Organic or Bust

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

2010-08-16T20:00:00.000-04:00

"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

2010-08-16T17:00:00.000-04:00

"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

2010-08-16T12:00:00.000-04:00

"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

2010-08-11T20:00:00.000-04:00

"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

2010-08-11T17:00:00.000-04:00

"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

2010-08-11T12:00:00.000-04:00

"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

2010-08-10T20:00:00.000-04:00

"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)

2010-08-10T17:00:00.000-04:00

"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

2010-08-10T12:00:00.000-04:00

"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

2010-08-05T20:00:00.000-04:00

"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

2010-08-05T17:00:00.000-04:00

"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

2010-08-05T12:00:00.000-04:00

"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

2010-08-04T22:10:00.000-04:00

"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

2010-08-03T12:00:00.000-04:00

"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

2010-08-02T20:00:00.000-04:00

"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

2010-08-02T17:00:00.000-04:00

"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)

2010-08-02T12:00:00.001-04:00

"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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Smart Balance to launch organic soy milk at Whole Foods

2010-07-27T19:45:00.001-04:00

"Smart Balance, purveyors of my favorite vegan buttery spread, has stepped into the organic soy milk arena with the national launch of Earth Balance Organic Soymilk—available exclusively at Whole Foods beginning in August.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Whole Foods, a retail industry leader in providing new and innovative products to health-conscious consumers, on the launch of our new Earth Balance Soymilk,” said Smart Balance Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Hughes. “This new product joins the super-premium family of Earth Balance® branded products, including buttery spreads, shortenings and nut butters. Importantly, it will provide consumers with the only refrigerated soy milk product in the market that is both organic and Non-GMO Project certified."

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Florida Supplement Receives USDA Organic Certification

2010-07-26T21:00:00.000-04:00

"http://www.FloridaSupplement.com, a GMP compliant contract manufacturer and packager of nutritional supplements based in Hollywood, Florida, announced that it has received organic certification from Quality Certification Services, a USDA National Organic Certification Program. USDA organic certification allows Florida Supplement’s customers to differentiate themselves in the marketplace and provide high quality, USDA certified organic products to the end consumer."

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Food recall: Sprouts from Specialty Farms linked to Listeria affects six states

2010-07-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

"Do you eat alfalfa sprouts? Another sprout recall has been announced, this time from Specialty Farms. Some recalled sprouts have recently tested positive for Listeria Monocytogenes.

These recalled sprouts were sold and distributed in stores in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Pennsylvania. They were sold in 4 ounce plastic containers with a "sell by date of 7/26/2010". Consumers should check packaging for the names Organic Alfalfa Sprouts Blend and upc number 8192400108 or Organic Sprout Salad with the upc number 8192400024. No other Specialty Farms products are involved in this recall."

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realbuzz.com's Top 10 Tips to get Your Kids to Eat Healthily

2010-07-22T17:26:00.000-04:00

"LONDON, July 21, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Helping your children to develop healthy eating habits is all down to the way in which you approach food as they learn from you as parents and responsible people. It is not always easy to get them to eat food that is good for them, but at realbuzz.com we've come up with our top 10 tips, to help you out and remind you what's good and what's not!
Children need vital vitamins and nutrients to grow - and during the holidays giving them healthy food and healthy snacks will give them the boundless energy to enjoy all the entertainment you have lined up for them."

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New Leaf Brands Expands Distribution With Whole Foods Market(R)

2010-07-22T17:24:00.000-04:00

"New Leaf Brands, Inc. (NLEF 0.27, -0.02, -6.90%) ("Company"), a provider of great tasting, all natural, healthy beverages, today announced the expansion of their distribution with Whole Foods Market(R) through 42 additional Southern Pacific division stores.

Whole Foods Market is the world's largest retailer of natural and organic foods with more than 270 stores throughout North America and the United Kingdom. The company has authorized distribution of New Leaf's unique tea flavors sweetened with 100% organic cane sugar, in 42 additional stores in the Southern Pacific division which includes Southern California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii. New Leaf is already available in Whole Foods' Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Rocky Mountain Division stores."

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Truly Organic Baking Wins 2010 sofi™ Gold Award for Outstanding USDA Organic Product From the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade

2010-07-21T21:00:00.000-04:00

"SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Truly Organic Baking’s Bakers Basics™ Organic Banana Bread Mix was named Outstanding USDA Organic Product of 2010 in the 38th Annual sofi™ Awards from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc. The sofi™ Awards recognize the best in specialty food and beverages and are a coveted industry honor. “sofi” stands for Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation.

Truly Organic Baking was one of 140 Silver Finalists selected by a national panel of specialty food experts from a record 2,257 contenders this year. The winners were announced at a red-carpet ceremony June 28 at the 56th Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. Noted Executive chef Dan Barber presented Kari Ani Shiozawa, Founder & CEO of Truly Organic Baking, with her sofi™ Gold Award, a chef statue."

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Apple Rush Receives $100,000 in Funding to Introduce Newly Designed Organic Beverage Line

2010-07-21T16:41:00.001-04:00

"GLENVIEW, Ill., Jul 21, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Apple Rush Co., Inc. (Pink Sheets:APRU) is pleased to announce that the Company has received $100,000 through a joint venture agreement with Stealth Funding, LLC for the purchase of new inventory with no dilution to its existing shareholders. Through this joint venture agreement, Apple Rush has acquired a fifty percent equity position of Apple Rush II, LLC. Stealth Funding has invested $100,000 in return for its fifty percent equity position in the joint venture company. The Company's use of funds includes but is not limited to an August production run, marketing activities, newly designed logo/packaging and the renewal of its organic certification "

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Dagoba Organic Chocolate Brings the Exotic Essence of Chai to the Drinking Chocolate Experience

2010-07-20T21:00:00.000-04:00

"HERSHEY, Pa., July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Dagoba Organic Chocolate releases the first-ever organic Chai Drinking Chocolate, giving consumers an indulgent new way to enjoy chai that is 100% organic and fair-trade certified. Dagoba® Chai Drinking Chocolate is made with the finest organic cacao powder, bits of pure, unsweetened dark chocolate, cane sugar, crystallized ginger and essence of chai.

Chai has long been a popular tea-based beverage throughout India and South Asia with increased inclusion on the menus of coffee houses and beverage bars across the United States. The depth and complexity of Dagoba Chai Drinking Chocolate gives consumers a most authentic way to enjoy both Dagoba chocolate and the essence of chai – a blend of aromatic Indian spices and herbs, typically including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, star anise, peppercorn, and cloves."

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Whole Foods’ stock can leave sour taste in investors’ mouths

2010-07-20T19:00:00.000-04:00

"Legendary investor Peter Lynch, in his many investment speeches and books, always encouraged people to “buy what you know.” His reputation was built on the idea that he would go to a shopping mall, see a lot of activity or spot some new trend at a store, and come home with a new investment in the bag.

If only it was that easy. Lynch, of course, came home to a team of analysts, and the potential to meet with management and gauge their abilities firsthand and more. All the average person comes home with is some good will for the store and a bag full of anything from groceries to luxury items."

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Lifeway Foods Introduces New 3.5-oz. 'BioKefir' Shots: To Your Health!

2010-07-20T16:49:00.000-04:00

"MORTON GROVE, Ill., July 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc., (Nasdaq: LWAY), the leading U.S. supplier of healthy Kefir beverages, today announced the launch of new probiotic 3.5-oz. Lifeway BioKefir™ shots specifically designed to support immunity, heart health and digestion. Sold in four-packs with just 60 calories each, the new super-powered Kefir drinks will be available in five flavors with more than 20 billion units of live and active probiotic activity – twice the amount in other regular Kefir and similar yogurt varieties."

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For FarmVille Players, a Crop From a Real Organic Farm

2010-07-19T19:00:00.001-04:00

"OPERATING a successful farm is a notion that is thriving in the virtual world. Some 20 million people check into FarmVille daily to plow pretend fields or buy, plant and harvest crops on online farms.

Now Zynga Game Network, the social network game’s creator, is linking FarmVille’s vast pool of players to retailers as diverse as 7-Eleven stores and the organic food company Cascadian Farm."

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EU backs more organic food production

2010-07-19T14:54:00.001-04:00

"Despite an increase in the amount of land farming organic produce within the European Union – about 4.3 per cent of total land cultivated – the organic sector makes up a mere two per cent of total food expenditure of EU consumers and even less among the union’s new members.

However, there are high percentages of organic farmland in Austria, Sweden, Estonia, the Czech Republic and Latvia. In all about 197,000 farms are involved in organic food production."

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Two Kucinich Amendments Strengthen ‘Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act’

2010-07-15T19:00:00.000-04:00

"WASHINGTON - July 15 - Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today secured two victories during consideration of H.R. 5504 the Improving Nutrition for America's Children Act in the Education and Labor Committee that will strengthen the bill and protect future generations. The first amendment will establish a trial program to increase organic foods in school meals. The second amendment will reduce the consumption by pregnant women and children of foods that have high levels of mercury.

The first amendment, jointly sponsored by Kucinich and Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), will provide competitive grants to schools who wish to increase the amount of organic food offerings in the school lunch program."

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Natural, Organic Pet Products Strengthen Market Position

2010-07-15T15:53:00.001-04:00

"ROCKVILLE, Md.—Natural pet products continue to edge into mainstream channels while expanding from their pet food base into non-food pet supplies, according to market research publisher Packaged Facts’ recently released “Natural, Organic and Eco-Friendly Pet Products in the U.S., 3rd Edition” report.

The report focuses on dog and cat pet food and non-food pet supplies specifically positioned as natural or organic. The report groups the products into two classifications—pet food and non-food pet supplies. The report also examines related trends and issues including sustainability, corporate responsibility, and other “ethical” initiatives such as fair trade and support of family farms."

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Scientists, consumers groups, and organic advocates fight for GMO labeling on food products

2010-07-14T21:00:00.001-04:00

"The Supreme Court recently upheld a ban on Monsanto's genetically modified alfalfa. The U.S. Department of Agriculture was ordered to perform an adequate environmental impact study before planting could continue, something it failed to do when it allowed Monsanto to commercialize the crop in 2007.

Now, the agency is once again bucking consumers' concerns regarding GMOs. In collusion with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the USDA is opting to ban the labeling of GMO ingredients in American food products. The federal government's official position on genetically modified (aka GM or GE) organisms is that there is no measurable difference between them and the wholefoods they seek to replace. Pandering to the Codex Alimentarius Committee, the new policy is in line with Codex Treaty's rule that no member nation should be able to require mandatory GMO labeling on foods."

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Fast Food World: KFC Conquers China, While Subway Grows an Organic Garden in Japan

2010-07-14T19:00:00.001-04:00

"..In Japan, however, the brand has been forced to refocus its marketing around a new health-conscious menu, featuring oven-roasted chicken and, instead of french fries, sides of salad and tea. Ironic, says Japan Times, considering KFC is currently hawking the Double Down in the U.S. But healthy seems to work well in Japan, where Subway, for example, has successfully become synonymous with vegetables (its slogan is, "Put vegetables into every day.") On July 6, the sandwich chain opened the Yasai Lab Marunouchi Building in Tokyo, which is growing organic hydroponic vegetables onsite. Produce from the garden will be used in the shop starting in October."

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Wyoming tribe's beef deal with Whole Foods ends

2010-07-14T15:36:00.000-04:00

"DENVER — A deal for the Northern Arapaho Tribe in Wyoming to sell organic, grass-fed beef to Whole Foods Market Inc. has fallen through, a beef distributor said Wednesday.
Panorama Meats Inc., which bought the beef from the tribe and sold it to Whole Foods, said the agreement ended in March when tribal officials asked for a 29 percent price increase.
"That's a heck of a jump in one fell swoop," said Mack Graves, CEO of Vina, Calif.-based Panorama.
Graves said the increase was more than Whole Foods wanted to pay."

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Arvind Mills set to launch organic food

2010-07-13T17:00:00.000-04:00

"PUNE: Ahmedabad-based Arvind Mills is best known as the world’s third largest denim producer and as a maker of readymades in the domestic market. It is now launching the country’s first branded organic staple food range.

“Arvind Mills is in the process of collaborating with retail chain Spencer’s Retail to market its range of organic food,” said a senior official of the company. He added that the brand name will not be Arvind nor will it be co-branded with the retailer. "

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Calif. aims to boost enforcement of organic rules

2010-07-13T13:28:00.000-04:00

"SACRAMENTO, Calif. — It's been barely a year since Luis Miranda began selling organic produce at farmers markets near his home in California's Central Valley, but he's already seen every trick in the book.
Scanning the stands recently at a market in downtown Sacramento, Miranda pointed out a half-dozen examples of misleading signs and labels. One of the most common tricks is posting a banner with the California Certified Farmers' Markets seal — which closely resembles the marks bestowed by state-recognized organic certifiers, but means only that the produce was grown by the farmer selling it."

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Demand for organic produce creates opportunity for exporters

2010-07-12T20:00:00.001-04:00

"Before 2005, Paully Appea-Kubi was a local producer of dried pineapple, mango and papaya for the domestic market. Attending a Fancy Food Show with the Trade Hub in New York, U.S.’s largest speciality food and beverage marketplace revolutionized her business strategy. “I realized that almost everybody was asking for organic products,” said Appea-Kubi, whose company, Ebenut, is based in Accra, Ghana. “So I thought, ‘If I have the opportunity, I will go in for the certification so I will also be able to supply the U.S. market.”"

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OTA: Dietary Guidelines Need to Take Stronger Stand on Organic Foods

2010-07-12T18:00:00.000-04:00

"WASHINGTON, July 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Organic Trade Association (OTA) today called on the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health & Human Services (HHS) to encourage those seeking to minimize their exposure to toxic chemicals to look for the USDA Organic label wherever they shop by revising the draft Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010.

In oral testimony at a hearing conducted by the Advisory Committee preparing the latest version of the guidelines, OTA's Executive Director and CEO Christine Bushway pointed out serious concerns with statements in Resource 3 entitled "Conventional and Organically Produced Foods." For one, although the Dietary Guidelines statement on organic foods references only limited research on nutrient density, it draws the broad conclusion that "Our current understanding of conventional and organically produced foods indicate that their nutritional value and contributions to human health are similar.""

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Organic food labels not always upfront about country-of-origin

2010-07-12T13:42:00.000-04:00

"OTTAWA — Consumers could be forgiven for assuming Florida’s Natural Pocket Fruit Nuggets are made in the sunshine state.

Drawn in by the giant orange and berries on the cover and the organic stamp of approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Lucy Watson of Ottawa did just that when she recently picked up the snack for her two young children."

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Basictea.com Introduces New Line of Organic Herbs, Spices & Seasonings

2010-07-08T20:00:00.002-04:00

"New York, NY (PRWEB) July 8, 2010 -- Online tea retailer, Basictea.com has introduced a new line of organic spices & culinary seasonings to their growing inventory of organic food & herbal products. These new spices will be available in individual 3.5 oz. packages as well as in larger bulk 8 oz. packages.

According to basictea.com founder Mark Greenberg, “Our artisan spices and seasoning blends are crafted from the finest organic botanicals and can elevate simple dishes to levels of exquisite cuisine. Our blends and seasonings are an easy way to add authentic regional flavor and taste to you meats, poultry, fish & vegetables. And in these tough economic times, our low price points really aim to please the palate without emptying the wallet.”

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Case Study: Can Honest Tea Say No to Coke?

2010-07-08T18:00:00.000-04:00

"HONEST TEA makes juices and teas with natural sweeteners, including the pouch drinks Honest Kids. In early 2008, Coca-Cola took a 40 percent interest in the Bethesda, Md.-based company, which had revenue of $47 million last year. Coke has an option to buy the whole company next year.

THE CHALLENGE Maintaining Honest Tea’s integrity while adjusting to a new relationship with a financial backer that has a different way of doing business.

THE BACKGROUND Seth Goldman, now 44, left a mutual fund job in 1998 convinced that he could develop a wholesome alternative to sugary drinks that never seemed to quench his thirst. He joined forces with Barry Nalebuff, a professor he knew from the Yale School of Management, to start Honest Tea."

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Survey Says: Moms Looking for More Guidance on Organic Deli Meat

2010-07-08T14:58:00.001-04:00

"BRIDGEWATER, N.J., July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer is in full swing, and with it, picnics and backyard barbecues are heating up – meaning more sandwiches and hot dogs. A new survey released by Applegate Farms, a leading producer of natural and organic meats and cheeses, finds that 45 percent of moms would buy more organic deli meats for their kids if they better understood the benefits.

"So many people are confused when it comes to what different terms like organic, conventional or natural mean," says Amy Marlow, MPH, RD. The survey found that 36 percent of moms were not sure, or thought that organic and natural mean the same thing on a deli meat label."

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Natural Foodie: Helping overcome the price barrier of organic foods

2010-07-07T20:00:00.000-04:00

"We hear it all the time: Eating organic local food is too expensive.

For many people who feel this way, it's really a statement about priorities. Some of us just value things like smart phones, vacations, concert tickets or flat-screen TVs more than wholesome meals.

But for other folks, the choice isn't between Kindles and kale. Rather, it involves much more difficult trade-offs between paying rent and buying medicine or putting nutritious food on the table."

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Converted Organics Strengthens Green Tech Portfolio With Proposed Acquisition of Vertical Farming Pioneer TerraSphere System

2010-07-07T18:00:00.000-04:00

"BOSTON, Jul 7, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Converted Organics Inc. (COIN 0.53, -0.01, -1.19%) announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire TerraSphere Systems, a Massachusetts LLC and a rapidly growing pioneer in the vertical farming market. Completion of the $26 million all stock transaction would be the Company's largest acquisition to-date and is subject to the approval of Converted Organics' shareholders."

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Organic farming area grows to 10.5 lakh hectares: Pawar

2010-07-07T13:26:00.000-04:00

"NEW DELHI: Area under organic farming in India has risen to 10.5 lakh hectares in last six years.

Divulging this to the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on agriculture here, Food and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said "In India, as against 42,000 hectares under certified organic farming during 2003-04, initial estimates for 2009-10 indicate that organic agriculture under certification has grown to 10.5 lakh hectares." "

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HAPPYBABY Debuts Gluten-Free Varieties of Popular HAPPYBABYPUFFS(R) Line

2010-07-06T18:00:00.000-04:00

"NEW YORK, July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The first melt-in-your-mouth organic finger foods have gone gluten-free! HAPPYBABY®— the nation's leading premium organic baby and toddler food brand—has added two gluten-free varieties to its popular organic HAPPYBABYPUFFS line. Perfect for helping babies hone tactility and learn self-feeding, these products are the first and only gluten-free puffs on the market.

Available in supermarkets in late summer 2010, these new gluten-free varieties of organic HAPPYBABYPUFFS are rich in vitamin D, a critical nutrient for infants, and are the only baby snacks with added vitamin B and calcium. They contain half the sugar of similar products from other leading brands and are free of artificial coloring, artificial flavors, and GMOs, so parents can feel confident they are giving their children delicious and nutritious functional foods."

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F.D.A. Trying to Curb Overuse of Antibiotics in Agriculture

2010-07-06T14:46:00.000-04:00

"The use of antibiotics has been common in the meat industry for a long time, not only to treat sick farm animals or to protect them from diseases, but also to foster their growth. It seems that small doses of antibiotics administered daily makes the animals gain weight faster. According to a recent report in the New York Times (6/29/2010), 70 percent of the antibiotics used in agriculture are simply for the promotion of animal growth, not to fight illnesses.

While it is not altogether clear why exactly antibiotics, like tetracycline, have this growth-enhancing effect, there is speculation that the drugs kill the natural flora in the animals' intestines and, therefore, allow for more efficient absorption of their feed. For an industry that measures profits in miniscule amounts, any weight gain is a welcome bonus."

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Organic farmers probed by state over free labor

2010-07-05T18:00:00.000-04:00

"Under normal circumstances, San Anselmo vegetable grower Jerome Draper doesn't have - or need - a lot of help. His father and mother are usually enough to gather up the tomatoes and other crops Draper raises on his one-acre organic farm.
"I pay my dad $1 a year, and he splits it with my mom," Draper said.

Occasionally, however, Draper receives a visit from his sister, his niece and his nephew, who pitch in with a few odd chores around the farm. Draper doesn't pay those relatives, though he does provide his sister with vegetables to feed her family.

That decision earned Draper a $1,050 fine last month from the state Division of Labor Standards Enforcement."

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Consumers Can Choose Organic Products to Avoid Synthetic Food Dyes

2010-07-05T13:00:00.001-04:00

"In response to a call from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) to ban synthetic dyes to color foods, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) today reminded consumers that they can already avoid such dyes in the marketplace by choosing to purchase organic foods.

CSPI's latest report entitled "Food Dyes: A Rainbow of Risks" outlines health concerns posed by the nine currently approved dyes used on conventionally produced foods According to CSPI, the dyes present "a rainbow of risks," including allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and even cancer."

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Rori’s Organic Creamery Is One Cool Alternative for Ice Cream Lovers

2010-07-05T10:00:00.000-04:00

"Rori Trovato gives organic ice cream a whole new meaning for those who delve into her sweet and borderline sinful new flavors. Opening the first organic creamery in Santa Barbara, Trovato hopes to give consumers the freshest products possible.

“Ice cream makes people happy,” Trovato said. “How fun is that?"

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Led By Leahy And DeFazio, 56 Members Of House And Senate Ask USDA To Keep Rules On Genetically Engineered Alfalfa

2010-07-03T16:06:00.001-04:00

"WASHINGTON – Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), joined by 49 other representatives and five other senators, are asking U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to retain the regulated status of genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa. Their letter comes in response to a USDA Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) finding “no significant impact” from the use of genetically modified versions of the crop.

Leahy and DeFazio co-authored legislation to create the national organic standards and labeling program."

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Healthy, Tasty And Unusual At The Fancy Food Show

2010-07-01T13:00:00.000-04:00

"There used to be a divide between “fancy food” and “health food.” At this year’s Fancy Food Show, which ends its three-day run at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on Tuesday, it’s evident that the two categories have seamlessly merged. The words most commonly seen were organic, vegan, whole grain, fair trade, anti-oxidant and gluten-free.

“Judging from this show you’d think the whole world had celiac disease,” said Jennifer Lea Cohan, a publicist who works with the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, which runs the show."

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Organic food “Euro-Leaf” label comes into force tomorrow

2010-07-01T10:00:00.000-04:00

"New EU rules on organic food labelling including the requirement to display the new EU organic logo, enter into force tomorrow.

The so-called “Euro-Leaf” will now be obligatory on pre-packaged organic food products that have been produced in any of EU Member States and meet the necessary standards. Other private, regional or national logos will continue to appear alongside the EU label.

The logo stays optional for non-packed and imported organic products. In addition to the logo, the new labelling rules also include the compulsory indications of place of farming of the products' ingredients and code number of the body that had been in charge of the controls. "

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Clif Bar & Company Becomes 20 Percent Employee-Owned

2010-06-30T19:00:00.000-04:00

"BERKELEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Clif Bar & Company, the leading maker of all-natural and organic food and performance nutrition for athletes, is pleased to announce the selling of family-owned common stock to its employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Employees through the ESOP own 20 percent of the company, while husband and wife owners -- Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford -- retain the remaining 80 percent.

“All along we wanted to create a company where we would want to work,” said Crawford, Clif Bar & Company’s co-CEO. “Employee ownership is one more way we could run a different kind of business: one that inspires a team of people to make the kind of delicious, nutritious food we’d like to eat, and that strives for a healthier, more sustainable world.”"

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Melvita - France’s #1 Organic Beauty Brand - Opens Its Third U.S. Retail Store: 25 Years of Expertise in Organic Beauty Comes to Southern California

2010-06-30T13:00:00.000-04:00

"New York, NY (Vocus/PRWEB ) June 29, 2010 -- Melvita is pleased to announce the opening of its third U.S. retail space on June 30, 2010 at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, California. For more than 25 years, Melvita has been a pioneer in organic beauty and an industry leader in ecological beauty manufacturing. Now, Newport Beach will be able to experience first-hand this extensive line of ECOCERT-certified organic products for the whole family. Melvita makes everyday organic living achievable with its wide range of skin, hair and personal care products, food supplements, and honey."

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Tropical Foods Re-Introduces York’s Harvest, Organic Acres, Now with Corn-Based Packagin

2010-06-30T10:00:00.001-04:00

"CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tropical Foods, a food manufacturer that specializes in raw and roasted nuts, dried fruit and snack mixes, has re-launched their popular organic line, Organic Acres, with new corn-based packaging.

Organic Acres contains five organic mixes, specially blended to provide a naturally nutritious snack. The line also contains dried fruits and both raw and roasted/salted nuts. Products are available in bulk or a new corn-based retail package. Tropical Foods has seen success with the line with the new packaging and the re-sealable, portable organic snacks."

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What's Organic About Organic, A Film on an Important Topic

2010-06-29T13:00:00.001-04:00

"What’s Organic About Organic asks what the implications of growing food organically or not actually are. This hour-long film covers a lot of ground. Its short length and breadth of issues make this movie a good discussion-starter amongst peers, family, and friends. Watching What’s Organic About Organic left me with a sense that we don’t necessarily know the whole story about conventionally grown food or the benefits of organic, it made me want to learn more and be a more educated consumer."

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Fresh Harvest Announces New Distributor and New Distribution Territory

2010-06-29T10:00:00.001-04:00

"NEW YORK, NY, Jun 24, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Fresh Harvest Products, Inc. (FRHV 0.03, -.00, -3.85%) , a developer and marketer of natural and organic products, is pleased to announce that after an extensive search it has chosen a new distributor and is expanding into a new territory for its Wings of Nature(TM) bars.

The company will be selling and merchandising its Wings of Nature bars through a leading distributor of convenience products in the Northwest and one of the nation's top 25 convenience distributors. Their customers include: convenience stores, drug stores, grocery stores and restaurants. They provide full-service grocery distribution to more than 2,000 customers and their distribution map extends throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and Northern California."

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Organic wheat farming receives govt backing, attracts growers

2010-06-28T16:00:00.000-04:00

"Chandigarh: Over 11,000 acres of land has been brought under organic farming in Punjab and Haryana under a scheme sponsored by the Union Government. While 6,050 acres has so far come under organic farming in Punjab, Haryana too is not lagging behind as 5,000 acre has been brought under organic farming.

To promote organic farming in Punjab and Haryana, farmers are being provided technological inputs including training and farm-level advisory services according to standards set by the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), National Organic Programme (NOP) and the European Union (EU) for organic farming."

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How Sustainable is Big Organic?

2010-06-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

"Organic has gotten big. Really big. So much so that most of the organic food available in the supermarket is now owned by companies you might not expect to represent organic, like Cargill, Heinz/Hain, Kraft, Kellog, Dean, and General Mills. All those familiar organic food brand names: Muir Glen, Cascadian Farm, Odwalla, Kashi, Dagoba chocolate, and so on, are owned by some of the largest food processors in the country, whose other product lines don't exactly jive with organic principles. The question is, is big organic good, or not so good? And what does it mean for small organic food producers?"

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Converted Organics LC 1-1-1(TM) Organic Liquid Fertilizer Receives OMRI Listing

2010-06-25T16:00:00.000-04:00

"BOSTON, Jun 24, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Converted Organics Inc. (COIN 0.78, -0.02, -2.31%) announced today that the Converted Organics LC 1-1-1(TM) all-natural, organic liquid fertilizer produced in the Company's Woodbridge, NJ facility, has received Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) approval for use in certified organic production or food processing and handling in accordance with the USDA's National Organic Program. OMRI listing of the Company's Woodbridge-produced LC 1-1-1(TM) organic liquid fertilizer product follows recent listing of Converted Organics 8-1-4(TM), Converted Organics Lawn & Turf 8-1-4(TM), Converted Organics 4-1-8(TM) and Converted Organics Flower & Garden 4-1-8(TM) all-natural, granular organic fertilizers. With this OMRI approval, the LC 1-1-1(TM) organic liquid fertilizer manufactured in Woodbridge joins the LC 1-1-1(TM) organic liquid fertilizer manufactured by the Gonzales facility in being OMRI listed."

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Supreme Court Upholds Ban on GE Alfalfa

2010-06-25T12:12:00.000-04:00

"IOWA CITY, Iowa–The U.S. Supreme Court upheld USDA’s ban on the deregulation of Monsanto’s genetically engineered (GE), Roundup Ready alfalfa for widespread commercial use. Although the decision does not uphold an indefinite ban on GE alfalfa, it provides consumers and farmers the opportunity to voice their opinions and challenge any potential deregulation of GE alfalfa, which is the fourth most planted crop in the United States.

In a press release, the National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA), a business services cooperative for 114 natural food co-ops nationwide, said it encouraged concerned consumers to continue telling USDA they oppose allowing GE alfalfa's use in agriculture."

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Fake organic foods proliferate from China

2010-06-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

"Think those "organic" strawberries from China are better for environment? Think again.

This story was originally reported by PRI's The World. For more, listen to the audio above.

The organic label is meant to signify that a food is relatively environmentally friendly: Organic producers are forbidden from using many synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. When that organic food comes from China, that label may not mean much."

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Kiss My Face Partners With Seeds of Peace to Promote Middle East Conflict Resolution

2010-06-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

"NEW YORK, June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Given the current Arab-Israeli conflict, it is easy to overlook the positive initiatives and significant progress being made to foster universal acceptance among the youth in areas of unrest. Such efforts have been taken by Kiss My Face, who continues its tradition of unconventional social change by partnering with Seeds of Peace to launch Peace Soap and introduce "The Pledge for Peace," a unique online campaign. Seeds of Peace is a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that hosts a summer camp to empower young people from regions of conflict with the leadership skills and interpersonal networks necessary to advance reconciliation and coexistence. "

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Trend Spotting: What are Natural and Organic Food Consumers Looking For?

2010-06-24T16:00:00.000-04:00

"When the natural food section at my local supermarket expanded from three shelves to three full aisles two years ago, I got the strong impression that I was no longer one of the “few” consumers scrutinizing labels for all-natural and special diet foods. Demand is thankfully growing, and my favorite coupon site, Mambo Sprouts, used their marketing research team to find out what drives natural and organic food consumers. The results were surprising and intriguing … for me at least. Check out the stats and see what groups your shopping habits fall into:

80% of natural and organic consumers (so we are talking a specialty group already, not the public at large) regularly read labels for ingredient and nutrition information and are interested in purchasing functional foods with added health benefits. 39% checked off that they were very interested in functional foods."

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Hospital Food Gets A Push Down The Organic Aisle

2010-06-24T12:00:00.000-04:00

"The local and organic food movement is spreading to an area not commonly associated with freshness, or even taste: hospital kitchens. Advocates say higher-quality produce, and smaller servings of meat, will help patients.

But the idea, which stems from a trial documented by a Johns Hopkins public health study, has its critics.

During a recent lunchtime at John Muir Medical Center in the San Francisco suburb of Concord, Calif., chefs and kitchen staff scurry around a conveyor belt as patients' food trays roll by."

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Kashi Company Introduces New TLC(R) Cranberry Walnut Fruit & Grain Bars

2010-06-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

"LA JOLLA, Calif., June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Kashi Company, the premier natural food and lifestyle company, today announced the addition of Kashi® TLC® Cranberry Walnut Fruit & Grain Bars to its TLC family of snacks. Made with Kashi's signature blend of rolled Seven Whole Grains chewy granola, the new Kashi TLC Cranberry Walnut Fruit & Grain Bars combine real, soft fruit and hearty nuts layered on top of granola to provide a nutritious treat with a delicious sweet and tangy flavor combination."

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Raw Organic Virgin Coconut Oil has a hundred uses for health and home

2010-06-23T16:00:00.000-04:00

"(NaturalNews) People who really know about health know about virgin coconut oil. It's the oil of choice for health-conscious people, and it's used in everything from smoothies (delicious!) to personal care products. You can use coconut oil both inside and outside your body.

It's even useful for cooking because coconut oil has a much higher temperature tolerance than even extra virgin olive oil. Its fat molecules stay intact, in other words, at higher stovetop temperatures, so that makes it safer for use as a cooking oil. It's also widely used in raw foods recipe as a stabilizer and source of delicious plant-based fats with their own unique nutritional properties."

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Onigilly Brings Japanese Street Food to San Francisco with an Organic Twist

2010-06-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

"If you live in just about any city in the U.S., you’ve probably noticed an uptick in enthusiasm for all things street food. In San Francisco, that craze encompasses everything from bacon-wrapped hot dogs and empanadas to waffles and creme brulee, but Koji Kanematsu and Kan Hasegawa think they’ve got the next big thing: onigiri.

Essentially, onigiri are tightly packed balls of rice with a simple seaweed wrapper — think sushi, but without the fish. While they’re a very popular street-food snack in Japan, they’re hard to find in the U.S., and one night, in a fit of craving that was part hunger and part homesickness, the two decided to show America what onigiri was all about."

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Organic Eggs washed in Chlorine Solution

2010-06-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

"If you believe in buying organic foods, an article by an expert last week may have come as a shock to you. Dr.Mercola is a celebrity in the medical field and on the media circuit. He has an excellent website and a huge following on Facebook and other social networks. I often adhere to his advice.

His article"Why you don't want to buy organic eggs at the grocery store" raises the question what happens after organic eggs have been collected. Some states require that they are cleaned by washing them in a chlorine bath. That isn't exactly what I as an organic customer and ex organic farmer's wife expected to happen to the eggs labeled organic, grocery store or not. In addition, they undergo "a mineral oil coating before they are nestled into their cartons," the article continues. And the eggs are still allowed to carry the organic label."

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Germany: Champion of Organic Food or GMOs?

2010-06-22T16:00:00.001-04:00

"When it comes to the sustainable and organic food movement, the U.S. lags far behind many European countries, including Germany. Many German farmers and consumers are dedicated to producing and eating organic, as well as local, but recently it's been revealed that the German government may not be so committed to organic food after all. Genetically engineered crops are banned in most of Europe, including Germany. But German scientists and researchers are still considered to be at the cutting edge of genetically engineered crop research, testing experimental crops with funding support from the government and in spite of vehement public protest."

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Energy Strong at the Longest-Running Natural Products Trade Show

2010-06-22T12:00:00.000-04:00

"BOULDER, Colo., June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural MarketPlace (www.naturalmarketplaceshow.com), co-located with World Tea Expo and the first-ever NutriCosmetic Summit, attracted 5,000 industry members and showcased over 25,000 square feet of natural and healthy lifestyle products last week at the 73rd official trade show of the Natural Products Association (NPA). Natural MarketPlace was held June 10-12, 2010 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.
A great mix of tried-and-true natural products companies and emerging new brands together in one place created a unique and valuable gathering place for businesses. Greg Hartle, vice president of Natural Edge said, "It's been a great show. Within the first half hour we wrote one of the biggest deals that we've done to date for our company. We had some great leads from all different markets and we will be back. Natural MarketPlace has been a great, great win for us.""

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Organic Foods: Hain Celestial Makes U.K. Acquisition

2010-06-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

"June 18, 2010 (FinancialWire) -- The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAIN | PowerRating), a natural and organic products company, has acquired Churchill Food Products Ltd., a manufacturer and distributor of food-to-go products in the United Kingdom. Churchill's production is expected by Hain to complement the firm's existing Daily Bread brand.

The company said it completed this acquisition as part of its plan to return to profitability in the United Kingdom, which it expects will occur in fiscal year 2011.

Terms of the acquisition, which closed on June 15, were not disclosed."

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ONE Bio Signs Supermarket Chains Expanding Its Organic Vegetable Business

2010-06-21T16:00:00.000-04:00

"ONE Bio, Corp. ("ONE" or the "Company") (OTCBB: ONBI), an innovative company utilizing green process manufacturing to produce raw chemicals and herbal extracts, natural and health supplements and organic products, announced that its subsidiary, United Green Technology, Inc. ("UGTI") through its Chinese operating unit, signed two distribution agreements with supermarket chains for distributing its organic vegetable and fruits products.

ONE's organic products division has just signed new lucrative distribution agreements which will result in more rapid expansion into the retail environment in mainland China. Recently, ONE signed distribution agreements with two supermarket chains in order to offer retail distribution of our products in more than 20 locations. The first two supermarket chains that ONE has partnered with are located in the Fuijan province and operate stores under the Xin Huadu and Jie long brand names. These are established retailers in their respective markets."

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Organic agriculture major at U of G escapes cuts

2010-06-21T12:00:00.000-04:00

"The University of Guelph will continue to offer a bachelor of arts in organic agriculture until at least 2014, despite not yet meeting a target to register at least 40 students in the major.

Organic agriculture was on a controversial list of programs and majors identified for cuts by the University’s Board of Undergraduate Studies last spring, but was given a year-long reprieve to improve enrolment numbers. In February 2010, the Senate extended that reprieve for at least four more years."

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Style, Gold Food, Zen, and the Enigmatic Organic Farmers of Our Globe

2010-06-21T08:00:00.001-04:00

"When I notice person’s style, the first synthesized [what has gone into their personal style] perception is filtered in through my poetic mind joined with my physician’s mind. Perhaps Style is a synthesization of ones DNA offered to the eye of the beholder through one’s way of life. Unlike an argument of nature vs nurture is it the integration of our genetic physiological musicological portraits working with our cultural patterns, imprints, and yearnings to express and share these parts of our selves with the outside world.

With farming, man as the microcosm of the macrocosm is not intellectualized but lived out every moment with feet and hands in the nutrients of the earth."

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Organic cotton farming more profitable, says report

2010-06-18T12:00:00.000-04:00

"Organically grown cotton is more profitable for farmers than Bt cotton, a new Greenpeace report said here Tuesday.

'In the year 2009-10, farmers cultivating cotton through organic practices earned 200 percent more net income than farmers who grew genetically engineered cotton (Bt cotton),' the report said.

The report 'Picking Cotton - The choice between organic and genetically-engineered cotton for farmers in South India' is a comparative analysis of the two methods of agriculture among cotton farmers in Andhra Pradesh."

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MegaFood Announces Partnership With Organic Valley Coop

2010-06-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

"MegaFood™, the only purveyor of premium artisan whole food supplements, announces that Organic Valley Cooperative has joined its family of Farm Fresh Partners™. MegaFood sources only fresh raw whole foods from farms throughout the US and Canada to produce their FoodState® concentrates, which are the source of the 100% pure whole food nutrients in their formulations. Organic Valley, a farmer-owned cooperative, will provide MegaFood farm fresh organic vegetables such as carrots, broccoli and cabbage from this fall’s harvest."

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Organic Trade Association announces 2010 Board and office

2010-06-17T16:00:00.000-04:00

"(Drinks Media Wire). Julia Sabin of Smucker Natural Foods, Inc., has been re-elected by the Organic Trade Association’s (OTA’s) Board of Directors to continue as its president for the coming year. It will be her third year as president.

Other officers for 2010 are Sarah Bird of Annie’s, Inc., Vice President – U.S.A.; Gunta Vitins of SunOpta, Inc., Vice President—Canada; Matt McLean of Uncle Matt’s Organics, Inc., Secretary; Chuck Marcy, Healthy Food Holdings, LLC, Treasurer; and Kristen Holt of Quality Assurance International, Treasurer-Elect."

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World’s Finest Organic Shea Butter Goes to the Dogs

2010-06-17T08:00:00.001-04:00

"San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) June 16, 2010 -- Even in a tough economy, SheaPet clearly believes man’s best friend deserves nothing but the best. As the name implies, SheaPet uses shea butter as one of the primary ingredients in all of its shampoos and conditioners, which are marketed to discerning pet owners across the country."

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Why Organic Palm Sugar is the next big thing in natural sweeteners

2010-06-16T16:00:00.000-04:00

"(NaturalNews) The search for healthy, natural sweeteners sometimes seems to involve a whirlwind of information. I've been writing about stevia since 1997 -- back in the day when the FDA was actually seizing stevia products and threatening to arrest the owners of stevia companies. But today, stevia is now widely accepted as a safe, natural sweetener. That doesn't make it super popular, however: Many people complain about the aftertaste of stevia, and it doesn't melt or cook like sugar does."

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Navitas Naturals Announces Organic Camu Powder

2010-06-16T12:00:00.000-04:00

"Novato, California (June 10, 2010) – The lush Amazon rainforest is believed to be the haven for countless plant species yet to be discovered that may provide profound scientific and health benefits to mankind. Camu Camu is a good example of a nutritious rainforest fruit that has only recently become known to people in North America. Superfoods leader Navitas Naturals is raising awareness of camu by introducing this sustainably harvested superfruit to foodies and health-savvy consumers in a convenient, pure organic powder form."

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India: Organic food fair in Himachal Pradesh

2010-06-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

"A three-day-long food festival showcasing organic food items got underway in Shimla.

Inaugurated by state Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal on Thursday, the fair was organized by the Palampur Agriculture University in collaboration with the tourism department.

The organizers said that the organic food fair would provide farmers with a platform to sell their organic produce."

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North American Organic-Coffee Demand Rose in 2009, Analyst Says

2010-06-15T16:00:00.000-04:00

"June 15 (Bloomberg) -- Imports of organic coffee into the U.S. and Canada exceeded 93 million pounds last year and demand is rising, said market researcher Daniele Giovannucci, citing a survey of 56 retailers and roasters.
The $1.4 billion organic-coffee market expanded by 4.1 percent this past year and an average 21 percent annually for the past five years, compared with estimated 1 percent growth in the “conventional coffee industry,” Giovannucci said in a statement on the PRWeb website. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. was among the companies surveyed, according to Giovannucci."

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SunOpta Completes Divestiture of Canadian Food Distribution Assets

2010-06-15T12:00:00.000-04:00

"TORONTO, Jun 14, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- SunOpta Inc. ("SunOpta" or the "Company") (STKL 5.03, -0.02, -0.40%) (CA:SOY 5.15, 0.00, 0.00%) today announced that it has completed the previously announced divestiture of the Company's Canadian Food Distribution Assets to United Natural Foods, Inc. ("UNFI") and UNFI Canada, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of UNFI for cash consideration of approximately CDN $68 million."

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Organic Food Delivery: More Sustainable Than the Store?

2010-06-15T08:00:00.001-04:00

"Food delivery is a luxury, it seems. However, in many North American cities it is a luxury no more. From shut-in seniors to families with new babies, many people choose to get their groceries delivered. Grocery delivery is a vital service for these people. For those who have mobility issues, limited transportation or just have a hard time getting out of the house, food delivery is an important part of eating good, homemade food regularly."

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Target Hooks Up With Punky Brewster For New Organic Baby Collection

2010-06-14T18:00:00.000-04:00

"Soleil Moon Frye (AKA Punky Brewster), has apparently struck gold again by partnering with retailer Target for the release of a new collection of organic baby clothing.

While the partnership is news, the fact that Frye is behind it isn’t very surprising. Ever since she opened up her organic baby store, The Little Seed, in Los Angeles some years ago, the 33-year-old mother has been a force in the green baby scene. Last July, with business partner Paige Goldberg, she hosted a star-studded grand opening for the launch of her own eco-friendly baby clothing."

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Green Parenting: Top 5 Healthy Foods to Feed Your Family

2010-06-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

"After writing a column on five foods parents may think twice about feeding their kids, a follow-up with five healthy and kid-friendly foods was clearly in order.

Straight out of my kitchen, here are five foods you can feed your little ones without worrying about MSG, colorings, flavorings, and other often unprounouncable junk nobody wants to have in their bodies."

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Ag Dept to drop organic food inspector in China

2010-06-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

"The Times reports that some of the products inspected by the association were used to manufacture store brand products for Whole Foods Market, the nation's largest organic retailer.
The decision to ban the food inspectors follows consumers' shaken confidence about the safety of food and other products exported from China."

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Whole Foods to Remove Non-Certified, Mislabeled "Organic" Body Care Products from their Stores

2010-06-11T18:00:00.001-04:00

"It is with great excitement that I am sharing with you our official company policy & associated actions via our Quality Standards team related to Organic Personal Care:

Whole Foods Market's policy on the use of the word "organic" on personal care products

We believe that the "organic" claim used on personal care products should have very similar meaning to the "organic" claim used on food products, which is currently regulated by the USDA's National Organic Program. Our shoppers do not expect the definition of "organic" to change substantially between the food and the non-food aisles of our stores. Accordingly, the following requirements apply to all personal care products which use the word "organic" in any way on the product label."

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Organic Salons Care About More Than Just Hair and Beauty

2010-06-11T12:00:00.000-04:00

"Palm Harbor, FL - June 10, 2010 - Organic Salon Systems, the leading provider of non-diverted professional natural salon products, is sponsoring an advanced professional development seminar on Sunday June 13, 2010 where 20 salons from around the country are attending to sharpen their skills on (1) hair color practice and theory; (2) the use of more natural, gentler, healthier, and organic products; and (3) client health concerns when using professional salon products."

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Some children's juice products in U.S. contain lead

2010-06-11T08:00:00.001-04:00

"LOS ANGELES, June 10 (Xinhua) -- A California environmental group has found high levels of lead in some children's juice products sold in the U.S. market, the National Public Radio reported Thursday.

The levels of lead exceeded the state law -- and in some cases also exceeded federal levels for young children, the report said, citing test results provided by the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF), a San Franscisco-based nonprofit organization."

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Food and Beverage Industry Veteran to Introduce New Ingredient Company at Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting & Food Expo in July

2010-06-10T18:00:00.000-04:00

"PINE BROOK, N.J., June 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Teawolf, the dynamic, state-of-the-art manufacturer and distributor of natural and functional ingredients for the food, flavor, fragrance and beverage markets, today announced it will attend the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting & Food Expo in Chicago, IL on July 16-20, 2010. The IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo is the only annual event that brings together professionals involved in both the science and the business of food.

Teawolf, headquartered in Pine Brook, NJ, is led by food and beverage industry veteran Greg Robertson, formerly with Ungerer & Company. Teawolf will be presenting at IFT its wolfberry distillate in a Wolfberry Tea beverage and its 10-fold vanilla and premium dark chocolate extract in a chocolate milk (with no cocoa powder), along with two other surprise beverages."

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Nigeria Loses $46bn to Organic Farming

2010-06-10T12:00:00.000-04:00

"The Executive Director of Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr David Adulugba, has disclosed that Nigeria is losing over $46 billion in the world market on organic product.
The Council, he said, has identified this market to have a significant share in the billions of US dollars in the agricultural sector. All over the world, organic food grown accounts for approximately one to two percent of gross food sales. So many premiums are attracted to organic products that in Austria, organic farmers have been given incentives; experts expect 10% of all foods grown locally to be organic."

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Whole Foods Market(R) Collaborates With Online Community food52 for Weekly Recipe Contest Highlighting Flavors of Summer

2010-06-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

"AUSTIN, Texas, June 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Whole Foods Market (Nasdaq: WFMI), the leading natural and organic foods supermarket, today announced it is collaborating with food52, an online community for home cooks, to hold weekly recipe contests during June and July.

Founded by Amanda Hesser, author and former New York Times food editor and editor of T Living, and Merrill Stubbs, freelance food writer and editor, food52 holds weekly recipe contests and uses crowd-sourcing and curation to bring its members recipes, shopping tips, blogs and conversation."

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Farm Revitalizes New Britain Neighborhood

2010-06-09T18:00:00.000-04:00

"Nestled among the busy city streets of New Britain is one of the city's best-kept secrets.

Urban Oaks Organic Farm, a three-and-a-half acre farm located in the middle of the city, prides itself on its organic homegrown vegetables, herbs, flowers and fig trees.

"12 years ago this was an abandoned florist that was the biggest eyesore in the city of New Britain and we were asked if we wanted to do something about it," farm co-founder and general manager Michael Kandefer said."

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Frontier Natural Expands Simply Organic Spice Line

2010-06-09T12:00:00.000-04:00

"A recent study by the McIlhenny Company reveals that 83% of Americans are now cooking dinner at home four to seven times per week. With more people cooking at home today rather than dining out, seasonings and spices are increasingly sought out to enhance meal flavor. In response to this increased demand, Simply Organic is adding 11 new seasonings and spices to its highly popular line of organic mini spices."

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Contest for people wanting to be organic farmers

2010-06-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

"Young, wannabe organic farmers have one more week to enter a local contest which will award one of them $1,000 and plenty of advice on how to achieve their goal.

The "So You Want To Be an Organic Farmer Contest" is organized by the Organic Food Council of Manitoba’s Manitoba Farm Mentorship Program.

Entrants, who must be between the ages of 18 and 25 years, must explain in 500 words or less why they want to be an organic farmer and how $1,000 could help them achieve their goal."

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Marvin's Organic Gardens, Wal-Mart partner to compost food and plant waste

2010-06-08T18:00:00.000-04:00

"Marvin's Organic Gardens' 10-acre compost facility is going to get a workout through a new partnership with Wal-Mart stores from Cincinnati to Columbus.

Marvin's, in Lebanon, will soon begin receiving food and plant waste for composting from 160 regional Wal-Mart stores in partnership with Future Organics Inc., a private company working with Wal-Mart stores in Ohio and Michigan."

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