Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Great Easter offer from Organic Bouquet
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Organic farmers urged to co-operate as demand for produce rockets
Burgeoning demand for organic arable crops in the UK and increasing reliance on imports has prompted experts to call for more co-operation between organic producers.
Tainted juices pulled from Loblaws' shelves
Small amounts of it are found naturally in our drinking water, large amounts of it occur predictably in certain murder mysteries, but even a tiny amount of arsenic in fruit juice marketed to children is too much, prompting an official recall this week of two brands of pear juice sold by the Loblaw supermarkets.
What effect will organic food have on your wallet?
Shoppers who have experienced reaching the till with what they thought was a modest basket of organic groceries, only to be faced with an eye-watering total, might have been heartened by Delia Smith's recent comments targeted at organic sticklers. She hit out at celebrity chefs who push the organic cause and added that she tends to plump for whatever products look best, regardless of the organic credentials.
Organic or nonorganic, that is the question
Organic or nonorganic is the question in many people's minds these days. With eager consumers anxious to make the right choices for their families and themselves, food marketers have turned up the pressure by touting the health benefits of everything organic from cornflakes to chocolate. Is it all hype or are organically produced foods really better for our health?
Gourmet demand revives Central America cocoa farms
Indigenous people grew cocoa here more than 2,000 years ago. Now, their descendants are reviving the crop to meet world demand for high-quality chocolate.
Throughout Central America, farmers like Manuel Abrigo are planting cocoa, taking advantage of high world cocoa prices and the premium their cocoa commands.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Cheap ways to go organic
We’re constantly told that good health starts from the inside but sourcing the freshest ingredients and finding authentic organic produce can be both difficult and expensive.
The biggest study into organic food, released in November, confirmed what organic devotees have long known: that organic food is more nutritious.
Ensuring limited organic air freight is fair and ethical
Following an extensive first round consultation on the issue of air freight – lasting 4 months, receiving nearly 400 responses from the public, NGOs, industry, government and international agencies plus meetings with 100 organisations – the Soil Association’s Standards Board [1] recommended that the organisation’s standards should be changed so that organic produce can only be air-freighted if it also meets the Soil Association’s own Ethical Trade or the Fairtrade Foundation’s standard.
Different shades of green for wine fans
Green wines are growing. These are "eco" green wines that their makers say are made in harmony with nature. In the United States their sales are up, as is the number of vineyards using organic farming methods.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Why prefer organic meat? and more from the latest newsletter!
Specials and Recommendations
Heading into spring north of the equator, and Easter time for many of us. There are so many places to go to shop for your special Easter (or other spring holiday) meals, not to mention flowers or gifts.
Some of my favorites:
Meat:
Save the Bacon in the UK
Niman Ranch in the US
Lindauer Farms in the US
Also in the US, save $10 on Hickory Farms HoneyGold Hams.
Flowers and gifts:
Rainbow Designs in Australia
Organic Bouquet in the US
Sur la Table in the US
Harry and David in the US
Global Exchange just about anywhere
For all kinds of stuff, there's always Amazon.
If you're heading into springtime and thinking about planting your garden, may as well make it an organic one. Here's an ebook that will help you figure out how.
Looking for something else, or somewhere else? Lots to choose from on the web site:
Organic wine
Organic fruits and vegetables
Organic meat
Organic chocolate
Organic coffee
Feature Article: The Most Compelling Reasons To Eat Organic Meat
One of the biggest stories since our last newsletter was the recall of beef from a California slaughterhouse (see the link below, in the In the News section.) The knowledge of those practices is enough to make us think about how organic farming practices might be different. Here's an article that talks a little more about the advantages of organic meat.
Of the three macronutrients, protein is the most important for health and achieving the body you want. The bottom line is that protein is the ONLY nutrient out of the three that restores and repairs every single cell in your body. Now, every day your body with its trillions of cells is constantly being broken down and being rebuilt. In fact every 7 years you are literally a completely new person - there is not one cell in your body that was there 7 years ago. To stay alive we need enough protein to grow new cells to replace the old ones. It's that simple. With our hectic modern lives, the breakdown is even greater and so to stay healthy we need to make sure we are getting enough each and every day. Individual requirements will vary however a good minimum is anywhere from 1.5-3 grams per kilo of bodyweight when you are exercising depending on your specific goals and needs. This amount is necessary because as you exercise you breakdown a great deal of protein in the body to train it to adapt and grow new muscle that will fire up your metabolism and help you burn more body fat.
Now when we talk about quality protein sources you can always look to red meat...but not just any red meat, more to the point, quality organic red meat.
One of the most compelling reasons to eat only organic meat is the massive use of anti-biotics in the stock feed of mass commercially produced meats. In the United Sates almost 17.9 million pounds of anti-biotics was added to stock feed of farm animals in an attempt to prevent the diseases caused by mass farming as well as a growth promoter to fatten the stock more quickly.
Considering most dosages of anti-biotics if you are unlucky enough to need them once or twice a year are measured in milligrams (1/1000th of a gram), anti-biotics in livestock feed create a massive overdose of 27g of anti-biotics per year for every man woman and child. This means that as a population, our natural resistance to disease is being steadily eroded. The situation in Australia is little better with approximately 20g of anti-biotics from stock feed ingested per person each year.
Once you have converted to organic meat there is no going back as it is far more carefully produced in smaller batches and the superior quality and taste is self-evident.
Eating meat can make you feel heavy at times but after eating organic meats you will probably find yourself feeling energized, as you should after having a good quality dose of protein. Game meats such as buffalo, bison, venison, kangaroo and ostrich are an excellent source of clean chemical free protein. They is also very low in fat, taste great and can be very good value for money. In larger pieces game meats with their lower fat content need to be cooked fairly rare, but if you prefer well done, slice thinly and use in stirfrys.
Your protein intake may be supplemented by good quality protein powders, which are particularly good before and after training due to their quick absorption, and convenience.
About The Author
Ben Kong is the author and co-creator of http://www.ultimatebodysuccess.com - The Impossible To fail, Total Lifestyle System For Creating Your Best Body Ever.
Ultimate Body Success is dedicated to helping you finally understand that long lasting, body transformation is only possible when you understand how the body really works - only then can you trigger it's very own natural system for creating your best body ever. While there are no short-cuts, this is THE EASIEST WAY. Click the link now to find out once and for all how to profoundly transform your body beyond belief.
Heading into spring north of the equator, and Easter time for many of us. There are so many places to go to shop for your special Easter (or other spring holiday) meals, not to mention flowers or gifts.
Some of my favorites:
Meat:
Save the Bacon in the UK
Niman Ranch in the US
Lindauer Farms in the US
Also in the US, save $10 on Hickory Farms HoneyGold Hams.
Flowers and gifts:
Rainbow Designs in Australia
Organic Bouquet in the US
Sur la Table in the US
Harry and David in the US
Global Exchange just about anywhere
For all kinds of stuff, there's always Amazon.
If you're heading into springtime and thinking about planting your garden, may as well make it an organic one. Here's an ebook that will help you figure out how.
Looking for something else, or somewhere else? Lots to choose from on the web site:
Organic wine
Organic fruits and vegetables
Organic meat
Organic chocolate
Organic coffee
Feature Article: The Most Compelling Reasons To Eat Organic Meat
One of the biggest stories since our last newsletter was the recall of beef from a California slaughterhouse (see the link below, in the In the News section.) The knowledge of those practices is enough to make us think about how organic farming practices might be different. Here's an article that talks a little more about the advantages of organic meat.
Of the three macronutrients, protein is the most important for health and achieving the body you want. The bottom line is that protein is the ONLY nutrient out of the three that restores and repairs every single cell in your body. Now, every day your body with its trillions of cells is constantly being broken down and being rebuilt. In fact every 7 years you are literally a completely new person - there is not one cell in your body that was there 7 years ago. To stay alive we need enough protein to grow new cells to replace the old ones. It's that simple. With our hectic modern lives, the breakdown is even greater and so to stay healthy we need to make sure we are getting enough each and every day. Individual requirements will vary however a good minimum is anywhere from 1.5-3 grams per kilo of bodyweight when you are exercising depending on your specific goals and needs. This amount is necessary because as you exercise you breakdown a great deal of protein in the body to train it to adapt and grow new muscle that will fire up your metabolism and help you burn more body fat.
Now when we talk about quality protein sources you can always look to red meat...but not just any red meat, more to the point, quality organic red meat.
One of the most compelling reasons to eat only organic meat is the massive use of anti-biotics in the stock feed of mass commercially produced meats. In the United Sates almost 17.9 million pounds of anti-biotics was added to stock feed of farm animals in an attempt to prevent the diseases caused by mass farming as well as a growth promoter to fatten the stock more quickly.
Considering most dosages of anti-biotics if you are unlucky enough to need them once or twice a year are measured in milligrams (1/1000th of a gram), anti-biotics in livestock feed create a massive overdose of 27g of anti-biotics per year for every man woman and child. This means that as a population, our natural resistance to disease is being steadily eroded. The situation in Australia is little better with approximately 20g of anti-biotics from stock feed ingested per person each year.
Once you have converted to organic meat there is no going back as it is far more carefully produced in smaller batches and the superior quality and taste is self-evident.
Eating meat can make you feel heavy at times but after eating organic meats you will probably find yourself feeling energized, as you should after having a good quality dose of protein. Game meats such as buffalo, bison, venison, kangaroo and ostrich are an excellent source of clean chemical free protein. They is also very low in fat, taste great and can be very good value for money. In larger pieces game meats with their lower fat content need to be cooked fairly rare, but if you prefer well done, slice thinly and use in stirfrys.
Your protein intake may be supplemented by good quality protein powders, which are particularly good before and after training due to their quick absorption, and convenience.
About The Author
Ben Kong is the author and co-creator of http://www.ultimatebodysuccess.com - The Impossible To fail, Total Lifestyle System For Creating Your Best Body Ever.
Ultimate Body Success is dedicated to helping you finally understand that long lasting, body transformation is only possible when you understand how the body really works - only then can you trigger it's very own natural system for creating your best body ever. While there are no short-cuts, this is THE EASIEST WAY. Click the link now to find out once and for all how to profoundly transform your body beyond belief.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Garden Organic disputes claims against organic benefits
The UK’s leading authority on organic growing, Garden Organic, is disputing claims made yesterday, Tuesday 26 February, on BBC 2’s Horizon programme, ‘Professor Regan’s Supermarket Secrets’ that there is little scientific evidence of organically produced food having any nutritional differences or benefits compared to non-organic food.
Slaughterhouse video prompts unprecedented beef recall
This undercover video of sick and crippled cows being brought to slaughter in an abattoir in southern California has prompted the largest recall of beef in US history, (writes Will Pavia).
The US Department of Agriculture yesterday ordered that 143 million lb of beef from the slaughterhouse be recalled. Officials estimate that some 37 million lbs of the recalled meat had been heading to schools across America though they fear that most of it will have already been eaten.
The US Department of Agriculture yesterday ordered that 143 million lb of beef from the slaughterhouse be recalled. Officials estimate that some 37 million lbs of the recalled meat had been heading to schools across America though they fear that most of it will have already been eaten.
Organic joins the mainstream
Research carried out for the drinks trade magazine, Off Licence News, shows that sales of organic and biodynamic wine is a huge growth area for independent wine retailers.
But some wine merchants remain to be convinced that it’s time to jump aboard the organic bandwagon. They say there’s still too little demand for organic wine; others believe it is overpriced and a few think that its quality leaves something to be desired.
But some wine merchants remain to be convinced that it’s time to jump aboard the organic bandwagon. They say there’s still too little demand for organic wine; others believe it is overpriced and a few think that its quality leaves something to be desired.
Organic food 'is no healthier'
Consumers who pay extra for organic produce and so-called 'superfoods' are being misled by claims that they are healthier than ordinary foods, according to leading scientists.
They insist there is little evidence that an organic diet provides greater nutritional benefits or that non-organic crops grown using pesticides and chemical fertilisers are more harmful than their organic competitors.
They insist there is little evidence that an organic diet provides greater nutritional benefits or that non-organic crops grown using pesticides and chemical fertilisers are more harmful than their organic competitors.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Article: Fair Trade or Fairly Traded?
Here's the article from the recent newsletter, in its entirety.
As consumers, do we always consider the impact of our purchasing power? How many times have you stopped to ask yourself, "Where was this craft, coffee, chocolate, or tea produced, and did the worker receive a fair wage for his or her work effort? Probably not often. After all, we live in a consumer society conditioned with not just an individual, but a collective consumptive mentality. That those products represent some of our largest imports from under-developed nations whose cost of living increases against a backdrop of stagnant wages, makes this a topic well worth consideration.
Not many of us have the phrase "Global Equity" etched across the top of our weekly shopping lists. Conditioned to believe that we need the next best thing and in ever increasing quantities, we've moved through much of our lives down a consistent though generally thoughtless path of frenetic purchasing activity.
Fair Trade is an organized endeavor to correct that course. It serves to help marginalized workers and small scale producers to attain economic self-sufficiency and stability toward an increased standard of living. Fair Trade promotes the practice of fair pricing and ethical consumer consumption through international labor standards, environmentalism, education, and the development of social policies around labeled and unlabeled Fair Trade products.
Contemporary economics traditionally driven by consumerism has been focused primarily on the relationship between product quality and price. Fair Trade seeks to create an equitable exchange and so has developed a labeling and certification process as a means to further protect workers and producers, while assisting consumers in their conscientious shopping activities.
THE FAIR TRADE DEBATE There are two major camps of debate surrounding the Fair Trade issue: one that sees Fair Trade as an unnecessary subsidy that impedes economic growth; and one that sees organized Fair Trade as paying lip service - that Fair Trade is not enough and somewhat falling short of a thorough challenge to the current trading system. Amidst this, the promising hope of change. With the advent of (CSR) Corporate Social Responsibility at the big business level pushing for responsible action, to public education and the quiet conscious efforts of smaller businesses and organizations who have long known and understood the importance of economic equality - Fair Trade has moved from a remote public consideration to a genuine model of moral socio-economic behavior.
One company effecting change is the Camano Island Coffee Roasting Company.
Jeff Ericson, founder of Camano Island Coffee believes that Fair Trade is not enough:
"We not only must make sure that a fair price is paid for the coffee - we also need to make sure that the farmers own the land that they work on. We need to make sure the children are getting basic health services and learning to read and write - so we do not repeat this process again in the next generation. We need to make sure the people are not totally dependent on just one crop (like coffee) - but that they have other ways to make money. We need to make sure that the village we work with has learned to work together as a team and can create streamlined approaches to business challenges of a rural area and that they have clean water to drink."
THEN- we can pay a fair price for their coffee while requiring the coffee is organic and shade grown.
The challenge with a bureaucracy is that they tend to "lower the bar" in order to get everyone (even the big guns) into the pack.
We feel sustainability is a commitment - not a marketing term. If you do anything less then 100% in your purchasing decisions of coffee - then we feel you should not call yourself "fairly traded".
We use the term "fairly traded" because we do not feel it is our role to promote a bureaucracy but to promote a practice of responsible consumerism.
Jeff has built his organization based on principles of quality, equality and service. They provide exceptional organic coffee products that are produced with the utmost regard for sustainability. It is a system that is vigorously enforced, providing fair-trade wage and opportunity to the coffee farmers who work so hard to maintain that delicate balance of health and prosperity.
Camano Island Coffee beans are 100% organic, shade-grown which preserves the native plants, and fairly traded using the top 1% of the available coffee market. The company aims to develop "Prosumers", or customers who are conscious of the impact their dollars have on coffee spending.
A strong part of the philanthropic vision is realized through its mission-based business model. The company participates in two key charity programs: Coffee Kids Grounds For Hope and Agros International - both committed to breaking the cycle of poverty for families in Central America and Mexico by enabling landless communities to develop, achieve land ownership and economic stability.
Camano Island Coffee Roasters at: www.camanoislandcoffee.com
ONEGREENGLOBE.COM Q & A Conscious consumers and representatives of the Fair Trade industry share their views:
Q1: People use the terms, Fair Trade and Fairly Traded Products interchangeably. What do these terms mean to you?
A1: The term "Fair Trade Certified" indicates a product that is licensed according to specific
Fair Trade standards. Our Fair Trade Certified label is a guarantee, not just a claim. It ensures that the product purchased has been produced or grown according to an international set of economic, social and environmental standards aimed toward creating greater sustainability. To us, this is a guarantee of transparency and equity.
Jennifer Rudolf Pr manager, TransFair U.S.A.
I had never heard of Fairly Traded products until you mentioned them here. I still do not know the difference between the two. I did see a graphic in ODE Magazine that showed that the difference between a normal "free" trade T-shift and a fair trade one for the workers was 2 cents on a $15 shirt. It didn't seem like a big gain for the workers.
Personally, I think the debate needs to move toward relating manufacturing wages to a living wage in the area. If we had hard (easily computed and verifiable) living wage numbers, it would be much easier to determine if a given product was being traded fairly or not. I do not think it is fair for the workers that create the products to be paid starvation wages when the other players in the process (distributors, employers, marketers, retailers, etc) are making so much.
Dr. Clay M. Thompson, Environmentalist Founder, Creative Creek
Fair Trade has a specific definition, whereas Fairly Traded Products is a much more vague term. If you see a food product like coffee or chocolate that says that it is Fair Trade Certified and it has the certification label on it, you can be guaranteed that certain criteria have been met, and that third party certification includes independent monitoring to ensure that the criteria is met. One example would be the minimum floor price; for coffee, a Fair Trade label of coffee ensures that the farmers were paid at least 1.26 per pound. For a list of Fair Trade Certified criteria for food products within the U.S. visit www.transfairusa.org.
It is more difficult for consumers to identify Fair Trade craft products because there isn't currently a certification label. This may be why you see the term fairly traded more often on craft products; because there is no label as of yet.
Tex Dworkin Manager, Global Exchange Fair Trade Online Store
Q2: What do you see as the biggest challenge to upholding a Fair Trade practice in business?
A2: Creating a uniform set of standards becomes challenging when dealing with different farming practices and various local economies, especially when dealing with different products. For example, the farming practices and challenges within the coffee industry vary greatly from those prevalent within the banana industry.
Jennifer Rudolf
Information flow is the key. Certifying/Branding, like the Fair Trade people are doing, is probably the best way as long as the certification process doesn't get usurped like the organic standards have.
Dr. Clay M. Thompson
Not having a certification label for non-food products makes it difficult to market Fair Trade to consumers. Another big challenge is having to educate consumers about fair trade while marketing it. If consumer awareness was more widespread, it would be easier to market ethically produced goods.
Tex Dworkin
Q3: What do you see as some of the greatest opportunities for positive change in this area?
A3: Even though Fair Trade is still a fairly new concept in the US - we've been around nearly 10 years - we are beginning to see the direct, positive impact of increased revenues from Fair Trade Certified purchases at origin. Cooperatives around the world producing Fair Trade Certified goods have been able to build schools, improve their work facilities, increase the quality of their drinking water, repair roads, open health clinics, and lend positive change not only to the workers but also to the surrounding community. Beyond this, the ability of Fair Trade Certified standards to lend to greater dignity among farming communities is invaluable to us. That a farmer can feed his family and afford to send his children to school is the most positive change we could hope to see within our farming communities.
Jennifer Rudolf
I would start with trying to identify what the living wages are for a manufacturing region and country and make that known. Then do comparisons of the actual wages relative to the living wages. If they are higher, great. If not, build awareness that the products are not being manufactured fairly. Also promote products that are being manufactured/traded fairly.
Dr. Clay M. Thompson
Fair Trade has the capability to create self sustaining villages throughout the world, lessening underprivileged artisans and farmers' dependence on foreign aid and truly empowering them to step out of vicious cycles of poverty.
Tex Dworkin
Q4: What do you see as the role of the various Fair Trade Organization and Certification Programs?
A4: The role of Fair Trade Certification is to certify products, link licensees with producers, open the market by increasing consumer awareness and demand for Fair Trade Certified products, and audit the cooperatives at origin to ensure that the standards are being met.
Jennifer Rudolf
Very important since this is probably the easiest way to communicate to the consumer about the "life cycle" of the product. By "life cycle" here I mean the social and environmental impacts of the product (is it fairly manufactured, does its manufacture help or hurt the environment, is the product itself life affirming?).
Dr. Clay M. Thompson
Fair Trade Organizations have the ability to assist farmers and artisans to step out of the cycle of poverty and into a role of self sustainability. Certified coffee, chocolate and more has already proven to be a feasible, successful business model. In that realm, Fair Trade certification needs to be introduced to the global market and consumers need to be educated on the benefits of purchasing Fair Trade products. In terms of crafts, it is important to make a concerted effort to create a Fair Trade certification for crafts so that it is easier to identify these products to consumers. In both cases, the role of organizations and certifications is to market "Fair Trade" to consumers, encourage large companies and corporations to adopt fair trade principles in their day to day business operations, and do what we can to prep the market for Fair Trade products to grow demand for such products. At this time, Fair Trade product supply far outweighs demand. By working within the market to raise consumer awareness, Fair Trade organizations will help grow the movement.
Tex Dworkin
Q5: What changes would you like to see in Fair Trade Organizations and Certification Processes?
A5: We'd like to be able to help more farmers. Ideally, we'd like Fair Trade Certified products to include non-food products, domestic goods, textiles, clothing, manufactured goods and gemstones.
Jennifer Rudolf
Comparison to the living wage. Transparency and accountability. Some way to avoid what is happening to organic now (where the standards are being watered down so much that consumers lose trust in them -- e.g., USDA organic).
Dr. Clay M. Thompson
1) More collaboration between various international organizations working on Fair Trade. 2) More resources/funding for fair trade organizations so they can take the necessary steps to grow the industry. For example, funding enabling specialists to visit producer groups to provide vital design, tech, etc advice. Also funding so that fair trade groups can be visited by third parties to ensure that fair trade practices are being adhered to.
Tex Dworkin
Q6: What can the everyday consumer and/or business do to promote the practice of Fairly Traded products and Fair Trade, in the spirit for which it was intended?
A6: Purchasing power truly does make a difference. By voting with your shopping cart, you are contributing to a system that betters the lives of farmers in developing countries. Look for the label and go out of your way to purchase Fair Trade Certified products. When you don't see the label in your local grocery store or café, ask for it. Becoming a conscientious consumer is the most direct way to support the movement that helps improve the lives of traditional, small family farmers around the world.
Jennifer Rudolf
Businesses: Help build trust in the good certification programs. Put the certification logo on their products. Require their products be created by workers who receive at least the living wage.
Consumers: Do not buy anything that doesn't meet the minimum standards. Make it known (by letters, boycotts, blogs, etc) what we expect from manufacturers.
Dr. Clay M. Thompson
-Purchase Fair Trade products that are currently available like coffee and chocolate -Request fair trade products at cafes, supermarkets, etc -Pressure manufacturers like World's Finest and Nestle to pay fair trade prices -Spread the word to others about the importance of buying Fair Trade products.
Tex Dworkin
About the Author
Marie Gunter is the Co-Founder of OneGreenGlobe.com, a leading online community for conscientious individuals, businesses and groups promoting sustainable and healthful living. A life-long proponent of holistic systems and a seasoned promoter of innovative technololgies, Marie provides consulting, business development and public speaking services throughout the U.S.
As consumers, do we always consider the impact of our purchasing power? How many times have you stopped to ask yourself, "Where was this craft, coffee, chocolate, or tea produced, and did the worker receive a fair wage for his or her work effort? Probably not often. After all, we live in a consumer society conditioned with not just an individual, but a collective consumptive mentality. That those products represent some of our largest imports from under-developed nations whose cost of living increases against a backdrop of stagnant wages, makes this a topic well worth consideration.
Not many of us have the phrase "Global Equity" etched across the top of our weekly shopping lists. Conditioned to believe that we need the next best thing and in ever increasing quantities, we've moved through much of our lives down a consistent though generally thoughtless path of frenetic purchasing activity.
Fair Trade is an organized endeavor to correct that course. It serves to help marginalized workers and small scale producers to attain economic self-sufficiency and stability toward an increased standard of living. Fair Trade promotes the practice of fair pricing and ethical consumer consumption through international labor standards, environmentalism, education, and the development of social policies around labeled and unlabeled Fair Trade products.
Contemporary economics traditionally driven by consumerism has been focused primarily on the relationship between product quality and price. Fair Trade seeks to create an equitable exchange and so has developed a labeling and certification process as a means to further protect workers and producers, while assisting consumers in their conscientious shopping activities.
THE FAIR TRADE DEBATE There are two major camps of debate surrounding the Fair Trade issue: one that sees Fair Trade as an unnecessary subsidy that impedes economic growth; and one that sees organized Fair Trade as paying lip service - that Fair Trade is not enough and somewhat falling short of a thorough challenge to the current trading system. Amidst this, the promising hope of change. With the advent of (CSR) Corporate Social Responsibility at the big business level pushing for responsible action, to public education and the quiet conscious efforts of smaller businesses and organizations who have long known and understood the importance of economic equality - Fair Trade has moved from a remote public consideration to a genuine model of moral socio-economic behavior.
One company effecting change is the Camano Island Coffee Roasting Company.
Jeff Ericson, founder of Camano Island Coffee believes that Fair Trade is not enough:
"We not only must make sure that a fair price is paid for the coffee - we also need to make sure that the farmers own the land that they work on. We need to make sure the children are getting basic health services and learning to read and write - so we do not repeat this process again in the next generation. We need to make sure the people are not totally dependent on just one crop (like coffee) - but that they have other ways to make money. We need to make sure that the village we work with has learned to work together as a team and can create streamlined approaches to business challenges of a rural area and that they have clean water to drink."
THEN- we can pay a fair price for their coffee while requiring the coffee is organic and shade grown.
The challenge with a bureaucracy is that they tend to "lower the bar" in order to get everyone (even the big guns) into the pack.
We feel sustainability is a commitment - not a marketing term. If you do anything less then 100% in your purchasing decisions of coffee - then we feel you should not call yourself "fairly traded".
We use the term "fairly traded" because we do not feel it is our role to promote a bureaucracy but to promote a practice of responsible consumerism.
Jeff has built his organization based on principles of quality, equality and service. They provide exceptional organic coffee products that are produced with the utmost regard for sustainability. It is a system that is vigorously enforced, providing fair-trade wage and opportunity to the coffee farmers who work so hard to maintain that delicate balance of health and prosperity.
Camano Island Coffee beans are 100% organic, shade-grown which preserves the native plants, and fairly traded using the top 1% of the available coffee market. The company aims to develop "Prosumers", or customers who are conscious of the impact their dollars have on coffee spending.
A strong part of the philanthropic vision is realized through its mission-based business model. The company participates in two key charity programs: Coffee Kids Grounds For Hope and Agros International - both committed to breaking the cycle of poverty for families in Central America and Mexico by enabling landless communities to develop, achieve land ownership and economic stability.
Camano Island Coffee Roasters at: www.camanoislandcoffee.com
ONEGREENGLOBE.COM Q & A Conscious consumers and representatives of the Fair Trade industry share their views:
Q1: People use the terms, Fair Trade and Fairly Traded Products interchangeably. What do these terms mean to you?
A1: The term "Fair Trade Certified" indicates a product that is licensed according to specific
Fair Trade standards. Our Fair Trade Certified label is a guarantee, not just a claim. It ensures that the product purchased has been produced or grown according to an international set of economic, social and environmental standards aimed toward creating greater sustainability. To us, this is a guarantee of transparency and equity.
Jennifer Rudolf Pr manager, TransFair U.S.A.
I had never heard of Fairly Traded products until you mentioned them here. I still do not know the difference between the two. I did see a graphic in ODE Magazine that showed that the difference between a normal "free" trade T-shift and a fair trade one for the workers was 2 cents on a $15 shirt. It didn't seem like a big gain for the workers.
Personally, I think the debate needs to move toward relating manufacturing wages to a living wage in the area. If we had hard (easily computed and verifiable) living wage numbers, it would be much easier to determine if a given product was being traded fairly or not. I do not think it is fair for the workers that create the products to be paid starvation wages when the other players in the process (distributors, employers, marketers, retailers, etc) are making so much.
Dr. Clay M. Thompson, Environmentalist Founder, Creative Creek
Fair Trade has a specific definition, whereas Fairly Traded Products is a much more vague term. If you see a food product like coffee or chocolate that says that it is Fair Trade Certified and it has the certification label on it, you can be guaranteed that certain criteria have been met, and that third party certification includes independent monitoring to ensure that the criteria is met. One example would be the minimum floor price; for coffee, a Fair Trade label of coffee ensures that the farmers were paid at least 1.26 per pound. For a list of Fair Trade Certified criteria for food products within the U.S. visit www.transfairusa.org.
It is more difficult for consumers to identify Fair Trade craft products because there isn't currently a certification label. This may be why you see the term fairly traded more often on craft products; because there is no label as of yet.
Tex Dworkin Manager, Global Exchange Fair Trade Online Store
Q2: What do you see as the biggest challenge to upholding a Fair Trade practice in business?
A2: Creating a uniform set of standards becomes challenging when dealing with different farming practices and various local economies, especially when dealing with different products. For example, the farming practices and challenges within the coffee industry vary greatly from those prevalent within the banana industry.
Jennifer Rudolf
Information flow is the key. Certifying/Branding, like the Fair Trade people are doing, is probably the best way as long as the certification process doesn't get usurped like the organic standards have.
Dr. Clay M. Thompson
Not having a certification label for non-food products makes it difficult to market Fair Trade to consumers. Another big challenge is having to educate consumers about fair trade while marketing it. If consumer awareness was more widespread, it would be easier to market ethically produced goods.
Tex Dworkin
Q3: What do you see as some of the greatest opportunities for positive change in this area?
A3: Even though Fair Trade is still a fairly new concept in the US - we've been around nearly 10 years - we are beginning to see the direct, positive impact of increased revenues from Fair Trade Certified purchases at origin. Cooperatives around the world producing Fair Trade Certified goods have been able to build schools, improve their work facilities, increase the quality of their drinking water, repair roads, open health clinics, and lend positive change not only to the workers but also to the surrounding community. Beyond this, the ability of Fair Trade Certified standards to lend to greater dignity among farming communities is invaluable to us. That a farmer can feed his family and afford to send his children to school is the most positive change we could hope to see within our farming communities.
Jennifer Rudolf
I would start with trying to identify what the living wages are for a manufacturing region and country and make that known. Then do comparisons of the actual wages relative to the living wages. If they are higher, great. If not, build awareness that the products are not being manufactured fairly. Also promote products that are being manufactured/traded fairly.
Dr. Clay M. Thompson
Fair Trade has the capability to create self sustaining villages throughout the world, lessening underprivileged artisans and farmers' dependence on foreign aid and truly empowering them to step out of vicious cycles of poverty.
Tex Dworkin
Q4: What do you see as the role of the various Fair Trade Organization and Certification Programs?
A4: The role of Fair Trade Certification is to certify products, link licensees with producers, open the market by increasing consumer awareness and demand for Fair Trade Certified products, and audit the cooperatives at origin to ensure that the standards are being met.
Jennifer Rudolf
Very important since this is probably the easiest way to communicate to the consumer about the "life cycle" of the product. By "life cycle" here I mean the social and environmental impacts of the product (is it fairly manufactured, does its manufacture help or hurt the environment, is the product itself life affirming?).
Dr. Clay M. Thompson
Fair Trade Organizations have the ability to assist farmers and artisans to step out of the cycle of poverty and into a role of self sustainability. Certified coffee, chocolate and more has already proven to be a feasible, successful business model. In that realm, Fair Trade certification needs to be introduced to the global market and consumers need to be educated on the benefits of purchasing Fair Trade products. In terms of crafts, it is important to make a concerted effort to create a Fair Trade certification for crafts so that it is easier to identify these products to consumers. In both cases, the role of organizations and certifications is to market "Fair Trade" to consumers, encourage large companies and corporations to adopt fair trade principles in their day to day business operations, and do what we can to prep the market for Fair Trade products to grow demand for such products. At this time, Fair Trade product supply far outweighs demand. By working within the market to raise consumer awareness, Fair Trade organizations will help grow the movement.
Tex Dworkin
Q5: What changes would you like to see in Fair Trade Organizations and Certification Processes?
A5: We'd like to be able to help more farmers. Ideally, we'd like Fair Trade Certified products to include non-food products, domestic goods, textiles, clothing, manufactured goods and gemstones.
Jennifer Rudolf
Comparison to the living wage. Transparency and accountability. Some way to avoid what is happening to organic now (where the standards are being watered down so much that consumers lose trust in them -- e.g., USDA organic).
Dr. Clay M. Thompson
1) More collaboration between various international organizations working on Fair Trade. 2) More resources/funding for fair trade organizations so they can take the necessary steps to grow the industry. For example, funding enabling specialists to visit producer groups to provide vital design, tech, etc advice. Also funding so that fair trade groups can be visited by third parties to ensure that fair trade practices are being adhered to.
Tex Dworkin
Q6: What can the everyday consumer and/or business do to promote the practice of Fairly Traded products and Fair Trade, in the spirit for which it was intended?
A6: Purchasing power truly does make a difference. By voting with your shopping cart, you are contributing to a system that betters the lives of farmers in developing countries. Look for the label and go out of your way to purchase Fair Trade Certified products. When you don't see the label in your local grocery store or café, ask for it. Becoming a conscientious consumer is the most direct way to support the movement that helps improve the lives of traditional, small family farmers around the world.
Jennifer Rudolf
Businesses: Help build trust in the good certification programs. Put the certification logo on their products. Require their products be created by workers who receive at least the living wage.
Consumers: Do not buy anything that doesn't meet the minimum standards. Make it known (by letters, boycotts, blogs, etc) what we expect from manufacturers.
Dr. Clay M. Thompson
-Purchase Fair Trade products that are currently available like coffee and chocolate -Request fair trade products at cafes, supermarkets, etc -Pressure manufacturers like World's Finest and Nestle to pay fair trade prices -Spread the word to others about the importance of buying Fair Trade products.
Tex Dworkin
About the Author
Marie Gunter is the Co-Founder of OneGreenGlobe.com, a leading online community for conscientious individuals, businesses and groups promoting sustainable and healthful living. A life-long proponent of holistic systems and a seasoned promoter of innovative technololgies, Marie provides consulting, business development and public speaking services throughout the U.S.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Organic Food: Getting what you pay for?
The last thing anyone wants, along their sweep of the supermarket, is to be confused.
Let's be honest, most of us, when we go to the grocery store want to get in, and get out. We want the food to be all it's billed to be. And when it comes to organic food there should be no exceptions.
Let's be honest, most of us, when we go to the grocery store want to get in, and get out. We want the food to be all it's billed to be. And when it comes to organic food there should be no exceptions.
Organic perceived as costly and lacking in flavour
High prices mean over half those surveyed in Ireland have never purchased organic food and confusions abound on its taste and benefits.
Organic foods hit the big time
Organic foods are a victim of their own success, with production no longer able to keep up with demand, while purists claim that the initial ideals of clean, natural and healthy produce have been sacrificed for profit.
UK appetite for organic food is hampered by supply problems
Britain's soaring appetite for organic food is being hampered by supply problems in the industry, according to a new report published today.
The organic food and drink market is now worth about £1.5bn a year in Britain - up by about 70% since 2002 - and is set to increase by another 54% by 2012, according to market analyst Mintel. However, its Organic Food in the UK report says the market for organic food in Britain has not achieved its full potential because supply cannot meet demand.
The organic food and drink market is now worth about £1.5bn a year in Britain - up by about 70% since 2002 - and is set to increase by another 54% by 2012, according to market analyst Mintel. However, its Organic Food in the UK report says the market for organic food in Britain has not achieved its full potential because supply cannot meet demand.
Quality counts at suppliers of organic and free range foods
THE spate of celebrity chefs campaigning for the nation to switch to free range produce has once again put healthy eating high on the agenda.
From organic fruit and vegetables to home-cooked cuisine, the North-East is full of culinary gems. And with so much written about GM foods and the buying power of supermarkets, more people are turning to farm shops, organic food outlets, farmers’ markets and quality food shops.
From organic fruit and vegetables to home-cooked cuisine, the North-East is full of culinary gems. And with so much written about GM foods and the buying power of supermarkets, more people are turning to farm shops, organic food outlets, farmers’ markets and quality food shops.
Attitudes on price have big impact of the purchase of organic food
Independent attitudes such as cost have the biggest impact on why consumers opt for organic fruit and vegetables, according to a new University of Melbourne report.
The report, titled 'An investigation of consumer motivations towards organic food purchases in Australia', lists health consciousness, environmental concerns, knowledge of organic products, availability, convenience and price as all factors that can affect consumer choice.
The report, titled 'An investigation of consumer motivations towards organic food purchases in Australia', lists health consciousness, environmental concerns, knowledge of organic products, availability, convenience and price as all factors that can affect consumer choice.
Coca-Cola buys stake in Bethesda's Honest Tea
The Coca-Cola Co. has bought a 40 percent stake in Honest Tea, confirming December reports of the massive distributor's interest in the Bethesda organic bottled tea company.
A shift to growing organically could be key to boosting economy
If you have five acres in the backyard and a Rototiller, you can make a living in organic farming, according to Luke Howard.
The effects of chemicals used on coffee crops
Coffee is a commodity most of us take for granted; every morning millions indulge in cup or two to kick-start their day.
Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia, and has become the worlds most popular beverage; on average 400 billion cups a year are consumed.
North Americans love affair with coffee has built empires such as "Starbucks" and "Second Cup"; specializing in coffee only.
Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia, and has become the worlds most popular beverage; on average 400 billion cups a year are consumed.
North Americans love affair with coffee has built empires such as "Starbucks" and "Second Cup"; specializing in coffee only.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Specials at wine.com
Wine.com is running a couple of different specials. Different special, different promo code:
Save 5% on $50 or more | LSVALENTIN |
99¢ shipping on $99 or more | xEB1CENT |
Save 10% on any 6 month wine club membership | LS10CLUB |
New Organic Fruit of the Month Club
Organic lamb, beef set to fill market gaps
There has been a focus on professionalism and continued improvement of the supply chain within both the domestic and export markets, for organic meat, especially lamb and beef.
Consumers have been driving retail demand for a high quality organic meat - and they appear willing to pay significant price premiums.
Harmful pesticides found in everyday food products.
Government promises to rid the nation's food supply of brain-damaging pesticides aren't doing the job, according to the results of a yearlong study that carefully monitored the diets of a group of local children.
The peer-reviewed study found that the urine and saliva of children eating a variety of conventional foods from area groceries contained biological markers of organophosphates, the family of pesticides spawned by the creation of nerve gas agents in World War II.
Apples going organic
Commercial pipfruit growers are flocking to join a $2.7 million residue-free programme, while more growers are opting for organic production.
Pipfruit New Zealand chairman Peter Beaven said 10 per cent of apple and pear production was either organic, or under conversion, and he expected that to increase.
WARNING ON FUTURE OF ORGANIC FOOD
Organic food has become a victim of its own success, says a new report.
The sector has exploded in the last few years, growing by 70 per cent since 2002. But a report from market research company Mintel says the industry is now threatened by its own popularity.
The sector has exploded in the last few years, growing by 70 per cent since 2002. But a report from market research company Mintel says the industry is now threatened by its own popularity.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Harry and David sale - not much time left!
They don't have tons of organic stuff, but they do have some. Up to 30% OFF America's favorite gourmet gifts! Get delicious deals on Fresh Fruit, bountiful Gift Baskets and Towers, luxurious Chocolates, decadent desserts and more! The January Sale ends January 31st, 2008.
Sale at Sur la Table
All you gourmets - Sur la Table is having a big winter sale. Browse the deals here.
Monday, January 21, 2008
There's always another holiday, isn't there?
The Christmas and New Year's holidays have given way to another one that will be important for organic types: Va
lentine's Day! Whether it's for you or your sweetie, the Internet as usual offers a variety of possibilities for wine, chocolate, fruit, even flowers and more. Some of my favorites:
Organic Bouquet (U.S.)
Harry and David (U.S.)
CyberCucina (U.S.) - this month featuring gourmet chocolates and candies!
Chocolate Source (U.S. and Canada)
Wine Enthusiast (wine gifts, rather than wine itself - look for free shipping on wine cellars and a bunch of discount offers till Jan. 31)
Definitely Chocolate (Australia)
Rainbow Designs (Australia) - lots of fun goodies and gifts
Wherever you are...Amazon.com has all kinds of Valentine specials as well.
Of course, these and many more are on the web site:
Organic wine
Organic meat
Organic chocolate
Organic produce
Organic coffee
lentine's Day! Whether it's for you or your sweetie, the Internet as usual offers a variety of possibilities for wine, chocolate, fruit, even flowers and more. Some of my favorites:Organic Bouquet (U.S.)
Harry and David (U.S.)
CyberCucina (U.S.) - this month featuring gourmet chocolates and candies!
Chocolate Source (U.S. and Canada)
Wine Enthusiast (wine gifts, rather than wine itself - look for free shipping on wine cellars and a bunch of discount offers till Jan. 31)
Definitely Chocolate (Australia)
Rainbow Designs (Australia) - lots of fun goodies and gifts
Wherever you are...Amazon.com has all kinds of Valentine specials as well.
Of course, these and many more are on the web site:
Organic wine
Organic meat
Organic chocolate
Organic produce
Organic coffee
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Organic beef- farmers loose 40p a kilo
A new report from the Soil Association shows British organic beef producers are getting short-changed by their processors and some key supermarkets who are not paying enough to cover the costs of production, and choosing to import organic beef even though there could easily be enough supply in the UK.
Fierce responses to FDA cloning safety report
The FDA's scientific conclusion that meat and milk from cloned cows, pigs and goats and their offspring is safe has elicited a flurry of responses from both sides of the fence, raising issues such as financial gain, trade opportunities, and organic standards.
The organic age
Considering the plethora of websites on organic products, as well as the growth of organic shops and organic sections that have opened in supermarkets across the country, it would be fair to say that organic is the new food growth area of the 21st century.
Organic Wine Displays Dynamic Trends in Napa Valley
The mood barometer in the organic wine industry has never been so good. Importers and traders specializing in organic wines enjoyed two-figure growth rates again in 2006.
Organic becomes popular choice
More consumers are buying organic products than ever before, and the trend promises to continue well into the future, retailers say.
Supermarkets threaten Welsh organics industry
ORGANIC Welsh beef is being forced off the supermarket shelves by cheaper imports of organic meat flown half way around the world.
Despite growing concern about food miles and the impact food production has on the environment, the Soil Association claims that supermarkets are snubbing local produce because they are unwilling to pay the home-grown organic premium.
Call for poultry price rise to meet welfare demands
BRITISH poultry farmers will need to see prices increase if they are to meet the growing public demand for improved welfare standards, according to industry leaders.
Poultry boss urges new organic code
The managing director of Britain’s biggest kosher abattoir has called for a Jewish organisation to be given powers to certify organic poultry.
Stephen Grossman, who runs Lewcopak in Bedfordshire, has also challenged the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to break up what he called the “cartel” of 10 organisations that issue certification for organic produce and which refuse to certify organic kosher poultry and meat because they disapprove of shechitah.
Stephen Grossman, who runs Lewcopak in Bedfordshire, has also challenged the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to break up what he called the “cartel” of 10 organisations that issue certification for organic produce and which refuse to certify organic kosher poultry and meat because they disapprove of shechitah.
Low prices seen threat to organic beef
Retailers must pay more for domestically produced organic beef because current prices are unfair and unsustainable, a leading organic food certification body said on Friday.
The Soil Association said in a report issued on Friday that some key supermarkets are not paying enough to cover production costs and choosing to import organic beef even though there could easily be enough supply in Britain.
The cost of cheap chicken
HUGH Fearnley-Whittingstall knows he is only scratching the surface with his "Chicken Out" campaign.
The celebrity chef's experiment divided opinion in the town of Axminster where he tried to raise awareness of the plight of the broiler chicken - reared without light and without space to provide British consumers with cheap meat. And it is likely to have the same impact across the the country.
The celebrity chef's experiment divided opinion in the town of Axminster where he tried to raise awareness of the plight of the broiler chicken - reared without light and without space to provide British consumers with cheap meat. And it is likely to have the same impact across the the country.
Winemakers Take Their Green Practices Beyond the Vineyard Floor
Black isn't the only "color" being touted as the "new green" these days. Red, as in those precious Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that make up your favorite glass of vino, is seeing green too.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Thousands of tons of organic food produced using toxic chemicals
Thousands of tons of organic vegetables sold in British shops this year were produced using toxic chemical pesticides, it emerged yesterday.
Many shoppers - who pay premium prices for "naturally" grown veg - are unaware that any chemicals are allowed on any organic produce.
Studies Show Higher Antioxidant Levels in Organic and Spoiled Produce
As the organic vs. conventional battle rages on, a major new study awards yet another victory to organic produce and dairy. But oddly enough, organics may not be the only antioxidant heavyweight. Look deep within your produce bin to discover the ignored fruit and vegetables that are just a bit past their prime, and you may actually uncover a treasure trove of antioxidants.
Overseas threat to British organic meat farmers
Yes, we know we should be vegetarians, but we really do like a bit of British, organic meat now and then, and that's why we were gutted to learn from a report published today by the Soil Association that "supermarket pricing is holding back UK organic meat production".
Paraná is model in organic production
Paraná is considered a model in organic production in Brazil. Of the 42 Brazilian companies integrating OrganicsBrasil, a programme geared at promotion of the sector on the foreign market, 14 are from the state of Paraná. In all, there are around 100 industries and 4,000 farmers dedicated to the production of organic food in the state, which reaches 75,000 tonnes a year.
Organic farming gains momentum in India
| Four-fold rise targetted to take area beyond 2 million hectares by 2012. |
| Organic agriculture movement is gaining in momentum in the country. The area under organic cultivation is likely to cross the 2 million hectare mark by 2012, according to National Centre for Organic Farming (NCOF), a body under the Union Ministry of Agriculture. |
Where’s the beef? - report shows UK beef producers are getting short-changed
A new report from the Soil Association shows British organic beef producers are getting short-changed by their processors and some key supermarkets who are not paying enough to cover the costs of production, and choosing to import organic beef even though there could easily be enough supply in the UK. These factors are endangering the security and development of organic beef production in the UK and leading to unnecessary carbon emissions, says the Soil Association, the UK’s leading organic organisation.
Organic growth that leaves some farmers trailing
The organic vegetable box fast became a must-have accessory for 21st-century Britain.
Along with reusable shopping bags and a dogged commitment to recycling, having your weekly fruit and veg – still covered in the requisite amount of mud – delivered to your door from the nearest local farm is a clear sign that your ethical radar is pointing in the right direction and, according to the Soil Association, more and more of us are jumping on the bandwagon.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Shopping lists 'get more ethical'
Shoppers take it all for granted - fresh produce available all the year round regardless of whether it is in season in the UK.
But does it make any sense?
But does it make any sense?
S.J. farmers find organic certification a challenge
A farmer in the back row rested his eyes as his classmates turned to Page G6.1 of an organic farming "system plan."
Two hours into this lecture in a quiet east Stockton conference room, the teacher - a farmer himself - offered reassurance:
Two hours into this lecture in a quiet east Stockton conference room, the teacher - a farmer himself - offered reassurance:
Spread the cheer back to the farm yard this Christmas
Christmas is a time to feast, and in a meat loving nation, the festive spread is almost guaranteed to include a bountiful array of ham, beef, chicken, turkey, lamb and eggs.
But before you launch into your Christmas shopping consider the far-reaching effects of your supermarket choices, says Biological Farmers Australia.
But before you launch into your Christmas shopping consider the far-reaching effects of your supermarket choices, says Biological Farmers Australia.
Govt to make Andhra Pradesh organic coffee hub
Government has earmarked Rs 76 crore to promote cultivation and export of organic coffee in Andhra Pradesh, aimed at providing livelihood security in naxal-infested areas of the state.
Consumers Seeking the Green
Despite economic challenges, many consumers of natural products are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products, according to a MamboTrack study by Mambo Sprouts Marketing. In the survey of 1,000 natural products consumers, seven out of 10 said they’d be willing to pay up to 20-percent more for “green” products and services. While price remains the overwhelming factor (60 percent) in deciding where to shop, 56 percent said a selection of healthy organic products and 49 percent cited availability of organic produce as key factors.
Whole Foods recalls chocolate bars over undeclared nuts
A large natural foods grocer is recalling milk chocolate bars distributed and sold in Colorado over the possibility that the bars contain nuts which are not listed in the ingredients.
The Colorado Department of Public Health announced Tuesday that Whole Foods Market is recalling the brand name 365 Organic Everyday Value Swiss Milk Chocolate Bars with Rice Crisps, 3-ounce size, with a "best if used by date" of 11/21/07. The date can be found on the back of the wrapper.
The Colorado Department of Public Health announced Tuesday that Whole Foods Market is recalling the brand name 365 Organic Everyday Value Swiss Milk Chocolate Bars with Rice Crisps, 3-ounce size, with a "best if used by date" of 11/21/07. The date can be found on the back of the wrapper.
Antibiotic-Resistant E. Coli Rises in Chickens
Potentially harmful E. coli bacteria has developed such staunch resistance to human antibiotics in chicken processing facilities that workers may unwittingly spread harmful bacteria in their communities, according to a new Johns Hopkins University study detailed in Newsday.
Quick guide: Sustainable food
The Earth's increasing population means more pressure on finite resources. It is estimated that if all six billion people on Earth lived a European lifestyle, we would need more than two-and-a-half planets' worth of resources to support us.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Organic Food Industry Is Duping Consumers on Health, Environment Issues
Organic foods are quite in vogue--they constitute the fastest-growing segment of the food industry. Food markets from Whole Foods to Wal-Mart are trying to capture part of this burgeoning market.
The reason for this is that the public thinks organic foods are more nutritious, less toxic, and better for the environment than conventionally produced foods. Alex Avery's new book will convince you that these claims are all false.
The reason for this is that the public thinks organic foods are more nutritious, less toxic, and better for the environment than conventionally produced foods. Alex Avery's new book will convince you that these claims are all false.
Poabs’ call to back its ‘organic farming movement’
Poabs Group director Thomas Jacob said has called upon ecologists and environmental groups to support the group’s “organic farming movement” and added that he was ready to put his estates “to the most stringent tests”.
When Organic Foods Are Worth Your Money
You do not have to shop at specialty stores any longer for a wide variety of organic foods. Mainstream supermarkets carry a much bigger selection than just apples and oranges. You can buy almost any food as an organic product, but doing so means you'll likely pay more.
Organic consideration
The Nov. 14 column "Is organic food healthier?" suggested that organic food is not worth the additional cost, focusing on the alleged lack of evidence regarding related health effects. Organic foods have only recently become widely available at most grocery stores, so it's true there have not been many specific studies on organic versus conventional food healthfulness. However, there is recent data supporting the idea that organics are healthier. Early results of an EU-funded study indicate organic fruit and vegetables contain up to 40 percent more antioxidants and higher levels of some beneficial minerals than their non-organic counterparts. Another study found a two-fold increase in antioxidants in organic tomatoes compared to conventionally grown tomatoes. Antioxidants, of course, are believed to lower the risk of heart disease and cancer in many studies.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Soil Association: Public unaware that most milk, dairy products and pork from GM
Nearly all the milk, dairy products and pork in UK supermarkets are being produced from animals fed on GM crops, and none of this is labelled, according to a Soil Association investigation. Tests of animal feed and a survey of company policies have revealed that all the supermarkets are widely allowing the use of GM feed. The report found that around 60% of the maize and 30% of the soya fed to dairy cattle and pigs is GM. [1] Most consumers are unwittingly eating food produced from GM crops everyday.
Organic air ban raises fears for flavours
The proposed restrictions on air freighting of organic produce into the UK could have implications for the flavour industry, as some valuable raw materials are grown far way and would not survive lengthy sea freighting times.
Organic industry well beyond the rind
Findings from a report by the World Cancer Research fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research of a "convincing link between processed meats and colorectal cancer" is good news for the Australian organic meat processors. The report states there is solid proof that high levels of processed meat containing nitrite and other preservatives increase the risk of cancer in the colon and rectum; two key organs of the digestive system. Nitrites are barred from use in the processing of organic meat.
Organic chocolate off market after cancer substance found
A German organic-foods company has withdrawn its "fair trade" chocolate from the market after testers found in it high levels of a substance that causes cancer. The Rapunzel company recalled all blocks of Bio Negro bittersweet chocolate after the revelation that they contained benzopyrene, a dangerous substance also found in diesel smoke and burned toast.
Tukulu's first organic wines
Tukulu, a member of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, has launched its first organic wines, a 2007 Chardonnay and a 2006 Sangiovese, both made from organically certified dryland vines on the Papkuilsfontein farm in Darling and vinified under organic conditions.
To be accredited by the Swiss-based international body, Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS), the vines had to be farmed organically for at least three years. The Chardonnay was planted in 1998 and the Sangiovese, a year later. Both have been farmed organically since 2001 and deliver low yields.
To be accredited by the Swiss-based international body, Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS), the vines had to be farmed organically for at least three years. The Chardonnay was planted in 1998 and the Sangiovese, a year later. Both have been farmed organically since 2001 and deliver low yields.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
I'm organic, buy me
Increasing awareness on the benefits of wholesome, naturally produced foods has seen Malaysians switch from conventionally grown produce to organic ones. But with all varieties of "organic" food flooding the retail shelves, how can consumers identify the genuine product?
Look past 'organic' label for eco-friendly alcohol
Austin is known for being an earth-friendly city, so logically, people prefer food that's either organic or grown locally. Organic fruits, veggies and meats are all available in Texas, but what about alcohol? A few Texas beers and wines are made with the environment in mind, but Austinites will have to look past the label.
Any beer or wine that bears the "USDA Organic" seal meets the requirement that 95 percent of its ingredients are produced organically, without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Any beer or wine that bears the "USDA Organic" seal meets the requirement that 95 percent of its ingredients are produced organically, without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Amherst 'fair-trade' cause reverberates worldwide
Now that Yuri Friman has convinced Amherst Town Meeting to support his fair trade campaign, he plans to bring a Peruvian coffee-bean farmer to town, urge supermarkets to diversify their offerings and promote fair trade Hanukkah chocolates.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Organic labeling confuses farmers
There's a tectonic shift under way in organic agriculture. An organic label was once a way for smaller farms to find a market niche with produce free of synthetic chemicals.
But as the demand for organic produce and other products has grown, large farms have started muscling in, sparking intense competition for space in farmers markets, health food stores and chain supermarkets.
But as the demand for organic produce and other products has grown, large farms have started muscling in, sparking intense competition for space in farmers markets, health food stores and chain supermarkets.
Organic's good, but will it feed everyone?
The battle has been raging back and forth ever since synthetic pesticides and fertilizers were introduced into agriculture. Is organic produce safer and more nutritious than the conventional variety?
Organic wines: behind the label
In an ideal world, buds would sprout from grapevines in the spring and turn into fragrant flowers after a few weeks. Grapes would follow the flowers and ripen to perfection throughout the summer months.
In the fall, the vintner who had been sitting back watching the vineyard develop would pick perfectly ripe, succulent grapes, ferment them into wine and bottle a pure, delicious product.
Unfortunately, we don't live in an ideal world.
In the fall, the vintner who had been sitting back watching the vineyard develop would pick perfectly ripe, succulent grapes, ferment them into wine and bottle a pure, delicious product.
Unfortunately, we don't live in an ideal world.
Does the consumer really know best?
Yesterday's decision by the Soil Association to continue certifying organic produce flown in from abroad is a fillip for those who believe in consumer power. As a result of the ruling, after lengthy public consultation, consumers can still decide for themselves whether they wish to support organic farmers in developing countries who rely on air freighting their produce to the UK, or whether they prefer to boycott such produce due to environmental concerns about using planes to transport food. If the Soil Association had decided that it should withdraw certification from air-freighted food, then that choice would have been denied the consumer.
Sweet injustice
By the time that last batch of holiday fudge is wrapped and shipped to friends and family, Americans will have spent upwards of $15 billion on chocolate this year. Recent reports citing the benefits of dark chocolate on blood pressure have provided justification for our indulgence, but there is a bitter exchange for our pleasure: hundreds of thousands of children kidnapped, beaten and enslaved by cocoa farmers with dollar signs in their eyes.
Kenyan organic farmers 'relieved'
A lobby group for Kenya's organic farmers, Rodi, has welcomed a decision by the UK's Soil Association not to ban organic produce imported by air.
African farmers risked losing $66million (£32.6 million) in annual retail sales if the ban was imposed.
African farmers risked losing $66million (£32.6 million) in annual retail sales if the ban was imposed.
Organic milk, cheese and yoghurt 'protects children against asthma'
Organic milk, cheese and yoghurt may protect young children against eczema and asthma, researchers say.
They found that infants raised on organic dairy products are a third less likely to suffer from allergies in the first two years of life than those fed conventional food.
They found that infants raised on organic dairy products are a third less likely to suffer from allergies in the first two years of life than those fed conventional food.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Organic produce 'better for you'
Organic produce is better for you than ordinary food, a major European Union-funded study says.
The £12m four-year project, led by Newcastle University, found a general trend showing organic food contained more antioxidants and less fatty acids.
But researchers did admit the study showed some variations.
The £12m four-year project, led by Newcastle University, found a general trend showing organic food contained more antioxidants and less fatty acids.
But researchers did admit the study showed some variations.
Europe grows more (and more) GM crops
Just days after the European Commission gave its stamp of approval to four new GM plants, a report has revealed that the area of Europe's arable land devoted to genetically modified crops has risen by 77 per cent in the last year. The total area of GM cultivation is now 1,000 square kilometres*.
EU research finds organic food healthier and better
A European project has found that some organic foods, such as fruit, vegetables and milk, could be more nutritious than non-organically produce and contain higher concentrations of antioxidants, believed to cut the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Study could give organics a boost
Is organically grown food scientifically better for nutrition than conventionally grown produce?
Long has this question been vehemently debated with theory.
Thanks to a $25 million, four-year study going on in the United Kingdom, we may have some concrete answers soon.
Long has this question been vehemently debated with theory.
Thanks to a $25 million, four-year study going on in the United Kingdom, we may have some concrete answers soon.
Organic food ‘equivalent to having an extra portion of fruit and veg a day’
ORGANIC food is more nutritious and can even help fight cancer, according to new research out this week.
Scientists leading the £12million project have called on the Government to accept the evidence and encourage consumers to eat organic produce.
Scientists leading the £12million project have called on the Government to accept the evidence and encourage consumers to eat organic produce.
Organic food for the world
A small village community in Matale produces tea packs made out of reed under a regular Rs 2 million monthly contract -- in a-too-good-to-be-true story -- thanks to the efforts of Bio Foods (Pvt) Ltd.
The Kandy-based company founded by former Tea Research Institute (TRI) Scientist Dr Sarath Ranaweera is Sri Lanka’s biggest organic food producer and amongst the best in the world with turnover this year likely to reach 5 million Euros (Rs 800 million).
The Kandy-based company founded by former Tea Research Institute (TRI) Scientist Dr Sarath Ranaweera is Sri Lanka’s biggest organic food producer and amongst the best in the world with turnover this year likely to reach 5 million Euros (Rs 800 million).
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Organic Agriculture 'Towards Organic India'
The First National Conference on Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) for Organic Agriculture is being held at Indian Social Institute in New Delhi between 3rd and 4th October'07, with an aim to exchange knowledge on the experiences in implementation of PGS, to define the role of civil society, government, and key stakeholders in promoting PGS at a wider scale with the involvement of small farmers and to facilitate local markets for the organic produce of the small and marginal farmers.
More Kenyan farmers attracted by organic coffee premiums
Organic farming is gaining popularity in Central Kenya following reports that coffee beans produced through the method fetch premium prices in the market.
Denmark leading in organic race
Organic produce in the super markets is in great demand in Denmark. The chains are successful in selling organic food and the consumers are crowding.
Denmark is in front with regards to the organic share of the sales in the super markets in Europe. Only Switzerland is ahead of Denmark, writes Berlingske Business.
Organic Coffee Sales Getting Steamy
U.S. retail sales of organic coffee rose 24% in 2006, according to new data released by the Organic Trade Association.
“The dramatic increase in organic coffee sales mirrors the continuing growth in the overall organic sector and reflects consumers’ increasing awareness of these products, their high quality, and the availability of these beverages in venues ranging from small coffee shops to ‘Big Box’ stores,” said Caren Wilcox, OTA’s Executive Director.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
The holiday specials are starting!
For those of you who are heading into springtime and gardening season, don't forget your own organic fruits and veggies! For some help, check out the ebook "Companion Planting," which will show you what to plant together so that your produce is healthier and stronger. You get a string of bonuses with it too.
While you're at it, don't miss "The Ultimate Organic Lifestyle," lessons for all of us on living more organically without breaking the bank. It includes a free ecourse on keeping your pet organic too.
As always, see Ideal Bite for quick and freebie email tips.
US wine drinkers: Two offers from wine.com:
Get 10% off any gift basket at Wine.com. Enter coupon code LSOCT10 at checkout. Offer ends October 31, 2007
Get 5% off orders of $100 or more at Wine.com. Enter coupon code LSOCT5 at checkout. Offer ends October 31, 2007
I just checked and found 93 wines listed under the keyword "organic"- you don't often see a selection that good.
UK meat eaters: Save the Bacon has all kinds of pre-holiday specials. I've listed them on the blog rather than pasting them all here.
CyberCucina is always worth a look - organic olive oils, spices, all kinds of goodies (not all organic, but they have a good selection that is.) They're currently featuring olives.
What used to be Almond Plaza and Mission Orchards are now The Orchards at Hickory Farms. With holidays coming up, were you planning on nice fruit, nuts and gift baskets for important clients or other nice people? Between now and the end of the month, get 15% off your entire purchase.
Non-food items: Wine Enthusiast is offering free shipping on a number of items, including wine refrigerators and Riedel glassware. Sur la Table is also in a free-shipping mode on selected items.
If these don't pique your interest, I know something else will:
Organic wine
Organic coffee
Organic produce
Organic meat
Organic chocolate
While you're at it, don't miss "The Ultimate Organic Lifestyle," lessons for all of us on living more organically without breaking the bank. It includes a free ecourse on keeping your pet organic too.
As always, see Ideal Bite for quick and freebie email tips.
US wine drinkers: Two offers from wine.com:
Get 10% off any gift basket at Wine.com. Enter coupon code LSOCT10 at checkout. Offer ends October 31, 2007
Get 5% off orders of $100 or more at Wine.com. Enter coupon code LSOCT5 at checkout. Offer ends October 31, 2007
I just checked and found 93 wines listed under the keyword "organic"- you don't often see a selection that good.
UK meat eaters: Save the Bacon has all kinds of pre-holiday specials. I've listed them on the blog rather than pasting them all here.
CyberCucina is always worth a look - organic olive oils, spices, all kinds of goodies (not all organic, but they have a good selection that is.) They're currently featuring olives.
What used to be Almond Plaza and Mission Orchards are now The Orchards at Hickory Farms. With holidays coming up, were you planning on nice fruit, nuts and gift baskets for important clients or other nice people? Between now and the end of the month, get 15% off your entire purchase.
Non-food items: Wine Enthusiast is offering free shipping on a number of items, including wine refrigerators and Riedel glassware. Sur la Table is also in a free-shipping mode on selected items.
If these don't pique your interest, I know something else will:
Organic wine
Organic coffee
Organic produce
Organic meat
Organic chocolate
Big specials for UK meat eaters
Here are the current specials from Save the Bacon:
For the week of 8 October:
Oven Ready Goose
***SPECIAL OFFER FOR THIS WEEK*** £2/kg off normal price - Book this now and take delivery in early December.
Three Bird Roast Special
***SPECIAL OFFER FOR THIS WEEK*** £8/kg OFF NORMAL PRICE - a goose stuffed with a chicken, stuffed with a pheasant and the whole thing layered up with spiced pork and orange - Book this now and take delivery in early December.
For the week of 8 October:
Oven Ready Goose
***SPECIAL OFFER FOR THIS WEEK*** £2/kg off normal price - Book this now and take delivery in early December.
Three Bird Roast Special
***SPECIAL OFFER FOR THIS WEEK*** £8/kg OFF NORMAL PRICE - a goose stuffed with a chicken, stuffed with a pheasant and the whole thing layered up with spiced pork and orange - Book this now and take delivery in early December.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Organic farming should be food for thought
Did you know that Saskatchewan has a legislative secretary on organics? He's Lon Borgerson, the regional and co-operative development minister. Borgerson has prepared an extensive and glowing report on organic agriculture that has been presented to Premier Lorne Calvert.
Organic, and Tastier: The Rat’s Nose Knows
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.
News Update: Now, it's Meat
Here in the U.S. we're looking at another E.coli scare - this time with tainted hamburger meat. Topp Meat has issued a recall of 21.7 million pounds of frozen ground beef products.
A new article in The Green Guide talks about making safe meat choices, and guess what? Organic meat is at the top of their list. Read the article here.
For good sources for organic meat in your part of the world, visit our meat section or our amazon.com storefront.
A new article in The Green Guide talks about making safe meat choices, and guess what? Organic meat is at the top of their list. Read the article here.
For good sources for organic meat in your part of the world, visit our meat section or our amazon.com storefront.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Namibia: Organic Food - a Luxury Or the Way of the Future?
ALTHOUGH it is widely believed that organic farming is environmentally friendly and its produce much healthier than if chemicals are used, some Namibians do not think it can satisfy the country's food needs.
Africa: Incompatible Standards May Keep Organics Out
The newly launched East Africa Organic Standard, designed to boost exports to Europe, could fall at the first hurdle if the largest licensing body in the UK decides in November that air-freighted produce no longer qualifies as organic.
Uganda’s organic food exporters worried as UK ban threat looms
ORGANIC farmers in Uganda and other developing countries, face a threat of their products being banned should the UK Soil Association decide to put a freeze on organic air freighted exports to the country.
What defines organic? Organic food sales have been continuously growing in the U.S.
For more and more people, “going organic” is becoming a way of life. Not only are people finding organic produce, meat, dairy and packaged foods, but pet food, clothing and cleaning supplies as well.
Starbucks calls its coffee worker-friendly _ but in Ethiopia, a day's pay is a dollar
Tucked inside a fancy black box, the $26-a-pound Starbucks Black Apron Exclusives coffee promised to be more than just another bag of beans.
Not only was the premium coffee from a remote plantation in Ethiopia "rare, exotic, cherished," according to Starbucks advertising, it was grown in ways that were good for the environment - and for local people, too.
Not only was the premium coffee from a remote plantation in Ethiopia "rare, exotic, cherished," according to Starbucks advertising, it was grown in ways that were good for the environment - and for local people, too.
'More efforts to promote Organic agriculture needed'
An international seminar on markets and marketing of organic products has stressed the need for more efforts from Central and state governments for the promotion of Organic agriculture.
Describing Organic farming as an "excellent tool" for enhancing the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers who are resource poor and pursue agriculture in marginal lands, Gerald A Herrmann, Director of Organic Services, GMBH, Germany, said this was the most sustainable alternative to overcome poverty and bring about sustainable rural development.
Describing Organic farming as an "excellent tool" for enhancing the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers who are resource poor and pursue agriculture in marginal lands, Gerald A Herrmann, Director of Organic Services, GMBH, Germany, said this was the most sustainable alternative to overcome poverty and bring about sustainable rural development.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Organic farming taking roots in Kerala
Growing awareness about organic farming is leading farmers in good numbers in Kerala to adopt to the new way, with the produce commanding a premium in the domestic and export markets.
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