one can say, "Espresso, please!" U.S. retail sales of organic coffee in 2006 increased 24 percent to 110.36 million dollars, according to the Organic Trade Association's (OTA's) 2007 Organic Manufacturer Survey.

There are some estimates that indicate actual sales could be even higher."

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Wal-Mart May Be the Largest Organic Retailer

"A new report by Scarborough Research finds that the nation's largest retailer is also the nation's largest organic retailer. The retailer sells the most organic foods (though Whole Foods has a higher concentration of organic merchandise) and has the most organic shoppers. According to the report 29% of organic consumers have shopped at a Wal-Mart Supercenter during the past week.

"An organics user's local grocery store availability will dictate where they shop. Whole Foods and Trader Joe's have established themselves in the organics market, and as such are more popular among organics users. However, a high percentage of organics users shop prominent U.S. stores such as Wal-Mart due to its significant local market penetration," said Alisa Joseph of Scarborough Research."

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Ozone Organics: Fast Food to Feel Good About

"Yummy fast food without the guilt.

It's a concept that may propel a new London eatery into the ozone.

The Ozone Organics restaurant opened this summer at Hyde Park and Fanshawe Park Roads, serving up healthier versions of fast-food favourites such as burgers, hot dogs and french fries."

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Testing Green Cleaners

"Many cleaning products claim they're friendly to the environment, but there are no government standards to make them prove it.

So, Consumer Reports' Shop Smart magazine took a closer look to see how "green" they really are -- and how well they get stains out!

Consumer Reports senior editor Mandy Walker stopped by The Early Show Friday with the results.

Sales of green household cleaners grew to roughly $4.3 billion in 2005, the latest year for which such data is available, up 11 percent from 2004."

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Big Stonyfield News: Everything's Organic!

"This month, we achieved a dream I've had for 25 years. With the conversion of our 6-oz fat free yogurts to organic, everything we make is now organic! I could not be more excited. A couple weeks ago, we even shut down our Yogurt Works for an afternoon so we could all get together to celebrate.

Our now-retired founder and my former longtime partner Samuel Kaymen came to the party and said a few words about why, in the early ‘80s, he started the little farming school that eventually became our yogurt company. He told us how the demise of agriculture has nearly always preceded the fall of great civilizations, and said he’d begun teaching sustainable, organic farming to encourage an alternative to unsustainable, chemical-intensive farming."

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So exciting!

The Real Dirt on Farmer John: An Organic Movie

"The reality of maintaining the family farm is told in the film "The Real Dirt on Farmer John," to be presented at 5 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the University of Hawaii's Spalding Auditorium.

Slow Food O'ahu and Town Restaurant present the film, which has won more than 30 film festival awards for its representation of the story of Illinois farmer John Peterson and his struggle to keep his farm and go organic.

A question-and-answer session with Peterson will follow the 5 p.m. screening."

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CCOF Approves Biochemical Pesticide Aerial Spraying?!

"California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) Sells Out
CCOF approves of biochemical pesticide aerial spraying.

LBAMspray.info contacted Peggy Miars, Executive Director of California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), on 10//10/07 at approximately 9:15AM to hear CCOF's opinion on the state's proposed aerial spraying of biochemical pesticides on urban populations.

Executive Director Miars was asked how CCOF came to the decision to support the aerial pesticide spraying. Her response was, "Our farmers want it, so we support it". When asked if CCOF has researched or read any information other than what has been provided by California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), Peggy Miars replied, "No, we have not".

When asked if she had attended any of the public meetings related to this issue, she replied again that she had not."

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Organic Cookies Served at Delaware Elementary School

"Students at Milton Elementary School will have the opportunity to participate in a new program this year, Green Halloween. The day after Halloween, students will exchange their traditional Halloween candy for a greener and cleaner bag of treats. Bella’s Cookies is organizing this annual event in an effort to raise the awareness of the health & nutritional dangers lurking in traditional treats given to children during the Halloween celebration.

The concept of “Green Halloween” is to put an eco-friendly spin on the celebration through a variety of easy to follow green practices and to raise the awareness of the dangers found in certain foods. Candy and treats filled with high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors & flavors, and preservatives are given without hesitation to children who enjoy dressing in costume and shouting “Trick or Treat.” Bella’s Cookies of Milton is helping change the thinking of parents and treat-givers through their organization of a Green Halloween in Delaware. Milton Elementary School will pilot this year’s celebration, with a successful program extending to additional Cape Henlopen elementary schools in subsequent years. The concept of Green Halloween is to think creatively and earth-friendly; that treasures and trinkets are enjoyed by children just as much as treats and candy. When giving or receiving treats, parents and children are urged to look for ones without ingredients known to pose health dangers. With juvenile diabetes on the rise, allergic reactions and hyperactivity linked to certain ingredients, alternatives to the norm are easier to find than some might think. An example of those alternatives will be given to students at Milton Elementary School this year, from Bella’s Cookies."

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U.S. Resort to Serve Organic Foods

"Vail Resorts will serve natural meats and organic dairy products at five of its ski areas through a partnership with two Colorado companies.

The resort operator said at a press conference today that it will purchase 90 percent of its fresh meats from Coleman Natural and 87 percent of its butter, milk and other dairy products through WhiteWave Foods Co., which makes Horizon Organic dairy products and Silk soymilk products.

Broomfield-based Vail will serve the fare starting this winter in 40 dining establishments at its Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly ski resorts."

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Major Organic Study to Begin in Australia

"Retailers and distributors of certified organic food are encouraged to participate in a major industry survey being conducted by the University of New England.

The research project will document the size and scope of the Australian organic industry in domestic and export markets, and will help the organic industry to effectively plan for future growth."

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Organic Flash Frozen Baby Food

"Tampa, Florida--Parents want what's best for their kids. Many spend hours making homemade meals to get their babies and toddlers to eat their vegetables. All that cooking from scratch, can take a toll on busy moms & dads.

South Tampa mom, Marlene Sundquist, was one of those parents who spent countless hours cooking and freezing organic mini meals for her two year old daughter, Mei lin."

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Saving the Environment in Turkey with Organic

"A recent project by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Parks Department will be switching to organic production as it aims to save the Torbalı basin that covers an important part of city's water supply from pollution caused by fertilizers.

Villagers in Yeni Bulgurca have already agreed not to use fertilizers, a decision which will help to conserve the environment with less intensive use of land."

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Honolulu Behind in Organics

"Honolulu is slightly below the average U.S. city when it comes to eating organic food, according to a survey by New York-based Scarborough Research.

The survey found that 16 percent of Honolulu adults used organic food products in their household during the last month, just below the national average of 17 percent.

San Francisco and Seattle were top-ranking cities in organic food consumption, while Des Moines, Iowa, rounded out the bottom.

But the organic consumer pie in Honolulu is expected to grow as Whole Foods Market moves into the state over the next three years."

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Organic Trade Group Registers to Monitor Organic Activity

"NEW YORK (Associated Press) - The Organic Trade Association, which represents companies that provide organic food, textiles and personal care products, has registered to lobby the federal government for the first time, according to a disclosure form.

The Greenfield, Mass.-based group _ whose members include Whole Foods Market Inc., the Hain Celestial Group Inc. and Nike Inc. _ will monitor and lobby on issues related to organic agriculture, according to the form posted online Sept. 27 by the Senate's public records office."

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Sipal Introduces Organic Fructose Syrup

"Sipal Partners has developed an organic fructose syrup with exceptionally high fructose content, providing a sweetener low in calories and with a low glycemic index for a growing market sector in Europe.

Fructose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) found mainly in honey, tree fruits, berries, melons, and some root vegetables.

The GI measures how quickly certain foods release carbohydrates into the body, which then raise consumers' blood glucose levels. High GI foods cause blood sugar levels to rise more rapidly. Therefore, because of its low GI, fructose has been recommended as an alternative to sugar for people with diabetes mellitus or hypoglycaemia."

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O'Naturals Opens Near Ground Zero

"2007-10-10 — O'Naturals, the country's first natural and organic quick-service restaurant chain, has begun operations in New York City and is poised to do the same in cafeterias and kiosks across the U.S

As a result of a partnership announced earlier this year between O'Naturals and Compass Group, the world's largest foodservice company, an O'Naturals location is now serving diners at American Express headquarters at the World Financial Center, near Ground Zero in New York City."

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O'Naturals is a pretty good place. I have a few complaints about it, but I think the overall idea is great. Although it's true that it costs more than regular fast food and the amount of calories and fat in most of their items is almost comparable to a Big Mac, the ingredients are still higher quality and generally taste better.

Japan's Organic Troubles

"Japan's 5,000 organic farmers are a minority among the country's 1.96 million commercial farms, but as the trend towards green food continues to rise around the world, they are finding their crops are in high demand. In anticipation of an increased demand for pesticide-free food products following the approval last year of a law promoting organic farming, the Farm Ministry has asked for a 500 million yen budget for research testing, technology development and marketing for 2008.

Growing Japanese preference for organically grown rice and vegetables was reflected in a 2004 Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries survey that found 42 percent of consumers prefer to buy green, while another 94 percent are likely to go green in the future.

Even overseas, demand for Japanese organic products is on the rise. Clearspring Limited, a London-based importer, had a four-fold increase in its business, mainly driven by organic products. The firm is the biggest importer of Japanese organic food in the U.K. and supplies to the two largest supermarket chains. Its best selling items include green teas, miso, rice cakes and crackers, vinegars, soy sauces, sake, and soba and udon noodles. Sale of umeboshi or pickled plums is picking up, the Japan Times quoted Clearspring's chairman Christopher Dawson."

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West Coast Has the Most Organic Consumers

"The West Coast is a stronghold for organics consumers, according to a recent analysis from Scarborough Research.

Scarborough finds that 35 percent of San Francisco adults used organic foods during the past month, making it the top U.S. city for organics users*. Seattle (32 percent of Seattle adults used organic foods during the past month), Portland, OR (27 percent), Washington D.C. and Denver (26 percent, each) and San Diego (24 percent) round out the top markets for organics consumers. In the total U.S., 17 percent of all adults are organics users.

Out of the 79 local markets measured by Scarborough, 23 were identified as organics markets**, or those markets that have an above-average percentage of organics consumers. Of these 23 organics markets, more than half (13 cities) are in the Western census region, more than one-quarter (six cities) are in the Southern census region, three cities are in the Northeast, and one is in the Midwest (Minneapolis, MN)."

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Human Urine: The New Fertilizer?

"Finnish scientists have discovered an inexpensive, abundantly available, effective and undeniably organic crop fertilizer: human urine.

Although urine has been used as fertilizer since ancient times, its use is rare today. However, it has gained attention in some areas as farmers increasingly embrace organic production methods and try to reduce use of synthetic fertilizers.

The scientists noted urine from healthy individuals is virtually sterile, free of bacteria or viruses and naturally rich in nitrogen and other nutrients."

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I can't help but say ewwww!!!

De Anza College Gets Green

"De Anza College's newly remodeled Hinson Campus Center broke ground in the fight for a more environmentally friendly campus and made an unprecedented step forward by serving organic and sustainable food at a California Community College.

"We're the first California Community College to have organic and sustainable food on campus," said WISE 37 club founder and president, Elizabeth Nevigato.

Student environmentalist leaders in the De Anza club, with initials that stand for "Working to Institute a Sustainable Environment on the 37th parallel," worked on a year long campaign to bring organic and locally grown food to De Anza. The college currently employs ALBA Organics, the Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association, based in Salinas."

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Silvio's Pizza Serves Up Organic Slices

"Aren't you tired of chain delis and "authentic" burrito joints? Well, Silvio's Pizza is a great lunch alternative. Upon entering, the "young artists wall," a spot covered in children's paintings, sets the right tone: very relaxed and comfortable, featuring café sized tables (barely fits 2), pictures of mountains and environmentally friendly fliers filling in the eatery. (Hippies flock here, thinking they are saving the world by eating organic pizza and recycling. This place feels like Amsterdam without the brownies.)

Aside from the mellow vibe, what sets Silvio's apart from the chain restaurants is the food. Although it's hidden in the building where Sushi.come is, Silvio's charm shines through. The emphasis on organic ingredients means you can taste the difference; the pizza isn't greasy, it doesn't taste like canned tomatoes, and the spices don't overpower the rest of the pie. Although pepperoni is still available, the pizza options feature unique options like anchovies, eggplant, asparagus and shrimp pizzas. If you don't see a combination that fits you, that okay because Silvio will cater to your creative pizza vision. Prices for pizzas are $1.75-2.75 a slice, and $8-20 for a pie. There are also many other types of foods like pasta, sandwiches, calzones, soups, and salads with prices ranging from $5-9.50."

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Superfood Chocolate Drink Powder from Amazing Grass

"Amazing Grass has combined their premium blend of superfoods with the great taste and health benefits of organic cacao to create Green SuperFood Chocolate Drink Powder. This innovative new drink mix is an easy and delicious way for people to gain healthy servings of fruits and vegetables. Approximately 90% of the U.S. population does not obtain the recommended 5-9 servings per day. Just one serving of the new drink mix blended with milk helps consumers achieve the new FDA food pyramid guide’s daily serving of fruits and vegetables. The individual single-serving packets are convenient for traveling, too.

Offered in a 30-serving scoopable canister for $27.99, and a 15-count box of individual serving packets for $21.99, Green SuperFood Chocolate Drink Powder contains more than 3,000 mg of organic green superfoods in each serving. The Amazing Grass Green SuperFood blend is a unique and potent combination of nature’s most nourishing, cleansing and rebuilding green superfoods including organic wheat grass, barley grass, alfalfa, spirulina, spinach, chlorella and broccoli. It is widely available around the country including Whole Foods markets and Wild Oats, and can also be purchased at www.AmazingGrass.com."

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Organic Buyer Survey

"Those who buy organic food regularly are still a small minority, but a growing one. Organic food is seen by most people as safer, better for the environment and healthier, but more expensive. Most organic food buyers overwhelmingly believe it tastes better and is worth the extra cost.

These are some of the findings of a Harris Poll of 2,392 adults surveyed online between September 11 and 18, 2007 by Harris Interactive®.

The main findings are:

-Only seven percent of all adults report buying organic food “all or most of the time.” A further 31 percent say they buy it occasionally;
-Some segments of the population are more likely to buy organic foods regularly: college graduates (11%), Liberals (11%), Westerners (10%), Echo Boomers (those aged 18-30; 10%), and Gen Xers (those aged 31-42; 9%)"

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Dairy Prices are Crazy!

"While conventional dairy processors continue to fret over increasing prices for milk powder and other ingredients, a leading US organic group believes that current conditions in the commodities market will continue to boost industry profitability.

Dano Strong, vice president for marketing at Naturally Iowa, told DairyReporter.com that as prices for conventional milk products continue to rise, the cost disparity between organic dairy goods will be much less of an issue for consumers."

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More on Organic in Bulgaria

"Numerous articles and news items released during the last months confirm that organic farming and food in Bulgaria is increasingly gaining public attention in the country and abroad. Organic agriculture was introduced to Bulgaria in 1990, when agricultural land was put into small plots and distributed among the population after the fall of the communism.

..Currently, 90 % of all Bulgarian organic food is exported to wealthier EU member states. The country’s crops include fruits (apples, peaches, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, and grapes for wine-making), nuts (walnuts and almonds), herbs and spices (dill, peppermint, lavender and many others) as well as essential oils, tobacco, and vegetables. Cows, sheep and goats are kept for the production of milk, yoghurt and cheese. Lamb and calf meat is available as well as organic jam and honey."

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Peacework Organic Farm Owner Wins Contest

"Elizabeth Henderson has been named the winner of Abundance Cooperative Market’s Cooperative for Community contest.

The contest seeks to recognize individuals who are working to build sustainable food systems. Henderson runs Peacework Organic Farm in Arcadia, Wayne County. She wins a $100 gift certificate from Abundance and dinner for two at Lento Restaurant."

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Aurora Sees $100 Million

"Embattled Aurora Organic Dairy (AOD) is set to see dairy sales top $100 million this year, according to Marc Gunther of Fortune magazine.

During an interview at the Natural Products Expo East trade show in Baltimore last week, AOD's President Mark Retzloff said he wants the organic dairy business to grow quickly and take advantage of economies of scale to bring down prices and give more consumers access to organic milk.

The article said the organic dairy industry should reach $3.5 billion by 2010, about half consisting of organic milk sales, double today's level, the article said citing investment banking giant J.P. Morgan."

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Milk Protein Undeclared in Charlemagne Organic Chocolate

"The public warning issued on October 5, 2007 has been expanded to include one additional product, the Orange flavour Bio Organic chocolate, as well as to include all Batch codes and Best Before dates of the four affected products.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning people with allergies to milk protein not to consume Charlemagne Chocolatiers Bio Organic Chocolates described below. The affected products may contain milk which is not declared on the label.

All Batch codes and Best Before dates of the following Charlemagne Chocolatiers Chocolates, imported from Belgium are affected by this alert:

Product Size UPC Code
Plain Bio Organic 50 g 5 425001 204014 All codes
Cinnamon Bio Organic 50 g 5 425001 204052 All codes
Coffee Bio Organic 50 g 5 425001 204038 All codes
Orange Bio Organic 50 g 5 425001 204021 All codes"

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Celebrate Harvest Season at NY Markets

"CELEBRATE HARVEST season at markets that include organic growers.

Alice Waters, chef and author of "The Art of Simple Food" (Clarkson Potter, $35), shares these picks:

Union Square Greenmarket, New York City

Waters says now is the best time of year to shop because the seasons are bridged. You can still buy sweet corn, while apples and other fall crops are arriving as well; (212) 788-7476."

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Organic Vegan Restaurant Opens in Turkey

"Life Co’s Saf Restaurant has just opened its third branch in Turkey. Located in Kuruçesme, the outlet offers a variety of organic snacks, salads and drinks. Shakes and fresh juices are also available. The company's wraps are served with international spices like Thai, Italian Tofu or Mexican, or in traditional Turkish style. Salads are offered as well as deserts. Life Co's Saf is the first to sell non-dairy organic ice cream in Turkey."

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United Natural Foods Introduces Organic Roots, Matzo, Couscous and Bloody Mary Mix

"United Natural Foods is growing beyond its organic roots, adding matzo, couscous and Bloody Mary mix.

The Killingly-based food distributor announced Friday that it is expanding into the ethnic and specialties food market by acquiring Millbrook Distribution Services of Leicester, Mass.

The deal will give United Natural, the country's largest distributor of natural and organic foods, a major presence in a complimentary market. Millbrook Distribution is among the largest U.S. distributors of ethnic and specialty foods, with products ranging from Terra Chips to Thai Kitchen's Original Pad Thai."

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Knit Green

"As the attempt to make everything eco-friendly sweeps the country, knitters too are finding green options. They're hungry to try new yarns, and the industry is responding with more natural fibers.

Specialty magazines such as Interweave Knits and knit.1 have devoted space to the topic this year. "The main motivation was really pretty simple — it was about time for somebody to really examine what organic means," says Interweave Knits editor Eunny Jang.

She attributes the sudden ubiquity of organic choices to increased supply and the Internet, which makes it easier to buy yarns from distant sources. With this growing availability, though, comes confusion over what, exactly, is green."

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Many American Consumers STILL Don't Understand Organic Labels

"Not sure what the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) organic seal really means, an increasing number of consumers are choosing locally grown food instead.

A recent survey by Mambo Sprouts Marketing, which gathered comments from 850 buyers of organic/natural products, indicated confusion and mistrust of the USDA label, along with a perception that its organic standards are declining.

Just under 50% of those polled believed the USDA seal promised 100% organic contents. Around 25% believed the seal indicates at least 95% organic; 16 % interpreted the label to mean more than 70% organic, and 12% felt it indicated "some organic."

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GMO Testing for Organic Products

"A recent disturbing incident of GMO contamination of organic soybeans raises the question of whether organic foods should be tested for genetically modified material. The US National Organic Program rules prohibit GMOs in organics but don't require methods to prohibit GMO contamination or establish thresholds for adventitious GM presence. The Organic & Non-GMO Report surveyed organic industry experts to obtain their thoughts on the question of testing."

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China's Green Yard Farm Leading the Way in Organic

"Cows at Green Yard, one of China's first organic dairies, enjoy a pampered life in the country. They take daily strolls in the pasture. For a morning snack, the cows graze on grass untouched by pesticides.

When it's time for a more filling meal, they dine on organic hay from Inner Mongolia, or perhaps sweetcorn, grown right on the farm. When they get sick, they take only traditional Chinese medicine.

The man behind Green Yard is Wang Zhanli, a farmer born in Yanqing, about two hours' drive from Beijing. He persuaded 50 of his neighbours to invest in his business."

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World Will Be Hurt by Air Freight Ban

"Banning air freighting of organic fruit and veg would seriously compromise the livelihoods of farmers in the developing world, says a new report from the ITC.

The Soil Association, which is responsible for certification of 70 per cent of the UK's organic produce, has been considering the measure as one of several options to reduce carbon emissions caused by organic produce being flow into the UK - a rather embarrassing side effect of the organic cause, which is largely driven by green interests."

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The Patron Saint of Organic?

"For a guy born, as CBS News correspondent Mark Phillips puts it, with a drawer full of silver spoons in his mouth, Prince Charles often doesn't get much of a break.

But, says Phillips, his romantic history aside, the prince is now being credited with being well ahead of the curve on some of the more popular causes of our time -- environmental protection, and organic farming and gardening.

In October 2005, Charles told 60 Minutes, "I'm just trying to say that we ought to redefine the way in which progress is, is seen. Is it progress to rush headlong into upsetting the whole balance of nature, which is what I think we're beginning to do?"

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Organic Foods Become More Affordable in Kaua'i

"Organic groceries are becoming more accessible all over Kaua‘i. But does accessibility translate into affordability?

While many of the standard box store markets boast an organic section, prices often reflect the celebrity status of the product. At its purest level, supporting organics should stem from a virtuous effort to care for the planet and for our bodies. On the Mainland that may have been the rule for many a transplant, but the reality of living by virtue alone fades with a dwindling bank account."

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Really Cool Foods Creates Jobs in Indiana

"Cambridge City - A large number of jobs are heading to Indiana.

Really Cool Foods, an organic foods company based in New York City, is relocating its headquarters and primary operations to Cambridge City in Wayne County. The move is expected to bring a thousand jobs to the state.

"Only in America can you have an idea and be standing here a few short years later in front of a field just waiting for what will be the most modern, innovative, the most important prepared food production center in the world," said Really Cool Foods founder Mike Reconati.

The company is a premier manufacturer of organic natural fresh prepared foods."

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