Review of the Organic Bliss Deli & Bakery in Ohio

"It's not a church, not even close - no stained-glass windows, incense smoke, altars, choirs, or grand pulpits spiraling toward heaven.

But the Organic Bliss Deli & Bakery in West Toledo has many of the same trappings, trying to convert the heathen masses and save them from a life of poor nutrition.

Scattered throughout the restaurant are brochures, discount coupons, mission statements, and other literature extolling the virtues of natural, sustainable, pesticide-free cuisine raised by environmentally friendly farmers."

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The Dominican Republic Needs to Break into the Organic Market

"The Dominican Republic will have to develop its capacity to grow organic produce in order to stay competitive in the global market, the Agriculture and Environment Foundation (FAMA) said Wednesday.

Andrea Brechelt, director of FAMA, speaking at a conference at agricultural loan bank Bagricola, said modern consumers in developed countries are demanding healthier products.

Organic produce can cost more than non-organic produce because it’s usually grown in small operations, but statistics show consumers in North America and Europe are willing to pay more for certified organic products."

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Why Not Organic in Canada

"According to 2006 Census data, approximately 730 farms in Atlantic Canada reported production of “organic” products on farm despite Atlantic Canada having only 138 certified organic farms. These data can be interpreted that there is much discrepancy in our understanding of what is organic or that there is much interest in organic principles, but less so on certification. The Canadian General Standards Board has recently outlined a new National Standard for Organic Production Systems that usurps the word “organic” to refer only to food items produced under a certified organic production system. As of January 2008, producers will be prohibited from labeling their products as organic unless they have been produced under the principles outlined in the National Standards and overseen by a certifying body."

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Finding Organic Coupons

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

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

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Probug Organic Kefir Review

"Unleashed at the dawn of the 20th century, La-Mar Reducing Soap was a product with promise.

"[W]ash away fat and years of age," reads one advertisement for the soap. "No dieting or exercising. Be as slim as you wish. Acts like magic in reducing double chin, abdomen, ungainly ankles, unbecoming wrists, arms and shoulders, large breasts or any superfluous fat on body.... one to three cakes usually accomplish the purpose.... Surprising results."

..Now come probiotics, bacteria that are said to aid the body's naturally occurring gut flora and encourage overall gut health. These microorganisms have been around for millennia in fermented dairy products like yogurt and kefir, but it is only recently that food producers have begun pumping probiotics into otherwise bacteria-free foods like cookies and candy bars.

Their motto: Eat shit, feel great."

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I remember trying kefir about a year ago for the first time. It was not a good experience.

Rats Can Tell the Difference Between Organic and Conventional

IN any controversy it can be helpful to consider the views of disinterested parties. So, on the subject of agricultural policy and practice, it’s worth noting that an unimpeachably neutral group has joined the ranks of those who prefer organic foods over foods produced with the help of synthetic chemicals. That group is 40 Swiss rats.

A team of Swiss and Austrian scientists recently concluded a 21-year study of organic wheat production. As an “integrative method” for assessing quality, they gave lab animals a choice of biscuits made from organic or conventional wheat. The rats ate significantly more of the former. The authors call this result remarkable, because they found the two wheats to be very similar in chemical composition and baking performance.

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Fascinating!

Exporting Organic Calves for Veal

"The knackerman is an integral part of dairy farming on both conventional and organic farms.

He slaughters thousands of perfectly healthy one-day old male calves because the industry doesn't deem these milk breeds good enough for beef.

"Organic calves or non organic calves it doesn't matter, if the farmer doesn't have the ability to rear the calves himself then we put them down." - Tony Holdsworth, Duke of Beaufort's Hunt

The practice is accepted in non-organic dairy herds, but does it fit in with the organic creed with its higher standards of animal welfare? The Soil Association, the leading body on organic foods, thinks not."

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After becoming a vegetarian not too long ago, stories like this have continued to make me sick.