Many American Consumers STILL Don't Understand Organic Labels

"Not sure what the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) organic seal really means, an increasing number of consumers are choosing locally grown food instead.

A recent survey by Mambo Sprouts Marketing, which gathered comments from 850 buyers of organic/natural products, indicated confusion and mistrust of the USDA label, along with a perception that its organic standards are declining.

Just under 50% of those polled believed the USDA seal promised 100% organic contents. Around 25% believed the seal indicates at least 95% organic; 16 % interpreted the label to mean more than 70% organic, and 12% felt it indicated "some organic."

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GMO Testing for Organic Products

"A recent disturbing incident of GMO contamination of organic soybeans raises the question of whether organic foods should be tested for genetically modified material. The US National Organic Program rules prohibit GMOs in organics but don't require methods to prohibit GMO contamination or establish thresholds for adventitious GM presence. The Organic & Non-GMO Report surveyed organic industry experts to obtain their thoughts on the question of testing."

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China's Green Yard Farm Leading the Way in Organic

"Cows at Green Yard, one of China's first organic dairies, enjoy a pampered life in the country. They take daily strolls in the pasture. For a morning snack, the cows graze on grass untouched by pesticides.

When it's time for a more filling meal, they dine on organic hay from Inner Mongolia, or perhaps sweetcorn, grown right on the farm. When they get sick, they take only traditional Chinese medicine.

The man behind Green Yard is Wang Zhanli, a farmer born in Yanqing, about two hours' drive from Beijing. He persuaded 50 of his neighbours to invest in his business."

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World Will Be Hurt by Air Freight Ban

"Banning air freighting of organic fruit and veg would seriously compromise the livelihoods of farmers in the developing world, says a new report from the ITC.

The Soil Association, which is responsible for certification of 70 per cent of the UK's organic produce, has been considering the measure as one of several options to reduce carbon emissions caused by organic produce being flow into the UK - a rather embarrassing side effect of the organic cause, which is largely driven by green interests."

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The Patron Saint of Organic?

"For a guy born, as CBS News correspondent Mark Phillips puts it, with a drawer full of silver spoons in his mouth, Prince Charles often doesn't get much of a break.

But, says Phillips, his romantic history aside, the prince is now being credited with being well ahead of the curve on some of the more popular causes of our time -- environmental protection, and organic farming and gardening.

In October 2005, Charles told 60 Minutes, "I'm just trying to say that we ought to redefine the way in which progress is, is seen. Is it progress to rush headlong into upsetting the whole balance of nature, which is what I think we're beginning to do?"

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Organic Foods Become More Affordable in Kaua'i

"Organic groceries are becoming more accessible all over Kaua‘i. But does accessibility translate into affordability?

While many of the standard box store markets boast an organic section, prices often reflect the celebrity status of the product. At its purest level, supporting organics should stem from a virtuous effort to care for the planet and for our bodies. On the Mainland that may have been the rule for many a transplant, but the reality of living by virtue alone fades with a dwindling bank account."

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Really Cool Foods Creates Jobs in Indiana

"Cambridge City - A large number of jobs are heading to Indiana.

Really Cool Foods, an organic foods company based in New York City, is relocating its headquarters and primary operations to Cambridge City in Wayne County. The move is expected to bring a thousand jobs to the state.

"Only in America can you have an idea and be standing here a few short years later in front of a field just waiting for what will be the most modern, innovative, the most important prepared food production center in the world," said Really Cool Foods founder Mike Reconati.

The company is a premier manufacturer of organic natural fresh prepared foods."

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