Farmers Won't Identify Livestock

"BARRE- A Massachusetts farmers group has asked the state Department of Agricultural Resources not to turn over data to the federal government identifying the location of poultry and livestock in the state.

The request is reflective of a division among farmers, some of whom, such as Richard W. Kimball, a veteran Spencer dairyman, believe the National Animal Identification System is a safeguard that protects their livelihood and investment.

The group opposing the system, the Northeast Organic Farming Association, has petitioned agricultural commissioner Douglas W. Petersen asking that he not provide the U.S. Department of Agriculture with data on the state's poultry and livestock."

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Here's a simple solution: go vegetarian and never worry about meat again :)

Edit: I know a lot of people don't bother clicking into the comment page, but Hen Whisperer filled me in on what this all even means:
"NAIS is a three pronged mandate, not a law, a mandate, but USDA that would have every piece of property that houses even one livestock animal, and that includes horses, potbellied pig pets, a grammy with a couple of laying hens, register their property and receive a number that takes away their full ownership rights. Secondly, every animal would have to receive an animal id number, for horses it would be an implanted rfid chip in the nucheal ligament. Third step is the reporting of every animal movement off the property. Again, if you think of horses and trail rides, you'd have 48 hours to tell the Feds or face a fine, a substantial fine. Who else has to register and report movements? No one, not even pedophiles.

Homesteaders, small/private farmers, hobbyists, none of them want this unconstitutional intrusion. In some places, even though NAIS is supposed to be voluntary, NAIS is mandatory and people have stopped keeping small flocks, herds, dumped their horses, got rid of their milking cows. Some people, myself included, take religious umbrage with having to Mark the Beast."

Visit Hen Whisperer's blog or No NAIS for more information.

Whole Foods Popularity Grows in London

"LONDON — Pop starlet Natalie Appleton. Comedian Ruby Wax. TV broadcaster Mariella Frostrup.

In London, these are famous faces, and they've all been spotted shopping recently at the Whole Foods Market on upscale Kensington High Street.

It's a small sign that, six months after opening its first store in Europe, the Austin, Texas-based natural foods grocery chain is making progress toward winning over British consumers.

After a summer in which the central London store sometimes seemed deserted, some analysts say the store is doing better.

"The store certainly seems to be steadily gathering momentum," said Bryan Roberts, a retail analyst at Planet Retail, a London consulting firm."

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The Leader in Organic Cereal Manufacturing Is..

"(OPENPRESS) December 7, 2007 -- For over 40 years Organic Milling has been producing wholesome and delicious cereal, granola and snack products for health conscious consumers and retailers. Located in San Dimas, California, the firm produces a wide array of products with specific formulations that are unique to food process manufacturers. With more people aware of the health implications of eating quality food products, Organic Milling offers snack mixes, cereal bars, and other products that contain high fiber, high protein, low sugar, low glycemic index, as well as organic. These designations require rigorous tracking of all food content and ingredients; Escape Velocity Systems was the best manufacturing technology solution to meet these needs.

Evan Garber, President of Escape Velocity Systems (www.evs-sw.com) recently announced that Organic Milling selected the firm’s process manufacturing software solution. Garber commented, “We are delighted to have a leader in the cereal, granola, and snack products sector recognize the unique merit and value in our technology solution and are confident Organic Milling will experience enormous value and benefit.”

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Lance Inc. Invests in Late July

"CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lance, Inc. (Nasdaq: LNCE) today announced that in an effort to increase its presence in the organic food sector, it has purchased a non-controlling minority equity interest in Late July Snacks LLC, a privately held organic snack food company.
"Entry into the organic food sector with our investment in Late July(R) is consistent with our strategy to increase our presence in the better-for-you products category, and will allow us to capitalize on growing consumer trends in the organic food space," said Dave Singer, President and CEO of Lance, Inc.
"We are excited about our investment in Late July(R), and look forward to pursuing opportunities to leverage our collective strengths to drive profitable growth in both of our businesses."

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Toxic Chemicals found in Similac

"It is being reported that a dangerous chemical has been found to be present in some types of baby formula.

The Environmental Working Group, the non-profit consumer group is reporting that a chemical called "bisphenol A", or BPA, is found in the lining of some baby formula jars, including those of some big brand name manufacturers. The group recently revealed a report stating that this same chemical is present in some types of baby bottles.

Bisphenol A is a chemical compound which contains 2 phenol functional groups, belonging to the phenol class of aromatic organic compounds. It is used in the production of plastic."

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Raw Gaia Introduces U.K's First Raw Soap

"Organic skin care company Raw Gaia announces the launch of the UK’s first organic raw soap. It is gentle, truly delicious to use and one of the purest soaps available anywhere.

The vast majority of soaps are made through a high temperature process, which destroys most of the nutrients in the oils and creates toxic trans-fatty acids."

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Fairtrade Organic Rich Dark Chocolate from Delvaux

"Delvaux, an English company with Belgian family roots is currently best known for its specialist and personalised luxury chocolate for the retail sector. The launch of its ‘Fairtrade Organic Rich Dark Chocolate’ and ‘Fairtrade Organic Smooth Milk Chocolate’ ranges targets two new markets for the Company – specialist retail food halls and high street coffee shops.

The gift pack, which holds twenty 5g, individually wrapped bars in a branded container is aimed to be sold in the gift sections of premium retail food halls. The 15g and 75g bars are held in a branded dispense box designed to sit on counters of high street coffee shops. Delvaux produces quality Belgian chocolates and each bar is individually foil wrapped for freshness, hygiene and perfect stock control."

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Farm Bill Dies

"WASHINGTON - A drive to revamp the nation’s costly farm subsidies died Friday in the Senate, leaving in place a system widely criticized for being out of step with the modern agriculture economy for favoring crops with minimal nutritional value and for funneling large federal payouts to wealthy investors.

The Senate’s failure to end debate and move to a vote dashed the hopes of a wide coalition of groups that had worked to make sure this farm bill would improve child nutrition, increase investments in food stamp programs and benefit taxpayers by trimming government subsidies to large corporate farms.

The farm bill also would have significantly invested in fruits, nuts and vegetable crops for the first time. It would have added more money for alternative energy sources, organic farming and conservation programs. And it would have launched a program to improve school lunch nutrition in all 50 states."

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GM Debate Continues Worldwide

"Cabinet wisely moved yesterday to postpone a decision on whether to allow open field trials for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Since ministers have just a short time left in office, they should let the next elected government make a decision on this emotionally charged issue, which has many facets to consider, from economics to environment to social justice. Any future decision must find a balance between all of these considerations. Economically, GM foods can increase crop yields. Indeed, papaya farmers in Ratchaburi have been outspoken proponents of GM food after persistent ringspot disease almost wiped out the famous Damnoen papaya, named after Damnoen Saduak district. Farmers have struggled to fill orders due to the depleted crops and Thailand has actually needed to import papayas from neighbouring countries. With GM foods, advocates say, farmers would have higher yields year-in and year-out, which would boost the rural economy and make Thailand more competitive in the world market."

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Organic Program Stays in Montana

"GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) - Organic foods will remain on an option for Montana women and children receiving food assistance through a federal program.

State managers of the Women, Infants and Children program - commonly known as WIC (wik) - say they're dropping plans to remove organic foods from those available at program expense.

Under a recent decision by state managers of WIC, yesterday was to have been the last day organic foods were on the approved list. The managers said those foods were too expensive.

Now the decision has been reversed."

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New Late July Chocolate Covered Sandwich Cookies

"After careful, albeit unscientific, research conducted in the Cape Cod, Massachusetts office of Late July Organic Snacks, the company found that their overall stress level leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday was considerably less on days when chocolate was freely distributed around the office. The chocolate came in the form of the company’s new organic chocolate covered sandwich cookies. Late July has started dipping small batches of their popular new Organic Vanilla Bean Sandwich Cookies by hand in smooth organic milk chocolate with a variety of toppings including white chocolate, peppermint bark & dark chocolate. These special cookies can be found exclusively on the company’s new webstore shoplatejuly.com.

The first batch features Late July’s Vanilla Bean with green tea sandwich cookies dipped in a European processed organic milk chocolate that is a slightly darker blend for a smooth, balanced, not overly sweet flavor. They are then drizzled with a wonderful, snowflake like white chocolate. A variety box of peppermint bark topping will also be available for the holidays."

All I can say is wow. Late July cookies covered in chocolate? What could be better than that? For more information on this great holiday gift, click here.

Yeo Valley Organic Makeover in 2008

"Yeo Valley Organic, the country's most buoyant organic food brand, is going to start the New Year with a major relaunch, setting a new, better-tasting, healthier standard for its yogurts, using 60% more fruit.

At the same time, the brand leader’s packaging is having a complete makeover, with a simpler, cleaner, more modern look. And once the new products reach shop shelves in 2008 they’ll be supported by a £3m press, poster and television advertising campaign breaking in February."

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2008 Organic Conference in Minnesota

"Minnesota's annual Organic Conference will be held January 18-19 in St. Cloud. Keynote speakers include Robert Marqusee, Director of Rural Economic Development for Woodbury County, Iowa, who has identified locally-grown, organic food as a key rural economic development tool, and Tom Frantzen, an organic crop, beef, and hog producer from Iowa who is also a national pioneer in on-farm research.

The conference will feature two other nationally recognized experts - David Jacke, a permaculture expert and author, and Hubert Karreman, DVM, a nationally known veterinarian with expertise in organic livestock systems and member of the USDA's National Organic Standards Board.

The 2008 conference will feature 36 breakout workshops and roundtable discussions on topics including production and marketing of organic crops, dairy and livestock, fruits and vegetables. A special mini-workshop will be offered for attendees who are considering transitioning to organic and want to learn the basics. A concurrent trade show will feature more than 60 companies and organizations from input suppliers, buyers and farm organizations."

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Pennsylvania Dairy Label Ban Gets Shelved?

"A controversial decision by the state Department of Agriculture concerning dairy labeling is under review after facing strong public backlash.

Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff announced last month that the department would crack down on what it viewed as misleading labels on dairy products, including claims that milk was made from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones.

But early last week Gov. Ed Rendell's office initiated a review of the decision. Originally scheduled for Jan. 1, enforcement of the new rules has been delayed at least a month.

The controversy has focused on recombinant bovine growth hormone, also called recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST), which is injected into cows to increase milk production by about 15 percent."

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China Agri-Business Introduces New Products

"NEW YORK, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 11/29/07 -- China Agri-Business, Inc. (OTCBB: CHBU) today announced the successful introduction of three new organic ("green") products at the 23rd annual "China Agriculture Fertilizer and Machine Trade Show" held in Ningbo, China. The two-day show, which featured approximately 4,000 enterprises and was attended by 150,000 people, resulted in orders to the Company in excess of 10 million RMB (approximately $1.3 million) for 2008."

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Whole Foods to Start Magazine

"Whole Foods Market Inc. is starting its own magazine.

The Austin-based organic and natural foods grocer said Monday that it will launch Whole Foods Market Magazine in more than 60 Midwestern stores in January. It is working with Active Interest Media on the project.

The magazine will cover health, wellness, food, environmental issues and trends. It will have a wine column and stories on beauty and self-care products. It will also feature food recipes. The magazine will be published bimonthly on 100 percent recycled paper. The first printing will be 200,000 copies."

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Pharm Solutions Introduces First Food Grade Organic Herbicide

"CAMBRIA, Calif., Nov. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Pharm Solutions Inc. announced EPA Registration for the Bio Chemical "Weed Pharm," the world's first food grade organic herbicide. Weed Pharm, a non selective weed and grass killer, whose active ingredient is 200 grain "food grade" vinegar, has been the project of Pharm Solutions since early 2004. Pharm Solutions manufactures the only USDA Certified Organic Pesticides in the world (USDA Certification November 2006) and the "food grade" organic herbicide is a natural addition to the organic line."

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Introducing GelatoByMail

"NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Red Bank, NJ, United States, 11/26/2007 - Introducing GelatoByMail, an online store featuring Blackwell’s Organic Gelato and Sorbetto just in time for holiday shopping. Blackwell’s Organic is NJ’s first and only certified organic, dairy-free gelato and fruit sorbetto manufacturer.

NJ entrepreneurs, Marcia & Tom Blackwell, launch GelatoByMail, an online store featuring Blackwell’s Organic Gelato and Sorbetto just in time for holiday shopping. Blackwell’s Organic is NJ’s first and only certified organic, dairy-free gelato and fruit sorbetto manufacturer.

With so many special dietary needs related to food allergies, health concerns or personal choice, hosts and hostesses must continually address the dilemma of what to serve. Others are faced with choosing a gift for the person who has everything."

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Will Newcomers Spoil Organic in Germany?

"Some traditional organic companies in Germany are worried that their reputation could easily be spoiled by inexperienced newcomers on the rapidly growing market.

Organic is nothing unusual for German consumers. Organic products have been on their supermarket shelves for years and this wider availability has had a positive impact on sales.

The sector's growth has been largely driven by supermarket sales, which make up almost half of the total number of organic retail sales in Germany. In 2006 the trade in organic food products in both specialized organic stores and regular supermarkets topped 4.6 billion euros ($6.5 billion)."

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Pizza Fusion Continues to Expand

"November 21, 2007 // Franchising.com // Fort Lauderdale, Fla., – Over the next six months, Pizza Fusion, the leader in environmentally sustainable restaurant practices, will be opening several new locations throughout the south and northeast United States, including Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Atlanta, Georgia, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey; introducing all four states to their first ever LEED certified restaurant establishments. Through several area development and individual franchise deals, entrepreneurs are finding value into bringing Pizza Fusion's sustainable approach to organic food service to their communities."

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