Whole Foods Market Showcases All Organic, USA-Sourced Non-Dairy Beverage Options

"AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Whole Foods Market (Nasdaq: WFMI), today announced the expansion of its all organic and domestically sourced non-dairy beverage line as it launches the company's first almond milk line –including the industry's first-ever private label refrigerated organic almond milk– and light soymilk in Original and Vanilla varieties under its value-priced 365 Organic Everyday Value brand– available now in Whole Foods Market stores nationwide.

"When choosing our nutritious non-dairy beverage options, shoppers can feel confident that they're not only getting the freshest, most flavorful options available, but also the peace of mind that the products are all organic and sourced from American farms, at a great value price 365 days a year," said Chris Slick, Senior Global Coordinator for Exclusive and Store Brands for Whole Foods Market. "We're thrilled to continue offering shoppers the highest quality, responsibly sourced choices in the category with our organic store brand line.""

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Whole Foods Market® to Celebrate 30 Years of Organic Agriculture, Environmental Stewardship, Local Communities and Making Grocery Shopping Fun

"AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Whole Foods Market (Nasdaq: WFMI) turns 30 this September, celebrating three decades of offering the highest quality natural and organic foods and supporting organic agriculture, environmental stewardship and local producers. With a birthday bash at its world headquarters and festivities at all of its stores, Whole Foods Market will acknowledge not only its past accomplishments, but also future food, farming and environmental initiatives for healthier communities and planet."

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Celebrity Parents Who Eat Organic

"After the success of Food Inc. and Food Revolution, more celebrities are turning to organic foods and products as part of a healthier lifestyle.

Courteney Cox, star of Scream 4 and CougarTown, and her husband David Arquette, are buying organic, especially for their 6-year-old daughter Coco.

“I try to always be as green as possible,” the actress, 46, told US Magazine. ”For Coco, I got her Organic Matters [products] which Jen Meyer told me about.”

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Mosquito spraying concerns organic farmers

"BERKLEY, Mass. -- Some farmers are raising questions and concerns about mosquito spraying in southeastern Massachusetts.

Several mosquitoes recently tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis, but no human cases have been reported.

The state says the pesticide has no significant effect on local farms, but organic farmers say they have to be extra careful.

"It can contaminate your crops," said Stephen Murray of Kettle Pond Farm in Berkley.

The organic farm supplies produce to about 100 local families."

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Survey: 40 percent of NY farmers have interest in organic production

"Albany, NY -- A survey about organic agriculture showed 40 percent of conventional farmers are responded to the survey are interested in becoming involved in organic production.

The survey was conducted in conjunction with the New York Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

“As organic food sales continue to expand in the marketplace, organic production continues to be an increasingly viable farm opportunity,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker."

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Keeki Pure and Simple deals in organic and gluten-free products

"GRAND RAPIDS — Keeki Pure and Simple started after mothers-turned-entrepreneurs Natalie Bauss and Katy Scheffler wanted to do something for their children.

They have channeled their passion for organic ingredients and concerns about food allergies into the Keeki Pure and Simple line of products: lip balm, nail polish and polish remover."

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Finding Organic Baby Food Just Got a Whole Lot Easier

"PETERBOROUGH, N.H., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Whole Foods Market is augmenting its healthy baby snack category with the inclusion of 3 new products from Little Duck Organics, makers of all-natural snacks for infants and toddlers. In the North Atlantic region, families will now be able to buy certified organic packages of freeze dried apples and bananas, strawberries and mangoes and apples and blueberries. Each package is 100% pure fruit. There are no fillers, no added sugars, and no preservatives or artificial flavors."

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FBD: China Minzhong Food Corporation raises stake in Fujian Minzhong Organic Food (China)

"August 5 - The Board of Directors of China Minzhong Food Corporation Limited wishes to announce that the Company has completed its investment in the capital of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Fujian Minzhong Organic Food Co., Ltd from US$29,080,000 to US$99,080,000, which had been previously approved by the Board.

The Board has approved a further increase in its investment in the capital of Fujian Minzhong from US$99,080,000 to US$125,080,000."

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Robotic automation raises the bar for organic food packaging

"To meet growing consumer demand for its line of nutritious food bars, Organic Food Bar, Corona, CA, teamed with Bosch Packaging Technology to install three new packaging machines selected to meet the company’s high output demands while maintaining its stringent commitment to sustainability and a reduced carbon footprint.

Organic Food Bar was founded in 2001 with a mission to provide easily accessible, nutritious snack products for people on the go. The company’s products are now carried in a number of health food and specialty supermarkets throughout North America and the world."

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Organic restaurant for pampered pets

"Organic chicken risotto and bolognese are popular dishes at Chew Chew restaurant, and patrons can't get enough of the frothed goats milk cappuccino sprinkled with dried liver treats.

Chew Chew, in Wollstonecraft on Sydney's lower north shore, specialises in organic pet food for cats and dogs."

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100 free Organic Food Festival tickets

"The Organic Food Festival 2010, taking place on 11-12th September 2010 in Bristol on the Harbourside, is Europe’s largest organic showcase event and one of the UK’s leading food festivals. Celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year, the Festival demonstrates the growth of the organic movement and the increased recognition of the role organic production can play in creating a sustainable future."

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Whole Foods Market Reports Third Quarter Results

"AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Whole Foods Market, Inc. (Nasdaq: WFMI) today reported results for the 12-week third quarter ended July 4, 2010. Sales increased 15% to $2.2 billion. Comparable store sales increased 8.8%, or 6.3% on a two-year stacked basis. Identical store sales, excluding three relocations, increased 8.4%, or 4.6% on a two-year stacked basis. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) increased 27% to $179.8 million from $141.4 million last year. Income available to common shareholders increased 88% to $65.7 million from $35.0 million last year, and diluted earnings per share increased 53% to $0.38. Results included relocation, store closure and lease termination costs of $0.7 million versus $18.2 million in the prior year. "

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Sting and wife Trudie Styler embrace la dolce vita as they sell their organic wares from deep in the heart of Tuscany Read more: http://www.dailymail

"It's been their home from home for the past 13 years.

But today, Sting and Trudie Styler opened their Italian estate to the commercial masses as they launched their new organic shop.
The rock and roll couple have opened a food store called Tenuta il Palagio, which will sell olive oil, wine, honey and salami.

All the produce is grown and farmed on their 900-acre Il Palagio estate and until now it has only been sold directly to outlets in the U.S. and Britain, including Harrods.

But from today, locals and fans alike will be able to purchase some of the singer's organic wares."

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UAE to have 40 organic farms by June 2011

"Dubai, 2nd Aug. 2010 (WAM) -- The UAE has 13 organic farms at present and is planning to have 23 more by June 2011, raising to 40 the total number of organic farms in the country. Thirteen organic farms registered with the Ministry of Environment and Water up to the half of the current year, an increase of 25 per cent over the same period last year, Eng. Mansour Al Mansouri, Director of Agricultural Development At the Ministry said. We will commence work in next September to transform 23 conventional farms into organic orchards by June 2011, he added in a statement to the Arabic daily Al Ittiahd. He indicated that the Ministry started in July to offer farmers 172 shade, cool canopies at half prices. The distribution process will continue until the end of the current year, he said. According to him, the Ministry is intending to regulate marketing of locally produced or imported organic products in partnership with the private sector. "

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Herbicide-tainted manure wilts organic crops across Whatcom County

"BELLINGHAM Whatcom County organic farmers and gardeners are reporting severe crop damage that appears to be linked to herbicide contamination in the manure and compost they obtain from non-organic farms and dairies for use as natural fertilizer.
The herbicide suspected is known as aminopyralid. It is not believed to pose much danger to humans, other mammals or birds, but it’s tough on broadleaf plants. Farmers use it for weed control in pastures and fields that grow silage crops for dairy cows."

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South Dakota Announces New Organic Food Rules

"In South Dakota new legislation went into effect July 1 allowing the creation of new rules and regulations on organic food sold in farmers markets. The regulations were created by the state Department of Health in tandem with the South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service.

The rules state, "Many growers and specialty food entrepreneurs in South Dakota are adding value to the fresh, whole fruits and vegetables grown in South Dakota. Whole raw fruits and vegetables can currently be sold without any regulatory requirements. Once a raw fruit and/or a vegetable has been processed, specific requirements need to be followed to ensure the safety of the product.""

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Alemany Farm Claims To Reduce San Francisco's Crime By Growing Organic Food (VIDEO)

"In this clip, KVIE Public Television reports from Alemany Farm, a four acre organic paradise amidst the urban sprawl of one of San Francisco's worst crime areas.

Executive Director Alice Carruthers says her vision with the non-profit "was to slow the crime down." Since the farm began in 1991, families have been able to put fresh organic food on their tables and find a safe haven from the hostile environment where their children can play and learn about the environment."

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