E.T. Horn Introduces Organic Maltodextrin

"LA MIRADA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The E.T. Horn Company, a leading national distributor, supplier, marketer, and manufacturer of specialty chemicals and ingredients, today announced it will begin marketing Maltrin OR™, a hypoallergenic maltodextrin, and R230, a rice syrup solid, both of which are rice-based organics and manufactured by Grain Processing Corporation (GPC). Grown and produced domestically, the products are expected to be popular with food manufacturers who plan to complement their conventional product lines with organic alternatives.

Organic food sales, fueled by increasing consumer demand, increased 22% over the previous year to nearly $17 billion. Maltrin OR and R230 are both suitable for a wide variety of applications such as frozen desserts, healthy snacks, sports beverages and nutrition bars.

Certified organic by the USDA and QAI, both ingredients will expand a robust organic product line offered by E.T. Horn’s FoodTech Group."

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Organic Chocolate Lovers Will Stick With Organic

"Josiane Kremer, a spokesperson at chocolate manufacturer Barry Callebaut, believes the future is bright for organic chocolate, at least.

She explained to ConfectioneryNews.com: "In general, consumers accept a higher price for organic chocolate, in particular in Great Britain and in the USA, where the price for a kilo of organic chocolate is about three times higher than that for conventional chocolate.

"Organic chocolate is a premium product. Therefore the demand for organic chocolate is less price-sensitive."

She added that the demand for organic products is not short-term, it is rather a trend that has been around for a decade, one that marks a significant shift in consumer conduct.

"Organic products continue to represent a market that is seeing dynamic development and continuous growth in demand", Kremer said."

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Pizza Fusion Wins Environmental Business Award

"May 29, 2008 // Franchising.com // Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – The Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department recently recognized Pizza Fusion (www.pizzafusion.com) with their prestigious Emerald Trophy Award. The Emerald Award Program recognizes businesses for their voluntary efforts in four areas: waste reduction, recycling, improved operating practices, and other "green" strategies that reduce pollution and waste. Pizza Fusion was acknowledged under the Innovative Procedures/Process Improvement category of the award.

"This county program encourages businesses and government to be mindful of the impact their operations have on the environment and recognizes those who take steps to mitigate negative impacts," states Broward County Mayor Lois Wexler."

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Missouri Family Wins Organic Makeover

"Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) May 29, 2008 -- Go Organic! for Earth Day™, a national campaign that educates and increases consumer awareness of the benefits of organic food and agriculture, today announced the winner of its national organic grocery makeover contest. Jennifer Boaz and family of Lee’s Summit, Mo., will receive a full pantry, refrigerator and freezer makeover and cooking lesson with “Mom-a-licious” chef Domenica Catelli on June 30.

Go Organic! for Earth Day kicked off this year’s campaign by giving families nationwide an opportunity to win an organic grocery makeover. Contestants submitted photos of their family, pantry, refrigerator and freezer, and provided a brief explanation of why they needed a fresh new start. Entries were judged on the family’s desire to adopt organic and the opportunity to make a significant change in the food they eat."

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Eco Expo 2008

"Trilogy by Shea Homes, the country?s first national green home builder, will host a series of free Eco Expos in eight of their Active Lifestyle communities, including Trilogy at La Quinta, beginning May 25th. The Expos will feature a light bulb giveaway wherein consumers will receive a free GE compact fluorescent bulb, which is four to six times more efficient than standard bulbs.

As part of the demonstration of how to ?live green,? Trilogy is also giving away a Toyota Prius hybrid car with each home purchased between May 17th and June 15th, 2008.

The Trilogy at La Quinta Eco Expo will take place Saturday, June 14th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Exhibitors at the event will include Imperial Irrigation District offering energy saving tips; Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services with information on easy recycling; Henry?s Market featuring natural and organic food samples and prizes; and, solar energy information from Renova, among many others.

The nationwide Eco Expos will be an opportunity for consumers to learn about Trilogy?s green homes and see eco-friendly products from GE, Moen, Solatube, WeatherTRAK and more. The Expos will include national and local companies showcasing the latest eco-friendly products & services, green living experts and myriad hands-on activities and exhibits from transportation and energy alternatives to home improvement and decorating, green investing, organic food & wine, health & beauty and more."

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St. Luke's Hospital Offering Organic Foods

"You might not expect a hospital cafeteria with organic cookies, fresh bison from Esko and hormone-free milk.

But over the past few years, St. Luke’s hospital has purchased these items increasingly for its patients and staff, along with other locally produced and organic foods.

In a report titled, “Healthy Food in Health Care,” St. Luke’s was identified as one of 127 hospitals nationwide — and the first in Minnesota — working hard to buy locally, purchase more organic food and contribute to the community by donating uneaten food to local food pantries."

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Organic Farmer of the Year

"The Outstanding Organic Farmer of the Year is a yearly award honoring and recognizing talented producers who certify to the Organic Crop Improvement Association level of excellence. OCIA International is one of the world's foremost organic groups, with offices in Canada, the United States, Latin America, and Asia. OCIA Research and Education, Inc., a charitable organization founded by members of OCIA International developed the award program to honor and showcase talented producers who excel in cropping and livestock practices, who are good stewards of the natural environment and who are committed to the organic community.

OCIA Research and Education, Inc., Board member, Larry Glassburn presented the award to Darrell and Marva at the High Plains OCIA Nebraska Chapter Meeting in February. The award was also presented March 1 at the closing banquet of the OCIA Annual General Membership Meeting in Huatulco, Mexico. Lynn Brakke who lives near Moorhead, MN and Eric and Betty Leicht who live near Spalding, Saskatchewan were nominated for the award by their chapter peers and were named as honorable- mention winners at the banquet."

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New Documentary to Answer Organic Questions

"In our rapidly changing world of foods and their origins, most people know that products labeled “Organic” and “Natural” are good for them and the environment. But many people don’t know why. This is the premise of a new video series, Discovering Our Organic Planet - USA, produced by Wide World HD Productions, Seattle, WA.

The series is being created to bring the public up close and personal to develop a better understanding of organic and natural farming practices, foods and products that are produced in harmony with nature. Enthusiasm for the series has been extremely positive, but securing sponsorship funding from the organic community has proved to be a challenge for the producers.

“A better informed public will make smarter choices for the food they consume and for the environment we live in…,” states John Wehman, producer for Discovering Our Organic Planet – USA ”…and we believe that one of the best ways to reach a larger audience is to create an intriguing and entertaining documentary series that will explain the basics of organics so all can understand.”

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Organic Cosmetic Sales May Reach $7 Billion in 2008

"Consumers who are vigilant about what they put into their bodies have proved they also care about what they put on them, making naturals and organics the fastest-growing segment of the cosmetics industry.
more stories like this

According to Organic Monitor, a London consulting company, sales of natural and organic cosmetics are soaring, with revenues projected to approach $7 billion this year in the United States, up $1 billion from last year.

Players like Target and Wal-mart launching their own natural and organic lines, but even small local companies are reaping the rewards."

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Michigan Women and Children In Need Don't Deserve Organic?

"The Women, Infants, and Children program provides food aid to "low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk," according to the USDA website.

The federal government funds the program through grants to states, which then decide how to allocate the cash. Evidently, in Michigan -- a state undergoing severe economic strain -- some bureaucrats have bought into the whole notion that organic food is a luxury for the elite.

Check out this extraordinary document [PDF]. It lists product after product available to Michigan WIC recipients -- milk, eggs, carrots, tuna, cheese, boxed cereal, dried beans, peanut butter. And following each one, these words: "No organic allowed." (Never mind that organic tuna doesn't exist.)"

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Guayaki Announces Carbon Subtracting Products

"While most green-minded companies are scrambling to find ways to buy carbon offsets outside their own value chain to achieve an environmental footprint that is carbon neutral, an award-winning organic drink company has set the bar much higher by announcing the first carbon subtracting products. One-pound packages of San Mateo Loose Yerba Mate and Traditional Loose Yerba Mate, new organic beverages from Guayaki Sustainable Rainforest Products (www.guayaki.com), subtract more carbon that they emit during the entire process from the harvesting in the rainforests of South America all the way to the store shelf in the U.S."

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Essential Introduces Organic Vegan Pesto

"Essential has introduced a pure pesto that, true to Italian tradition, comprises just four ingredients: aromatic pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil, fresh, fragrant basil and sea salt.

Key differences between this and many other pesto sauces are:

• The simplicity of its recipe: just four, fresh ingredients
• It is a concentrated pesto to which you add extra virgin olive oil to taste
• This makes it utterly versatile as a stir-in sauce, ingredient for dips or spread for savoury sandwiches
• It is certified organic by the Soil Association
• This assures you that each ingredient is free of pesticides, fertilizers or chemical processes and sourced from sustainable farms/plantations
• It is certified vegan by the Vegan Society"

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Whole Foods CEO John Mackey Back to Blogging

"The head of US organic retailer Whole Foods has returned to blogging after an 11-month break while his anonymoys posting of more than 1,400 entries on the web about the organic retailer over eight years were being investigated.

Chief executive John Mackey has been cleared of any wrong-doing by the US Securities and Exchange Commission and a special investigation set up by the Whole Foods board.

His extraordinary run as an online promoter of Whole Foods' shares began in the late 1990's, when he became known as a strong supporter of the company under the nickname "Rahodeb" - an anagram of his wife's name, Deborah."

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Authors Pamela Ronald and Raoul Adamchak Promote Organic Farming and Genetic Engineering in New Book

"Genetic engineering, combined with organic farming, may well be the best way to resolve the need for increased global food production, while minimizing environmental impact, suggest husband-and-wife agricultural experts at the University of California, Davis.

In their new book, "Tomorrow's Table: Organic Farming, Genetics, and the Future of Food," Pamela Ronald and Raoul Adamchak assert that genetically engineered, organically grown crops offer a one-two punch for boosting food production in an environmentally conscious way. The husband and wife point out that the process of genetic engineering can contribute to the development of improved seeds that organic farmers can use.

By the year 2050, the number of people on Earth is expected to increase from the current 6.7 billion to 9.2 billion, according to a 2007 report by the United Nation's Population Division.

"Any effective approach to feeding the world in an ecologically sustainable manner will require a combination of best practices and technologies," said Adamchak, an organic farmer and manager of UC Davis' organic student farm. "Biotechnology offers the opportunity to find out how plants work at the molecular level."

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Guayaki Introduces Raspberry Revolution Blend

"Sebastopol, California (May 28, 2008) – Guayaki has raised the bar in the beverage industry by offering functional organic drinks that are stimulating, refreshing, nourishing, and made with only pure natural ingredients. Pure Heart, a “Raspberry Revolution” blend, is Guayaki’s lastest addition to their award-winning line of Organic Yerba Mate Drinks. Pure Heart features invigorating organic yerba mate (mah-tay) combined with hawthorn and yarrow – all of which are herbs known to promote improved cardiac performance. This heart-healthy blend is combined with organic rose hips, hibiscus, organic raspberry juice and cranberry juice to create a delicious and refreshing grab-and-go drink.

The unique combination of robust nutrition and balanced stimulation from the brewed leaves of the rainforest yerba mate tree make Guayakí Yerba Mate the healthiest source of energy on the planet. Guayaki Pure Heart contains caffeine comparable to coffee and energy drinks; however, the caffeine is balanced by mate’s content of theobromine (the euphoriant in chocolate), and another mild stimulant named theophylline. Yerba mate is also a good source of B vitamins including pantothenic acid - the "anti-stress'' vitamin which promotes proper function of the adrenal gland. Yerba mate is also a rich source of magnesium, which has been proven to ease anxiety. Many caffeine-sensitive people that drink yerba mate gain vitality and clarity of mind, but don’t experience the jitters, stomach discomfort, energy crash and headaches that are common complaints expressed by people that drink coffee and energy drinks."

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Bliss Tea Co. Launching Organic Teas in LA

" Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 27, 2008 -- The Bliss Tea Company, producer of the first eco-conscious still and sparkling low calorie organic teas, will hold their eagerly anticipated 2008 Launch Party at ultra-chic Hollywood hotspot Libertine Bar & Lounge on 8210 Sunset Boulevard, across from the Chateau Marmont, on Thursday, May 29th at 8pm.

The Bliss Tea Company will be introducing the first two beverages from their line of organic teas that evening - Organic Green Tea and Sparkling Organic White Tea. The Libertine bartenders will be mixing a variety of Bliss tea based premium cocktails, including the new Champagne White, a delicious and light summertime cocktail everyone loves. This is a unique opportunity to sample a unique beverage in a great venue frequented by celebrities and people in the know.

Based in Downtown Los Angeles, The Bliss Tea Co. is a producer of organic teas, rich in antioxidants and naturally low in caffeine. "We're dedicated to bringing to market a new generation of healthier alternatives to sodas and energy drinks," says founder Jesse Sandoval. "The public rarely experiences beverages that are delicious, healthy and designed in an aesthetically pleasing manner." The Green and White Tea are both brewed using premium organic Chinese tea leaves. The Green Tea, at 22 calories per serving, is a still tea sweetened with organic cane sugar and organic honey. The White Tea, at 38 calories per serving, is a sparkling tea, lightly carbonated, and sweetened with organic cane sugar."

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Green & Black's Sponsoring James Beard Book Foundation

" PARSIPPANY, N.J., May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The James Beard Foundation has announced that Green & Black's(R) organic chocolate, one of the best-selling chocolates in the natural food channel, will sponsor the James Beard Foundation Book Awards at the 2008 James Beard Foundation Awards, a gala event commonly referred to as the "Oscars of the food world." The awards ceremony will take place June 8, 2008 at New York City's Avery Fisher Hall Lincoln Center.

The James Beard Foundation is the country's preeminent nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, nurturing and celebrating America's culinary heritage. The Foundation's awards are the country's most coveted honor for chefs; food and beverage professionals; broadcast media, journalists, and authors working on food; and restaurant architects and designers. The diverse range of categories for this year's cookbook awards includes Asian Cooking, Baking and Dessert, and Wine and Spirits. Two of the most prestigious awards, The Cookbook of the Year and Cookbook Hall of Fame Winner, will be presented along with 13 other category winners at this year's Awards gala. In order to receive a nomination, books must be published in English and in the 2007 calendar year."

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Organic Farming Research Foundation Thrilled Over Farm Bill

" SANTA CRUZ, Calif., May 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- America's ten thousand organic farmers have won a strong commitment to organic systems research, according to the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF). "With the override of the President's veto and final passage of the 2008 Farm Bill, Congress has made a substantial down payment toward a fair share of federal funding for organic agriculture," said Steve Ela, an organic tree fruit grower from Colorado and President of OFRF.

OFRF led the fight for increased organic research, education and extension funding, which proved to be the biggest win for organic farming in the legislation. The 2008 Farm Bill provides $78 million for organic agriculture research and education, an historic five-fold increase from the $15 million allocated in the expiring 2002 legislation. These funds will dramatically expand competitive grants for the development and sharing of organic farming systems information through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Integrated Organic Program. Such an expansion is urgently needed to ensure that organic farmers and ranchers can continue to meet the growing demand for organic products and be successful stewards of their land.

While this increase is another major landmark for U.S. organic agriculture, it is still not a "fair share" of public investment in this area, according to OFRF. The new funding represents approximately 1% of USDA's research budget -- well behind organic products' nearly 4% share of the U.S. retail food market."

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USDA Axes National Pesticide Survey Tracking

"FRESNO, Calif. (AP) -- Consumers and farmers soon will be on their own when it comes to finding out which pesticides are being sprayed on everything from corn to apples. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Wednesday it plans to do away with publishing its national survey tracking pesticide use, despite opposition from prominent scientists, the nation's largest farming organizations and environmental groups.

"If you don't know what's being used, then you don't know what to look for," said Charles Benbrook, chief scientist at The Organic Center, a nonprofit in Enterprise, Ore. "In the absence of information, people can be lulled into thinking that there are no problems with the use of pesticides on food in this country."

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The Story Behind Nancy Lou's Health Food Store

"KOUTS -- A lifelong appreciation of everything organic and natural has led Nancy Pyle Smiejek to open Nancy Lou's Health Food store in Kouts.

The business, which opened in early May, carries organic vitamins and supplements, hair and skin products, pet products and a variety of locally produced organic foods.

"I've been into this since I was 7 or 8 years old, when my granny picked up a flower to feed it to a bird," Pyle Smiejek said. "I thought she was wrong. 'You can't eat flowers,' I thought. But she taught me."

Pyle Smiejek considered opening a health-food store after her mother died of cancer in 1991. She and her husband moved to DeMotte, where she met Gail Wolfe, who owned Beacon Health Foods there."

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Organic Promotion Continues in Canada with Excess Produce Going to Food Bank

"Su Morin is planting seeds of change at the organic community demonstration garden on Kerr Farms in Chatham.

On Saturday, about a dozen local residents joined the project co-ordinator by getting their hands dirty planting the garden on Indian Creek Road for its third growing season.

"The whole idea is for the community to take ownership," she said. "You take and eat what you grow."

Each person was given a section of the garden to plant their own vegetables, which they will be responsible for maintaining throughout the summer. As well, some of the leftover seeds were planted in a communal portion that will be shared amongst the growers.

All of the excess vegetables that are grown will be donated to the local food bank, said Morin."

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Should Cosmetics Containing Talc Have A Cancer Warning?

"CHICAGO, May 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On May 13, 2008, the Cancer Prevention Coalition, endorsed by leading national authorities, submitted this Petition to the FDA. This updates scientific information detailed in a November 17, 1994, Citizen Petition which was denied by the FDA. It also documents prior knowledge of the FDA and industry on the cancer risks of cosmetic talc.

The scientific basis of the 2008 Petition is detailed in 11 reports in leading national and international scientific journals. These document the increased risks of ovarian cancer, ranging from 30% to 60%, from genital dusting with talc powder. In view of the strength of this evidence, a 1999 publication by a leading national expert urged that "formal public health warnings" should be made against the genital use of talcum dusting powder. Of further relevance is well-documented scientific evidence that ligation of the fallopian tubes or hysterectomy is protective against the dangers of talc by preventing its access to the ovaries.

It should further be emphasized that cornstarch, an organic carbohydrate, powder is a safe and effective alternative to talcum powder products."

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Whole Foods Wants to Feed 100

"This past Earth Day Whole Foods Market began its self-imposed national ban of single-use plastic bags. The natural and organic grocer still offers 100 percent recyclable paper grocery bags made with 100 percent recycled fiber content, and sells canvas totes and its 99-cent "A Better Bag," which is made from 80 percent recycled plastic bottles.

But its newest plastic alternative, the FEED 100 reusable shopping bags, have more than the environment in mind. Each $30 bag purchased helps provide 100 nutritious meals to hungry school-age children in Rwanda through the United Nation World Food Program's (WFP) School Feeding Program.

FEED 100 bags are the latest product from FEED Projects, a social initiative to feed the hungry, founded in 2006 by former fashion model Lauren Bush (niece of President George W. Bush) and former World Food Program Communications Officer Ellen Gustafson."

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Lincoln Park Zoo Gets A Little Greener

"At the Lincoln Park Zoo, leafcutter ants go organic.

They have to: Using their powerful jaws, which vibrate a thousand times a second, the Central and South American insects shear off pieces of leaves to create a life-sustaining fungus -- a fungus that wouldn't grow if the vegetation contained certain artificial chemicals.

Now, what's good for the army of ants is good for the two-legged visitors to Lincoln Park.

This weekend, the zoo debuts a special cafe that serves only organic, sustainable or locally grown eatables. Even forks, spoons, knives and cups are made of biodegradable, cornstarch-based plastics."

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OCA's Testimony to USDA Over Preserving Organic

"Testimony presented to USDA National Organic Program & National Organic Standards Board by Alexis Baden-Meyer, Organic Consumers Association, Washington, DC
May 22, 2008

I want to thank the members of the Nation Organic Standards Board, the representatives of the USDA National Organic Program and everyone in the room for being here together to further the organic movement. At a time when humanity faces a triple global crisis around energy, food and climate change, the organic movement is leading by example and providing solutions. Organic agriculture can simultaneously feed the world, conserve energy, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. It can increase biodiversity, restore human health and the health of ecosystems so that we can all have access to clean air, soil and water.

Another thing that's really special about the NOSB and the USDA NOP is the democratic process that we're seeing in action today. This is another way that the organic movement is leading by example. You won't find any other process for setting federal policy that is more democratic and inclusive of public participation."

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Rudi's Organic Introduces New Line of Bagels

"BOULDER, Colo. (Business Wire EON) May 22, 2008 -- Rudi’s Organic Bakery, the nation’s largest and one of the fastest growing certified-organic breads brands, announced today that they will be the first to introduce a national line of certified organic bagels in four great-tasting, mainstream varieties. With the introduction of this new line of bagels, healthy families now have even more choices when it comes to better-made, organic baked goods from Rudi’s Organic.

The need for organic bagels in mainstream flavors led Rudi’s Organic to develop a line of organic bagels in four popular varieties, including Plain, Honey Sweet Wheat, Multi-Grain and Cinnamon Raisin. Previously, consumers looking for organic bagels were only able to find spelt, sprouted or gluten-free bagels made with natural and organic ingredients."

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Oikos Introduces Honey and Blueberry to Line Up

"Stonyfield Farm has introduced new flavors in the Oikos Organic line of Greek yogurts. The new flavors include blueberry and honey.

The company said that the blueberry, honey and vanilla flavors are available in a 5.3 ounce size, and the plain variety is available in 5.3 ounce or 16 ounce containers. Oikos Organic Greek yogurt is available throughout the US in natural food stores and select grocery stores, the company added.

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For more information on new Oikos flavors, click here.

OTA Supports Farm Bill Passage

"Caren Wilcox, outgoing director of the Organic Trade Association (OTA), said last week that Congress had "made excellent progress" in support of organic agriculture with new farm bill legislation, and that OTA would work to ensure its' ultimate passage into law. Both the Senate and the House voted for the bill by large margins, probably enough to sustain a possible presidential veto.

Among the bills provisions: -an increase in mandatory spending on organic programs to more than $100 million dollars during the time that the legislation remains in effect, expected to be until about 2012. This is an approximately fourfold increase over the amount provided for in the about-to-expire 2002 bill."

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Bella's Cookies to Accommodate More Food Allergies

"Milton, DE, May 22, 2008 --(PR.com)-- As the number of diagnosed food allergies continue to rise, food allergy sufferers are paying careful attention to the ingredients used in the foods they eat. This week, Bella’s Cookies of Milton has announced an expansion in their offerings of allergy-free and dietary restriction products, to meet the growing requests from those diagnosed with food allergies and those looking to limit certain ingredients."

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Organic Fortnight Says "Love Your Planet, Choose Organic"

"Soil Association Organic Fortnight, sponsored by Organix and Greenvale AP, is a nationwide campaign bringing together individuals, communities, retailers, restaurants, schools and organic farms for the UK’s biggest celebration of all things organic. Supporters will be hosting events all over the country from organic breakfasts at work and farm open days to organic cookery lessons in schools and organic fashion shows.

The message this year is ‘Love Your Planet, Choose Organic’. Amidst growing concerns about climate change and food security, Soil Association Organic Fortnight provides a chance to look at why organic production - fashion, beauty, food and farming - is better for the planet."

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All Candy Expo Showing Off Organic Candy

"The All Candy Expo currently taking place in Chicago is highlighting gourmet, premium and organic products, which organisers say is the fastest growing segment in the confectionery and snack market.
These more upmarket products are given their own space in the newly expanded Gourmet Marketplace, where new premium confectionery and snack products can be seen and sampled and confectioners demonstrate their craft.

Premium innovations and organic and ethically sourced products continue to pour onto the market as consumers see chocolate as a rewarding and luxurious treat and become more concerned about the provenance of their confectionery.

In March this year, Nestlé announced the establishment of a research and development centre dedicated entirely to dark and premium chocolate.

In addition, reflective of its continued popularity, organic chocolate brand Green & Black's (part of Cadburys) has just been awarded three prizes by readers of UK Good House Keeping in the magazine's Food Awards for best organic product available in a supermarket, favourite Fairtrade product and favourite comfort food."

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Eldorado Artesian Springs Introduces Organic Vitamin Charged Spring Water

"Eldorado Artesian Springs, Inc. (OTCBB: ELDO) today announced increasing shipments of its recently introduced Organic Vitamin Charged Spring Water as major new retail chains come onboard and consumers validate the superior taste and unique organic component of the product as compared with competing vitamin enhanced waters.

The new Organic Vitamin Charged Spring Water, which was recently the subject of a feature story on CNBC's PowerLunch program (a replay of the video is available at http://www.eldoradosprings.com), is now available throughout Colorado and in portions of surrounding states at a variety of grocery stores, including Albertson's, Vitamin Cottage, K&G (Jenny's Markets), and one of the nation's premier health food supermarkets. Additionally, the product is distributed to more than 2,000 other retail outlets, convenience stores and on-premise locations by distributors UNFI and US Food Service."

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YoNaturals Vending Machines Spread to Colorado Schools

"SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--YoNaturals Vending Inc., the nation’s leading healthy vending company, announced today the addition of various Loveland, CO, schools to its fast growing list of schools to offer its healthy vending program to students.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for YoNaturals in Colorado,” said Mark Trotter CEO of YoNaturals. “Schools are a major focus for YoNaturals and we see other Colorado schools following the Loveland Schools lead.” Participating Loveland schools include Thompson Valley High School, TR Paul Charter School and Campion Academy School. Since launching its nationwide healthy vending initiative in 2007, YoNaturals has now grown to hundreds of locations in 63 cities nationwide.

Kathleen Porterfield, Principal of Encinitas Country Day School, explains that, "Our middle schoolers are thrilled to have YoNaturals machines on campus, and our parents can share in their happiness because it's healthy!" Lisa Hawk, of the Preuss School UCSD, adds that, "We love YoNaturals vending options! The food is not only good, but so healthy, and students swarm the machines during lunch and after school."

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Buying Organic During a Recession

"As food prices continue to soar, consumers might find it tough to swallow premium prices for organic products. But you can save money if you're smart about buying organics.

Organic means the food is produced without pesticides, chemical fertilizers or antibiotics and generally emphasizes using renewable resources and conserving soil and water. Consumers frequently buy organic food for environmental reasons and because they consider it to be more healthful.

Organic produce typically costs 25 percent to 100 percent more than non-organic. That premium price becomes more difficult to manage when all food prices are rising so fast. Prices for organic food have been increasing along with conventional foods."

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shopOrganic Without Leaving Home

"Online shoppers now have a convenient way to buy organic and eco-friendly products without leaving the house (or the office). shopOrganic, an online-only retail store, launched last week to the delight of customers who prefer to... well... shop organic.

On the website, www.shopOrganic.com, you'll
find organic versions of popular grocery store items, from organic snack foods and boxed meals, to natural soaps and sponges made of loofah. You'll also find unusual or hard-to-find products such as organic cocktail mixers and items for those with special dietary needs like gluten-free and kosher products."

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Aladdin Beverage Seeks Organic Certification

"BROOKLYN, NY--(Marketwire - May 20, 2008) - Aladdin Beverage (PINKSHEETS: ADTJ) is pleased to announce that the Patagonia Brewery has applied for organic classification for all of its products. Aladdin Beverage is the exclusive importer of Patagonia's beers, and the organic classification would make it the second of Aladdin's imported beers to target the increasingly popular market for organic fine craft beers.

U.S. sales of organic food and beverage have grown from $1 billion in 1990 to an estimated $14.5 billion in 2005. In 2006, organic beer sales grew 29 percent to hit $25 million, according to the Organic Trade Association. Craft beers constitute approximately four percent of the beer consumed in the U.S., and of that, less than one percent is certified organic.

Certified organic beers must be made with ingredients grown without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers, as stipulated by standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture, among other foreign and domestic agencies. The organic certification process for Patagonia beers is expected to be completed within the next three months."

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Is Organic Sweetened Formula Too Sweet for Baby?

"Amy Chase started feeding Similac Organic infant formula to her second son, Amos, as soon as he was born in November 2006.

“When I saw the organic at Publix, I bought it, no questions asked,” said Ms. Chase, a self-described “yoga mom” in Atlanta.

Like Ms. Chase, many American parents have rushed to embrace Similac Organic formula, even though it sells for as much as 30 percent more than regular Similac. In 2007, its first full year on sale, it captured 36 percent of the organic formula market, with sales of more than $10 million, according to Kalorama Information, a pharmaceutical-industry research firm. (Similac’s parent company, Abbott Laboratories, does not release sales figures for individual products.)

Parents may be buying it because they believe that organic is healthier, but babies may have a reason of their own for preferring Similac Organic: it is significantly sweeter than other formulas. It is the only major brand of organic formula that is sweetened with cane sugar, or sucrose, which is much sweeter than sugars used in other formulas."

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20 Years of Amy's

"Santa Rosa, CA (PRWEB) May 19, 2008 -- Twenty-one years ago, Amy Berliner was born. The company that became her namesake was founded a few months later, in 1988, by mom Rachel and dad Andy--longtime vegetarians. Amy is now a sophomore in college, and Amy's has become the nation's top-selling brand of natural and organic convenience foods.

"We didn't set out to become the nation's leading natural frozen food brand," says Andy Berliner. "All we wanted to do was create a business that would allow us to earn a living by providing convenient and tasty natural vegetarian meals for people like ourselves, who appreciated good food, but were often too busy to cook from scratch."

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Whole Foods Picks Lily Organics Dew Fresh Skin Care as a Premium Body Care Brand

"Denver, CO (PRWEB) May 19, 2008 -- Lily Organics Dew Fresh Skin Care ®, a Colorado company that is a certified organic grower, announced today that it has been chosen as a Premium Body Care™ brand by Whole Foods Market. Products that meet Whole Foods' stringent Premium Body Care™ standard cannot be tested on animals and must be completely free of chemicals such as parabens, propylene and polyethylene glycols, and sodium laurel and laureth sulfates.

Headquartered near Brighton, Colorado, in 2007 Lily Organics farm became certified by the Colorado Department of Agriculture as a Certified Organic Grower, the only skin care company in the state, and possibly the U.S.A, that has earned this designation. Unlike most commercially available skin care lines, Lily Organics products contain absolutely no synthetic chemicals. Ingredients are grown on specialized Certified Organic farms, and the final product is bottled each week in small batches to ensure purity and freshness."

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ADM Cocoa Using New Procedures to Produce Cocoa

"ADM Cocoa has introduced new procedures in its cocoa facilities in the UK so as to be able to supply a new range of certified organic chocolate to its food industry customers.
The company, which is part of the agri-giant Archer Daniels Midland, is launching a new range of organic chocolate ingredients in liquid form and in solid forms, (such as chips, buttons and fragments) to meet the customer's specific needs. The ingredients are also available in dark, milk and white variants.

ADM Cocoa has said this new range was developed in response to growing demand from consumers for a wider range of organic products. According to consumer research by Mintel, seven in ten Britons bought organic produce in 2007, and sales of organic food are now worth £1.5 bn - up by some 70 per cent since 2002."

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Organic Cotton Project Saves Farmers from Suicide

"AHMEDABAD: An organic cotton project initiated by the city-based textile manufacturer Arvind Ltd in 33 villages in the backward Akola region of Maharashtra seems to have saved farmers in those villages from suicide.

"There has not been a single case of farmer's suicide in the area where we have launched the project in February last year," said Arvind agri-exports chief manager Mahesh Ramakrishnan.

Since 2005, around 5,000 farmers in the region are reported to have killed themselves, mainly because of huge debts, he added."

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Farm Bill to Assist Vermont Organic Farmers

" BRATTLEBORO -- The national organic farming industry got a boost Thursday after Congress sent the 2008 Farm Bill to President Bush for signing.

Bush has threatened to veto the massive, $290 billion bill, but after Congress passed the national farming legislation with a veto-proof majority this week, organic farmers in Vermont and across the country can look forward to a little more help from the federal government in the coming years.

"If we're going to have agriculture viable in Vermont, a lot of it is going to be organic," said Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the most senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a strong proponent of organic foods. "I put a lot of time into these organic provisions and I wanted to make sure they stayed in the bill."

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Visit the Largest Organic Display in Europe

"Helena Sanchez-GiralRyton Organic Garden near Coventry, about 130 km north west of London, is unique in the whole of Europe. Garden Organic, the working name of the Henry Doubleday Research Association - HDRA, runs this top-class organic display garden, where both gardening enthusiasts and professional growers can learn a great deal. This year the organisation is celebrating its 50th anniversary. A big organic food store enhances the offer for thousands of visitors coming each year.

Ryton GardenEvery year, 50,000 visitors attend the gardens, use the conference facilities, eat in the restaurant and buy things in the shop. At least one school class arrives every day to learn about plants and insects. Ryton Organic Garden consists of about 30 themed gardens covering ten acres. The restaurant that looks out onto the garden, was given an award by the Soil Association as the best organic restaurant in England in 2007."

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YoNaturals Vending Machines Spread to El Paso

"EL PASO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--YoNaturals Inc. the leader nationwide healthy vending announced today the upcoming installation of its healthy vending machines in several locations throughout El Paso.

Participating locations include El Paso Parks and Recreation, Western Technical College, Career Centers of Texas, Galatzan Recreation Center amongst other locations throughout the city of El Paso.

This new healthy vending program offers more than 400 all-natural and organic snacks and drinks including best selling brands Vitamin Water, Clif Bars, Stacy’s Pita Chips, Hansens Naturals, Luna Bars, Fiji Water, Horizon Organic Milks and many others.

“The YoNaturals program allows us to take vending to the next level” states Mark Trotter, CEO of YoNaturals. “We can now help customers identify, purchase and enjoy healthier snacks and beverages in schools, offices, hospitals and shopping centers around El Paso.”

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Good Earth Launches Premium Coffee Brand

"SAN FRANCISCO, May 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruder Finn, Inc., a leading independent global communications agency, today announced its selection by The Good Earth Company to launch its new premium organic coffee brand, Good Earth(R) Coffee.

Ruder Finn/West Senior Vice President Lisa Novak will lead the strategic direction and execution of the public relations program for the national introduction of Good Earth Coffee's medium roast, dark roast and decaf blends. The program will include communications support in U.S. markets nationwide as well as sampling efforts and an online contest offering real life parenting survival tips."

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Organic Bug Busting in Suffolk

"A Suffolk company has invested in ground-breaking Dutch technology that controls pests and bugs in food without the need for chemicals.

Food warehousing and distribution specialist, Anchor Storage near Debenham is helping to pioneer a new eco-friendly pest control chamber that eradicates bugs by stimulating and then cutting the oxygen supply.

According to Anchor Storage, there are an eye-watering 150 different species of insect that are commonly found in foodstuffs after it has been harvested. The culprits range from Flour beetles to moths to mice to, most common of all, Rice Weevil.

These bacteria-filled bugs are traditionally removed using a chemical fumigation process but Dutch company, EcO2 B.V. has developed an organic, non-toxic method of pest and insect control – totally safe for humans, not at all for bugs."

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Five Organic Leaders Team Up at Green Festival

" (Chicago, IL – May 13, 2008) – A tribe of like-minded organic entrepreneurs will be demonstrating the saying “there’s power in numbers” at the Green Festival on May 17 and 18 at the Navy Pier in Chicago. Guayaki Sustainable Rainforest Products (www.guayaki.com), Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods & Oils (www.manitobaharvest.com), Amazing Grass Organic Green Superfoods (www.AmazingGrass.com), Sambazon Açai (www.sambazon.com) and Big Tree Farms (www.bigtreefarms.com) are teaming up as the Power Foods Group to make a bigger splash than they might accomplish on their own. Hatched in 2005, the Power Foods Group is a cooperative marketing and social initiative that will be offering festival-goers invigorating organic foods and beverages from cultures around the world. The companies share a mission dedicated to social responsibility, sustainable agriculture and providing nutritious products that enhance health."

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Golden Peanut Introduces Organic Peanut Flour and Roasted Peanut Oil

"15-May-2008 - Major US peanut and peanut ingredient supplier the Golden Peanut Company has launched two new organic peanut flours and an organic roasted peanut oil, to meet growing demand for both organic and nutritional finished products.
The Golden Peanut Company supplies processed peanuts and peanut derived ingredients, such as peanut flours, worldwide and is owned by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Alimenta USA.

The company has been preparing its production pipeline to produce organic ingredients for several years, but only now saw a strong enough level of demand for these products as the organic trend becomes mainstream.

"Customers started asking me for organic peanut flour and organic roasted peanut oil about four or five years ago - we actually got the plant organically certified about two years ago," Bruce Kotz, vice president of specialty products with Golden Peanut, told FoodNavigator-USA."

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Sweetfields Introduces Orange Chocolate Dipped Violas

"JAMUL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SWEETFIELDS, INC. announces the introduction of an exciting product completely new to the marketplace: Orange Zest Chocolate Dipped SweetCrystal Violas. The violas are grown on the Sweetfields farm organically so that they are 100% edible. When the flowers reach their ideal state, they are crystallized to capture that perfect bloom and infused with an Orange Zest flavoring. The end result is a basic SweetCrystal or crystallized flower that is non-perishable and serves as an excellent culinary garnish. Now Sweetfields is taking these violas to another level by hand dipping them in 62% Felchlin chocolate to make them a standalone delectable treat."

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Organic To Go Acquires Three Seattle Restaurants

"Organic to Go Food Corp. said it's purchased three Seattle restaurants -- Mel's Market, Joelle's and Simon's -- from FPO Inc. for an undisclosed sum.

The three small restaurants are located in downtown Seattle around Third and Madison streets.

Seattle-based Organic to Go (OTCBB: OTGO) said FPO Inc.'s Larry Hamlin will join the company."

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A Look at Jordan's Organic Cereal Packaging

"New bio-based plastic packaging for UK-based Jordans Organic Cereals is a major packaging achievement. The packaging was recognized last month at the 20th DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation and is featured in a piece by Steve Sterling in this month's Packaging World. Both Jordans Cereals and the packaging's producer Alcan Packaging were recognized at the DuPont Awards.

The new packaging uses two different types of bio-based films. The outer layer is made from Innovia's clear NatureFlex film which was reverse printed according to Steve Sterling. NatureFlex is made from cellulose derived from non-genetically modified wood pulp. The inner layer is made from Mater-Bi film from Novamont, according to Sterling. Mater-bi film is made from non-genetically modified cornstarch."

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United Feather & Down Introduces Green Bedding to Hotels Nationwide

" Des Plaines, IL (PRWEB) May 14, 2008 -- Increasing numbers of consumers today are "going green," looking for organic options for everything from food to clothing to the beds they sleep in, whether at home or on vacation. Now, hotels looking to cater to those seeking organic options can turn to luxury bedding manufacturer United Feather & Down, as the company unveils the new, organic Prestige Naturals Hospitality Collection.

Each piece in United Feather & Down's Prestige Naturals for Hospitality collection is made from the finest certified organic cotton, natural fills, and features the signature solid construction that the company is known for. The collection features bed pillows, a comforter, blanket and mattress pad, each made with 300-thread-count certified organic cotton sateen, and filled with a choice of 600-fill-power Freshness Assured® down or the company's patented Lyocell Down®. In addition, each piece can be customized to a hotel's specific needs.

"As a leader in the down and down-alternative bedding category, we know we need to continue to provide innovative products, and innovate within our category, to drive positive change," said United Feather & Down co-president Stephen Palmer. "Our company is committed to responsible business practices, and we feel quality and responsibility should go hand in hand. With our new Prestige Naturals for Hospitality line, hoteliers can lessen their impact on the environment without sacrificing the style and quality they expect from United Feather & Down."

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Organic Coffee Market Reached $1 Billion in 2007

"Media who attended the Organic Coffee Collaboration's showcase of new organic coffees yesterday at New York City's Union Square Cafe returned to work extra caffeinated.

The event was hosted by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and participants included Dallis Coffee, Elan Organic Coffees, Equal Exchange, Fresh Harvest Products, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Company.

Attendees were buzzing about the rich, delicious brews, but the organizers were buzzing about something else: the growth of the organic market.

Daniele Giovannucci, senior consultant to the World Bank Group and the author of State of Sustainable Coffee, presented data on organic coffee at the event. He said the North American organic coffee market reached $1 billion in 2007, while the market for organics overall was nearly $22 billion. He says this translates to about 4 billion cups of organic coffee served in the U.S. last year (and some busy baristas)."

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DDT Troubles in Uganda

"Barely three weeks since spraying of the controversial insecticide DDT to control malaria started in Uganda, the dispute between the government and exporters of organic products is re-emerging, this time over “irregularities” in executing the exercise.

A consortium of exporters of organic products is preparing to file a lawsuit against the government, accusing it of non-adherence to World Health Organisation guidelines on indoor residual spraying in the endemic districts of Oyam and Moyo in the north.

The exporters contend that the manner in which the spraying is being done could contaminate the food chain, reviving fears that Uganda’s organic exports, worth about $500 million annually, will be rejected in American and European markets in their entirety if traces of DDT are found in any consignment.

USAid country director Margot Ellis said, “USAid appreciates the sensitivity of bringing DDT into a country like Uganda with an important organic agriculture sector. For this reason, USAid spent over a year developing strict protocols for its use by our implementing partner. This includes adherence to WHO and Nema specifications."

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Dean Foods Kills Investigation

CORNUCOPIA, WI: After a three-and-a-half year battle with Dean Foods regarding the legality of milk it labels as Horizon Organic, the country’s most aggressive organic industry watchdog filed additional legal actions today. Dean, the nation’s largest dairy processor, with nearly $12 billion in sales and controlling 50 different milk brands, has obtained a large percentage of its organic milk supply from giant factory farms milking thousands of cows each.

The Cornucopia Institute has filed a formal legal complaint with the USDA claiming that one of Dean’s Horizon suppliers, a dairy in Snelling, California, was skirting the law by confining the majority of their cows to a filthy feedlot rather than allowing them fresh grass and access to pasture as the federal organic regulations require.

Cornucopia has also asked the Inspector General at the USDA to investigate appearances of favoritism at the agency that has benefitted Dean Foods. Cornucopia charges that past enforcement of the Organic Foods Production Act, the law governing organic food labeling and production, has been unequally applied toward major corporate agribusiness by the USDA.

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Clearly Canadian Successfully Launches Organic Bulk Division

"TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Clearly Canadian Brands (OTCBB:CCBEF) (the “Company”) announced today the successful launch of their extensive bulk offering in the Canadian market place. We have made a number of successful presentations to date and have begun shipping products to customers nationally. The Company expects Bulk sales to be a major contributor to our growth this year. Bulk Organic consist mostly of the large serve yourself bins now seen at most supermarket and natural health food stores and is growing at a tremendous pace as consumers continue to flock towards “Good for You” products. Stated Bobby Genovese, CEO of Clearly Canadian Brands: “We continue to build strategic relationships and expand product lines. We are exceeding expectations so far this year and feel we will meet or exceed our 50% growth target for 2008.”

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Organic Hand Sanitizer from Surya Brasil

"New York, New York (May 12, 2008) Surya Brasil, known for its premier organic and natural cosmetics, announces the introduction of its new organic Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer. A unique product that does more than kill germs, the new formula is made with special plant ingredients from Brazil, which include Aloe for its soothing and healing properties, Jua, a cleansing and refreshing fruit and Acai, a powerful moisturizer and antioxidant rich in protein, omega-9 fatty acid and Vitamin E. According to Bettina Bond, National Educator, “Not only does this product accomplish the job of ridding unwanted germs from the skin, it protects the hands by including plants that soften and moisturize the skin. Most sanitizing products have the effect of killing the germs but it leaves you feeling as if all the moisture has gone out of the dermis and often there is a stickiness that is unpleasant.” The fresh, pleasant scent is derived from a blend of essential oils including Lavender, Peppermint and Ylang Ylang."

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Corporate Giants Jumping On the Eco-Fashion Wagon

"Wal-Mart is doing it. Kohl’s is doing it. So is Target and The Gap. Even Saab, the Swedish automaker, is doing it! These are just some of the corporate giants jumping onto the eco-fashion bandwagon.
Consumers are increasingly realizing the upside of buying organic: it’s better for the earth and just as trend-worthy, and retailers are meeting that demand with more and more product lines.
Three years ago, Wal-Mart started with organic cotton yoga tops and has since expanded into baby clothes, teen fashion and men’s and women’s t-shirts. Even The Gap is getting into the organic cotton game.
Banana Republic will be introducing a 50-piece green fashion line, made from sustainable fabrics, including bamboo and organic cotton, next month. You can read about the company’s environmental efforts at www.bananarepublic.com."

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China Organic Signs $4.3 Million Deal

"China Organic Agriculture, Inc. (OTCBB: CNOA), a growth-driven agricultural products company leading China's organic foods revolution, announced today that the Company, has entered into a three month sales agreement with Beijing Jingu Hengfa Trading Company, with a value equivalent to $4.3 million.

Beijing Jingu Hengfa is a well respected rice distributor in the Beijing
region. China Organic engages in the production and sale of mid to upscale organic and green rice. Jingu Hengfa will be selling organic rice supplied by China Organic which will be packed in cases of six vacuum bags, with each bag weighing up to six kilograms. Jingu Hengfa will sell 1,760 tons of rice valued at $4.3 million over a three month period."

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The Rodale Institute's Timothy LaSalle Discusses the Benefits of Organic Farming

"The Rodale Institute, founded by organic farming visionary J.I. Rodale, is one of the nation's leading organic-farming research and advocacy organizations. Today, Rodale sits on a 333-acre farm near Kurtztown, Penn., home to the longest-running U.S. field trials study to compare organic and conventional farming practices.

I had a chance recently to talk with the Institute's executive director, Timothy LaSalle, about Rodale's vision, its work, and how it sees agriculture as part of a crucial response to climate change. Our conversation touched on some of the key findings of the Institute's many decades of field studies, as well as what their findings have to teach us about the relationship between farming and climate.

As you might expect from someone with a doctorate in "depth psychology," LaSalle was fascinating to talk with -- and his vision inspiring."

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Organics Are Becoming Out of Reach

"In the past decade, organic food has moved into the mainstream, as more and more consumers have gotten creeped out by the use of growth hormones, pesticides, antibiotics, chemical fertilizers and all other sorts of unsavory, potentially carcinogenic things that go into conventional food products. The rising demand for organic food has even pushed Wal-Mart into the organics game; recently, the retail giant struck fear into the hearts of small organics suppliers by announcing a plan to fill its shelves with organic produce, meat, and dairy.

But the recent spike in food costs may curb the growing demand for organics. According to a Newsweek story, rising energy and commodity prices could drive healthy, organic fare beyond the reach of many consumers.

A gallon of conventional milk can cost as little as $2.99; meanwhile, the privilege of consuming milk that is free of unhealthy additives can run consumers up to $7 dollars a gallon."

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American Consumers Aren't the Greenest

"WASHINGTON - Americans rank last in a new National Geographic-sponsored survey released Wednesday that compares environmental consumption habits in 14 countries.0508 02 1

Americans were least likely to choose the greener option in three out of four categories - housing, transportation and consumer goods_ according to the assessment. In the fourth category, food, Americans ranked ahead of Japanese consumers, who eat more meat and seafood.

The rankings, called “Greendex,” are the first to compare the lifestyles and behaviors of consumers in multiple countries, according to the National Geographic Society."

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Canadian Retailers May Need Certification

"(May 9, 1:53 p.m.) A lot of details still need to be sorted out before the new Canada Organic Regime goes into effect.

One key item — whether or not retailers will have to become certified organic in order to carry bulk organics and do in-house fresh-cut organic produce — is still uncertain.

“That little piece is in limbo right now,” said Heather Holland, senior technical manager for food safety and government relations for the Ottawa-based Canadian Produce Marketing Association.

It’s one thing to make sure the integrity of organic produce is protected, but quite another to require all areas of the supply chain, regardless of whether or not they alter the product, to be certified, Holland said.

“The supply chain is a very long, segmented beast,” Holland said. “Produce actually goes through many hands, and not all of those would change the product.”

The Canada Organic Regime is similar to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program and the CFIA monitors and enforces the regulations."

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Eco-Products Make Deal with Amazon

"BOULDER - Eco-Products in Boulder has signed a three-year deal to sell its biodegradable goods through online retail giant Amazon.com.

Eco-Products compostable product line is made from ingredients like corn and sugarcane, and includes utensils, cups, plates and coffee-cup sleeves. The products' zero-waste impact on the environment is what caught the attention of Seattle-based Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN).

"They approached us because they wanted to sell a wider selection of green products," said Luke Vernon, vice president of operations at Eco-Products. "They also wanted to offer more in the food-service category so we were a good fit."

While Vernon maintains the company has competition in the industry, Eco-Products' niche lies in its ability to offer a full selection through a single brand. "Most of our competitors sell cups only or utensils only. We make it easier for the buyer by having everything in one place."

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Top Five Organic Heroes

"Our worries about rising food prices and global warming have taken us to a place that Lady Eve Balfour could never have imagined when she founded the Soil Association in 1946. She always promoted local food, but her argument was about freshness – the near to the point of production you eat it, the more good it will do you, says Patrick Holden, the associations director. She obviously wasnt thinking about carbon footprints, but I think intuitively she was on to the same thing.

That’s why this years Times/Soil Association Organic Food Awards, in association with Highland Spring, are so important. Next month, a panel of food experts will be sipping, slurping and munching their way through thousands of entries, but we would like you to recommend who you think should be rewarded as well, in our special Times reader award.

The Soil Association has put forward their top five below, but wed like to hear from you too. So if you know a brilliant butcher, baker or organic cheesemaker, or have a favourite brand of anything from chocolate to baby food, click the link below and let us know about them. And one of them will become the 2008 Times/Soil Association Food Hero."

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Best Pesticide-Free Mother's Day Gift?

"(NaturalNews) Did you know that in a 1997 study, the Environmental Working Group found that conventionally-grown flowers may be laden with up to 50 times the amount of pesticides allowed for food? And that these pesticides can easily enter your body through your skin or nose?

These facts struck me like an ice pick between the eyes when I researched for suitable bouquets to send my mother for Mother's Day. She suffers from Parkinson's Disease, a slowly debilitating illness whose onset, although multi-varied and little understood, has been linked to pesticide exposure. Of course, I wanted to nurture this wonderful woman who once had soothed my cries, salved my fears and bandaged my knees, as well as I wanted to honor Mother Earth, so I began to dig into the world of conventional flowers."

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Steaz Receives $11 Million to Compete with Coke

"Newtown's Healthy Beverage Co., which markets Steaz-brand organic soft drinks, says it's raised $11 million from Inventages (global food giant Nestle's investment arm) and from Steaz's Canada distributor, Whitefish Group, Vancouver, so it can ramp up marketing.

Healthy also said it hired former Unilever iced tea vp Jim DiPietro, Glaceau/Vitamin Water vp Mike Sharman, and Constar Int'l finance executive Linda Flagler.

At the meeting where directors decided to seek outside help last fall, "we had two options: Did we want to be a nice family-run beverage business that grows slowly over the next two decades? Or did we want to take organic soft drinks mainstream, and give consumers a global alternative to Coke and Pepsi?" says cofounder Eric Schnell, who, with partner Steven Kessler, worked on Wall Street and for Country LifeVitamins (which owns Long Life Tea) in New York before marrying a Philadelphian and starting Healthy Beverage six years ago."

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Buy the Bag, Feed 100 at Whole Foods

"Presidential niece, model and international do-gooder Lauren Bush founded Feed Projects in 2006 with a simple idea: Sell a bag and feed a child.

Two years later, the benefit has improved exponentially. Each purchase of a Feed 100 bag will provide 100 meals to children in Rwanda through the United Nations World Food Program."

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Yves Béhar Designs Bottle for Y Water

"Top designer Yves Béhar and his San Francisco-based firm, fuseproject, have partnered with Thomas Arndt to create an unconventional Y-shaped bottle for Y Water™, a new organic, low-calorie drink for children, using Eastman Eastar EB062 copolyester from Eastman Chemical Company.

Featured on Eastman’s award-winning Innovation Lab website -- www.eastmaninnovationlab.com -- the Y bottle's symmetrical shape is designed to appeal to elementary school children, who can re-use the package as a toy, building block, or game. Initially available at southern California stores of Whole Foods, the world’s largest retailer of natural and organic foods, Y Water will be offered throughout the United States by mid-2008.

“We're taking a completely unconventional approach to building a beverage company by adopting packaging and communication tactics that are design-driven," says Béhar. “We're using design to create a message that is the core of the brand."

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How Green are Clothes?

"Thurulie, Sri Lanka - Prove it! That's how consumers ought to respond when presented with "guilt-free, socially responsible" products.

Spurred by consumer interest (and "green" profits), retailers now fill their stores with everything from No Sweatshop garments to sustainable timber. You can feel good about buying a T-shirt made without using child labor, or in purchasing ecofriendly detergent, fair-trade coffee, even "responsible" jewelry.

But judging competing social and environmental claims isn't so easy, and the task is getting more complex now that companies like Britain's Marks & Spencer are taking on climate change directly with a "carbon free" lingerie factory in Sri Lanka promising a garment produced entirely with renewable energy.

Yes, "green lingerie" is here, but should the retailer emblazon the item with a "carbon free" label and expect consumers to fully understand and accurately evaluate – let alone be receptive to – purchasing such a product?

Just how "green" is that shirt, dress, or blouse?"

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Pizzas by Organic Joe's

"LOUDONVILLE — Two brothers are embracing the organic food craze and found the inspiration to start a new food product line from their great-grandfather Joe, who immigrated to the U.S. from Italy and grew his own vegetables naturally.

The company, Organic Joe’s, named after their great grandfather, sells organic pizza dough, sauce and pasta and kits so people can make one of the most popular foods: pizza

But this is not just any pizza. It’s organic.

The brothers, Mike DeFazio, Siena College class of 2007, and Matt DeFazio, Siena class of 2009, are also donating 10 percent of the profits from the company to the Franciscan Center for Service & Advocacy at Siena College, which is run by friars."

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YoNaturals Vending Machines Spreading Through Michigan

"Grand Rapids, MI, May 6 2008 – YoNaturals Inc. the established market leader in healthy vending, today announced the launch of its healthy vending program in schools in the Grand Rapids, MI area. Schools participating in the program are Jenson High School, West Catholic High and Catholic Central School. Also, Borgess Health Hospital is participating and is amongst several hospitals in the nation that have recently added YoNaturals machines. We’re very enthusiastic about the addition of Grand Rapids as an additional market for YoNaturals” says Mark Trotter, CEO of YoNaturals Inc.

With a strong dedication to fighting health issues among today’s youth, YoNaturals is excited to see schools throughout the Grand Rapids area take action and begin offering healthier snacking options for their students. Trotter explains that, “This nationwide epidemic of childhood obesity and early-onset-diabetes has attracted attention from parents, lawmakers, and school officials who have become increasingly concerned about the diet of America’s school children.” Most notably involved in the recent effort to improve food in schools are U.S. Senators, Tom Harkin of Iowa, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Their goal, which could contribute greatly to the growth of YoNaturals, involves passing an amended version of the recently expired farm bill which will make schools accountable for the nutrition aspects of what products are offered in schools nationwide."

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Valensa Introduces Organic Saw Palmetto Extract

"Valensa International has introduced a certified organic grade of its USPlus Prostate Formula -- a patented, solvent-free, supercritical carbon dioxide extract (Patent # US 6,669,968 and US 6,319,524) that delivers the most potent and comprehensive nutrient package of any saw palmetto supplement in the world today. Valensa is expanding its organic harvest areas in Florida and will add additional capacity to its already certified organic manufacturing facility in Eustis, FL.

Industry analysts have said that the growth rate for organic nutritional supplements is currently at 25% per year as compared to GDP growth for traditional supplements. In the coming months, Valensa will be introducing additional certified organic ingredients to support the nutraceutical and functional food industries as it responds to the growing consumer trend for organics. Valensa's processing facilities and organic materials are certified by agencies accredited by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and the United States Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program (USDA/NOP)."

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Phytobase for Mother's Day

"(PRLEAP.COM) Orem, UT - Phytobase, US leader in indulgent and healthy organic dark chocolate has created the perfect Mother’s Day gift designed to keep mothers young at heart.

Amoriss ™ combines rich dark chocolate infused with healthy superfoods. These bite-sized organic dark chocolates are infused with red wine extract, resveratrol (the “French Paradox”) and an exotic blend of antioxidant-rich superfoods, namely açai, mangosteen, pomegranates, goji and rhodiola rosea. The Phytobase chocolatiers designed them to promote a healthy heart, longer life and stronger immune system; a perfect gift for a perfect Mom. With just 56 calories, Amoriss is also a delicious guilt-free indulgence. Each chocolate is individually wrapped in festive purple-red foil."

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Wyndham Hotels to Serve Organic and Fair-Trade Starbucks Coffee

"Beginning this month, a steaming hot cup of coffee at Wyndham® hotels not only will taste great, it will feel good, too, especially to guests concerned about preserving the environment and supporting small, family coffee growers.

In conjunction with its evolving environmental responsibility strategy, the Wyndham chain is introducing organic and Fair Trade Certified(TM) Starbucks® coffees in hotel restaurants, cafes, bars and via room service. Participating Wyndham hotels will offer two popular Starbucks blends: Café Estima Blend(TM) and Organic Serena Blend(TM)."

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Plantskydd Introduces 20lb Bag of Rabbit & Small Critter Repellent

"(PRWEB) May 5, 2008 -- Plantskydd™ Rabbit & Small Critter Repellent is now available from Tree World Plant Care Products, in a NEW Bulk size 20 lb bag, with 'easy-carry' handles -- to protect lawns, ornamentals, shrubs and trees from small animal browse damage.

100% organic, and not harmful to pets or the environment, Plantskydd is formulated to mimic predator activity--ensuring rabbits and small critters will dine in your neighbor's garden, not yours. Plantskydd is the 1st repellent to be 'Listed' by the USDA recognized Organic Material Review Institute (OMRI) as "...suitable for use in the production of organic food and fiber."

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Union Square Organic Coffee Event on May 13

"What: New organic coffees will be sampled and organic coffee market data announced at New York City's popular Union Square Cafe Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at an event hosted by the Organic Coffee Collaboration, a project of the Organic Trade Association. Participants in the Collaboration are Dallis Coffee , Elan Organic Coffees, Equal Exchange, Fresh Harvest Products, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Company.

Announcing the new market data is internationally recognized coffee market analyst Mr. Daniele Giovannucci who has tracked organic coffee data for decades and is the author of a number of books and reports on the topic including the April 2008 book on value-added standards in the North American food market by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations."

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Fresh Fruit Baskets Launches New Site

"Glen Allen, VA (PRWEB) May 5, 2008 -- Fresh Fruit Baskets, a leading gourmet gift baskets (http://www.freshfruitbaskets.com) company, launches a new website designed to enhance the customer shopping experience. A business already known for its high quality fruit gifts, Fresh Fruit Baskets raises the bar on current industry usability practices. The new site adds value to the customer shopping experience with its easy navigation, simple checkout, enhanced website security and expanded fruit gift selection.

"Customers have really enjoyed saving time by going to one website to find specialized, gourmet fruit gift baskets at competitive prices," said Takiya Stewart, co-founder of Fresh Fruit Baskets. "From organic fruit baskets (http://www.freshfruitbaskets.com/organic-gift-baskets) to chocolate-covered strawberries, we have the perfect gift for any occasion - our customers love the new design." The new site helps achieve the company's single goal: deliver delicious gifts on time."

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Some Say GMOs and Organic Farming Don't Mix

"Genetic Engineering incompatible with Organic Agriculture
In reaction on the current rise in food prices and the crises in many developing countries following from that, some scientists claim that genetic engineering and genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) combined with Organic Agriculture would be the best way to grow food for a rising population. The organic agricultural movement and the standards and regulations on Organic Agriculture clearly reject genetic engineering as it is not compatible with its principles[1].

Organic and GMO agriculture are based on different values and a different attitude towards nature. The current environmental crisis, leading to desertification, biodiversity loss and climate change, has shown that a controlling attitude of humans toward nature is counterproductive. Gene technology is not a value free technology but is an expression of a worldview in which nature can and should be ruled and manipulated as much as possible to keep agriculture manageable in industrialized agriculture. In contrast, Organic Agriculture [2] departs from a different attitude towards nature and aims at cooperating with nature in an ecological way supporting self regulation and biodiversity within the agro-ecosystem of a farm. In this way natural resources, the very base of agriculture can be sustainably maintained instead of getting destroyed and diminished."

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The Duke of Cambridge Named Britain's Best Organic Restaurant

"London (PTI): The Duke of Cambridge, a pub owned by an NRI restaurateur Geetie Singh in Islington on the outskirts of London has been chosen as the best organic restaurant in Britain.

"It is fabulous to be recognised by someone like Soil Association" Singh said on Monday.

Soil Association lays down industry standards for organic food in the country."

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Forbes Magazine Covers Dr. Bronner's Troubles

"As near as you can discern from the cryptic labels of his liquid soaps, the late Emil Bronner believed in the wisdom of Rudyard Kipling, the work ethic of Mark Spitz and the unity of mankind.

His heirs are more straightforward, though less accepting of humankind. A lawsuit filed by All One God Faith--which does business as Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps--this week accused 13 cosmetic competitors in the washing game of false advertising through the misuse of the label "organic" on their products.

The suit was filed in California Superior Court in San Francisco. Dr. Bronner's accuses these companies, which include Kiss My Face, Stella McCartney America, Estee Lauder and Hain Celestial Group, of using petroleum-based ingredients in their potions. That, according to Dr. Bronner's, means they are falsely advertising themselves as organic manufacturers. With growing public interest in all things green, Dr. Bronner's claims it is losing sales."

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48 Chemical Polluants Found in Pets

"TERRE HAUTE — A recent study conducted by an environmental group concluded that cats most likely have more mercury in their systems than most people, and dogs were found to have twice as much chemicals from stain resistant carpets and sofas. Walking on stain-resistant carpets and lounging on sofas can loosen perfluorochemicals, aka PFCs, which can then be inhaled.

A not-for-profit research organization in Washington, D.C., the Environmental Working Group, took samples from healthy cats and dogs at a clinic in Mechanicsville, Va. Cats and dogs were found to be contaminated with 48 of 70 industrial chemicals tested. Richard Wiles and his colleagues revealed a number of chemicals, which included Teflon for stain resistance, flame retardants found on furniture upholstery, and mercury (which may come from cat food). Some chemicals found in plastics (phthalates) and lead were lower in pets than in people. Dogs were found to have more than twice the levels of stain fighting PFCs than people. Cats had mercury levels five times the amount usually found in people. The group discovered levels of flame-retardant polybrominated diphenyl ethers, aka PBDEs, to be 23 times higher."

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More Gardeners are Going Organic

"Step into a garden center or hardware store, and it's likely you'll see "green," "organic" and "eco-friendly" slapped on myriad products.

Organic gardening has hit prime time; it is no longer solely the domain of hemp-clad hippies living in multicolored buses.

And it is not just vegetables; every facet of yard maintenance -- soil conditioning, weed and pest control and lawn care -- now can be done using organic products. This is nothing new. Legions of gardeners have been doing this for years."

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Organic Hypoallergenic Anti-Microbial Towels from Everett Stunz

"NewswireToday - /newswire/ - La Jolla, CA, United States, 05/03/2008 - Nandina towels are available at EverettStunz.com; they also offer a wide range of adjustable beds that fit your lifestyle.

Although bamboo has long been known in Asia for its many unique applications, the idea of using bamboo to spin yarns is a much more recent technology. The story of eco-friendly Nandina the Future Fiber begins in Japan where considerable research and experimentation has been done with recyclable and environmentally friendly plant fibers. Created through a unique process of spinning 75% bamboo, an entirely renewable resource, and 25% organic cotton together to produce a product that is inherently hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, mold and mildew resistant. Nandina towels have the luster of silk and the feel of cashmere, but are naturally strong and durable, yet maintaining a natural green quality. These natural, eco-friendly fibers called 'Future Fibers', and are available in several jewel tone colors; all made with natural low impact organic dies."

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Green Clothes for the Outdoors

"HealthNewsDigest.com) - Outdoor gear and clothing manufacturers are slowly but surely beginning to work materials crafted from recycled, reused or otherwise sustainable sources into their products.

Synthetics like polyester and nylon have been the “go to” materials for outdoor clothes, due to their moisture wicking, quick drying and warmth retention properties, but they are fast being augmented if not replaced outright by new fabrics crafted out of organic plant-based materials. For one, soybeans are now finding their way into outdoor clothing. One example is ExOfficio’s Tofutech Tee, which wicks moisture, retains warmth and resists wrinkles while being made of a 100 percent soy-based, biodegradable fabric."

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American Apparel Purchases 30,000 Pounds of Organic Cotton

"American Apparel has this week purchased 30,000 pounds of organic cotton from a Californian sustainable cotton program.

The Los Angeles-based company purchased the cotton through the Sustainable Cotton project, which works with local farmers to reduce chemical use on cotton farms and avoid using genetically modified seeds. The project runs the Clean Cotton campaign, which tries to engage manufacturers in purchasing organically produced, environmentally-friendly cotton.

The cotton is produced as part of the biological agriculture systems in cotton (BASIC) campaign, which educates farmers on soil management, non-chemical weed and pest control, and sustainable harvest methods. According to the Sustainable Cotton project, it takes one pound of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to conventionally grow the three pounds of cotton needed to make a T-shirt and a pair of jeans."

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8th Graders Review Let’s Do Organic's Organic Sugar Cones

"Junior reporters admit, Let’s Do Organic's Organic Sugar Cones from Edward & Sons Trading Co. ‘Smell like cardboard.’

Allison Wint, 8th grade:
These organic sugar cones are very different. It tastes not so much sugary, but like a regular cone and just a little healthier. I like it. It is hard and crunchy, and there is no smell to it. The packaging is very appealing; it would catch my eye, and it is not hard to open. I think the cones are too hard for kids aged 1 to 5, but over 5, these would be just fine.

Everett Wood, 8th grade:
The taste of the sugar cones is OK. It could have been more sugary, because the cone itself is very bland. The cone itself is crunchy and the patterns on it make it rough. I think the smell is something like wet cardboard. If they put a little scent in them, it would be better. The packaging itself is easy to open, but when it comes to separating the individual cones, it is very difficult. It could have taken a little less effort. The packaging is OK; a little intense on all the bright colors, so they could tone it down a little. I think anybody who eats ice cream cones could use this product."

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Planet Organic is the Top Retailer in Canada

"EDMONTON, May 2 /CNW/ - A national magazine picked Planet Organic Markets as the top organic food retailer across Canada.
The survey of 14 major grocery retailers by Corporate Knights magazine gave Planet Organic an overall "Excellent" rating or an 'A', while Planet's most direct competitor, Whole Foods, garnered second spot with a 'B+'.

Other major retailers such as Loblaws, Safeway and Sobeys came in with distant 'C' ratings, meaning they were either "showing potential" with their organic food retail sections or were "average."

"I'm grateful to have received this kind of recognition," said Mark Craft, president of Planet Organic Markets. "I believe it's a result of our firm decision to support organic agriculture, and also to the dedicated team of people who work at Planet and keep our commitment strong."

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A Quick Look at the All Things Organic and Fancy Food Show

"The Fancy Food and All Things Organic shows, a pair of to-the-trade-only showcases of new food products, concluded their three-day Chicago visit at McCormick Place on Tuesday.

This year the event did not include the behemoth FMI (Food Marketing Institute) show, which takes up most of the space and focuses on mainstream products from giants such as Kraft and Con-Agra. Nobody seemed to mind, because it allowed visitors (mostly buyers and media) to focus on the smaller-scale gourmet and organic products, of which there were many."

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Navitas Naturals Introduces Twister Power

"Novato, CA (April 30, 2008) – Navitas Naturals is making it easier than ever for people to gain the optimal whole food nutrition they need to energize them throughout the day. Four new Twister Power blends are the latest nutrition innovations to be introduced by power foods pioneer Navitas Naturals (www.navitasnaturals.com). The Antioxidant, Sprouted Omega, Protein and Tropical Twister Power blends feature all of the hottest organic power foods including goji, acai, pomegranate, hemp, sprouted flax, sprouted chia, maca, blueberry, mangosteen, cacao, and sprouted brown rice powders.

An appetite for international food combined with the growing trend toward healthier organic options is fueling the popularity of organic ‘power foods’ from around the globe. By reintroducing ancient, natural foods to the modern Western world, Navitas Naturals is expanding the functional food category and providing options with more bio-available essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals than most supplements and chemical extracts. Each Twister Power has a unique functional nutrition profile that provides an array of essential vitamins, trace minerals, antioxidants, amino acids and/or omega fatty acids. Navitas Naturals recommends that customers blend the Twisters into smoothies, breakfast cereals, oatmeal and yogurt or use them as a nutritious flour substitute. For recipes, please visit www.navitasnaturals.com/recipes."

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Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Kiss My Face Corporation and Nature's Gate Respond to Dr. Bronner's Accusations

"NEW YORK, May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Kiss My Face Corporation and Nature's Gate, the leading marketers of personal care products in natural products stores, today responded to allegations made by All In One God Faith, Inc. d/b/a Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps regarding labeling of the companies' personal care products that use certified organic raw materials."

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