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.

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.

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: Valentine'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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

Fair-trade coffee price unchanged after 10 years

Coffee drinkers who prefer a shot of social justice with their morning java might be surprised to learn that the minimum price paid to fair trade coffee-growers hasn't changed in 10 years.

Africa: Organic Food Exporters Risk Loss in British Markets

The International Trade Centre is taking a strong stand against a proposed ban on airfreighting organic fruits and vegetables from developing countries to Britain.

Britain: Organic Sales hit ₤ 2 billion mark

On the occasion of the Organic Fortnight 2007, the Soil Association’s annual Organic Market Report was published. It showed that organic food and drink sales in the UK hit the £ 2 billion mark (€ 3 billion) for the first time in 2006, equalling a market growth rate of 22 % during that year. The retail market for organic products has grown by an average of 27 % a year during the last decade.

Special from Save the Bacon

For organic meat in the UK - The new outbreak of foot & mouth disease has let to restrictions on animal movements. At this time, Save the Bacon has a limited amount of Chateaubriand available on offer at 20% discount on a first come basis. They also have fresh game and a series of specials, but encourage you to order early to ensure supply.

Grouse
Partridge
Wild Duck
Rabbit
Pigeon
Venison
Guinea Fowl


They have the following special offers on free range turkey and chickens:

Whole Free Range Chickens 21% off
Free range chicken leg quarters 30% off
Free range chicken mince 20% off
Turkey mince turkey diced 30% off
Turkey Mince 30% off

Green Grapes Grow On Oregon

Simply put, growing good grapes requires planting the right vines in the right soil in the right climate and letting nature do its work.

Of course, it's never that simple. Growers are at the mercy of weather, soil conditions and pests in a never-ending quest to control a patch of ground that can produce fruit that will make good wine.

Put your cash where your principles are

Sales of organic products are soaring, and so is the performance of some of the "green" funds that invest people's money in these businesses. Organic food and drink sales in the UK nudged the £2bn mark for the first time in 2006, and more than half of us have bought organic fruit and vegetables within the past 12 months, according to a new report from the Soil Association.

Today's Specials and Recommendations

Those of you in the UK - did you know that September is Organic Harvest Month? Even better, the two weeks from 1 September to 16 September is the Soil Association Organic Fortnight. What better time to stock up on organic goodies!

Coffee drinkers: The latest from CoffeeAM is a 1/2 pound sample of its Chocolate Strawberry coffee, complimentary with an $15 purchase. It's not organic, but CoffeeAM has a number of good coffees that are.

More for coffee drinkers: Mother Earth is offering free shipping with the purchase of any three bags of their Conscientious Coffee. That's good through September.

Coffee for Less is another good source right now. Coffee for home, coffee for the office, tea, stuff that goes with it - they're showing quite a nice organic selection. Use coupon code CFL to get 5% off too.

Lake Champlain Chocolates has organic, fair trade hot chocolate as well.

Meat eaters: Save the Bacon in the UK has all kinds of specials running - more than I can comfortably put in this newsletter! They often run one-day specials, so if you're interested, I'd recommend subscribing to their email list.

Are you in San Francisco or New York City? Ideal Bite is starting local versions of its eco-tips newsletter later this month. Subscribe to their regular email tips and you'll be able to get local tips as well starting September 24 (San Fran) or September 25 (NYC.) Even for those of us who don't live in those local areas, the free newsletter is worth a look.

Found some great deals on kitchen items too. Wine Enthusiast is clearing out a lot of inventory and is highlighting its Vintage Chart Appetizer Plates - a $29.95 value now at just $5.00 Sur la Table is hitting the sales pretty hard too.

CyberCucina is always worth a look - organic olive oils, spices, all kinds of goodies.

If these don't pique your interest, I know something else will:
Organic wine
Organic coffee
Organic produce
Organic meat
Organic chocolate

Organic or conventional food? Choice hinges on your goals

Just in time for the celebration of September as Organic Harvest Month, a report by the British Nutrition Foundation catapults back into the spotlight the debate over whether organic foods are more nutritious than their conventional counterparts.

Growers label their crops organic ... sort of

A major fruit company has decided to convert 100 percent of its stone fruit trees to organic farming practices, part of the ongoing push to meet consumers' insatiable demand for healthier food.

But Stemilt Growers Inc., a bit player in the stone fruit industry but one of the nation's leading apple suppliers, isn't waiting two years to capitalize on the switch. The company has created a new label — Artisan Naturals — to sell its naturally-farmed fruit, an effort to get a higher price for the fruit even if it can't yet come with an "organic" sticker.

Organic a serious commercial option for NZ food industry

New Zealand's Minister of Agriculture, Biosecurity Fisheries and Forestry Jim Anderton, gave full backing to the organic food sector at Organics Aotearoa New Zealand's national conference.

Future bright for organic farming

Sunday's Advertiser report on Certified Organic Operations verifies the slow but steady increase in organic farming in Louisiana. It also emphasizes the ongoing debate over whether organic food - produced in operations that avoid or largely exclude the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, plant growth regulators and livestock feed additives - is actually healthier.

Change Your Entire Dietary Lifestyle with Organic Meats

Not everyone knows about the fact that you can get not only organic produce but also organic meats. This enables you to change your entire dietary lifestyle if you so wish, without having to compromise on such things as organic meats and organic dairy products, substituting the non-organic stuff instead.

Court finds egg packer substituted organic with conventional eggs

An egg packer and supplier has been found to have substituted and sold non-organically produced eggs as organic eggs over a two year period.

Fairtrade: Is It As Fair As It Sounds?

The term "Fairtrade" has been gaining steady acknowledgment since the 1940s - and justifiably so. After all, when consumers pay just a little more for products like organic coffee, bananas, chocolate and even clothes, farmers are guaranteed a fair price for their goods and labour. So, the fact that over 2,500 product lines in the UK now carry the Fairtrade mark - not to mention that Britain spent over £290 million on fair trade coffee, food, furniture and clothing last year (an increase of 46% on the previous year) - should seem like a good thing, right?

What it means to be organic

Organic isn’t just something we eat. It’s something we live. Organic means that you care enough about your health and the health of those around you, including insects, animals, plants, the earth, the air and water, to change the way you live in order to protect them. I suggest that Acton is in a position to be a model for how a small piece of the universe can wake up and make a difference in the health and well-being of its residents by more conscious consumption and disposal. Here are some examples.

Organic Farming: Growing Green

From Oregon-grown apples to snake fruit from Indo-nesia, supermarket shelves in the UAE overflow with fruits and vegetables from all over the world.

But do you really know what is in, or on, the food you eat?
With numerous pesticide-related horror stories popping up everywhere, it’s no wonder more farmers are switching to organic methods of farming, and consumers are noticing the difference.

Eco-friendly wines

Many consumers are seeking an organic alternative to conventional wines.

As a result, more and more wineries are discovering added benefits of catering to public demand for organic. Biodynamic growing methods produce healthier vines and, in some cases, the wines are less costly to make. And there’s more: the wines can be more flavourful and more distinctive to the specific region and vineyard.

(want to know where to find these eco-friendly wines? There are lots of places listed in the wine section.)

Organic tomatoes are healthier: US study

A United States study comparing organically-grown tomatoes with conventionally-grown tomatoes has found significant health benefits in the organic produce.

Peruvian coffee eyes international market

Peruvian coffee is seeking its place in the international market with a seal of quality backed by 10 years of sustained production.

Not a traditional part of the diet in this Andean nation, Peruvian coffee is grown in the tropical forest region, at altitudes of between 800 metres and 2,000 metres on the eastern slopes of the Andes, the Spanish news agency EFE said.

More Del. farmers putting their eggs in organic basket

A hen with a crooked beak and one good eye roams Carolyn Donald's front yard in Georgetown, foraging for stray bugs, grass and grain.

Donald, an artist turned organic farmer, has set aside her front yard as a respite for stressed hens such as 8-month-old Giggles, who got pecked too often by other hens. A few other hens who are molting hang out in the yard regaining strength before resuming egg production.

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Organic Olympic vegetables growing in importance

Most of the organic vegetables to be delivered to the athletes' village and press center during the Beijing Olympic Games and ensuing Paralympics will be grown in the village of Donglongwan, about 100 kilometers northwest of Beijing.

Organic growers feel left out of green campaign

It's hard for many of us living in this clean green South Pacific paradise to fully comprehend. But in the industrialised nations of the northern hemisphere a consumer revolution is taking place – for an increasing number of those city dwellers the green values of the food they eat is more important than price.

Rethinking Organics

Few things make you feel better about your health than eating organic fruits and veggies. A diet high in produce is commendable enough, but organic produce? That's a double dose of virtue. What's less clear is how much good that virtue does you. Are there real benefits to going organic? If so, are some organic fruits and vegetables better than others? And how do you choose?

If you shop at Whole Foods...

If you have bought organic chocolate from Whole Foods Market, this message is for you. Whole Foods has issued a recall of their 365 Organic Everyday Value(TM) Swiss Dark Chocolate Bars because they may contain undeclared almonds. If you're sensitive to nuts, this could be very serious.

Read all about it here.

Deciphering markets' new eco-friendly labels

Efforts to go green are becoming more and more widespread, and one place that's evident is on supermarket and department store shelves. Nowadays, labels on foods and other household products often display seals and certifications vouching for their eco-friendliness, but what do those emblems mean and which ones can you trust?

Global Fairtrade sales increase by 40% benefiting 1.4 million farmers worldwide

Consumers worldwide spent 1,6 billion Euros on Fairtrade Certified Products in 2006, according to Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO). This is a 41% increase on the previous year, directly benefiting over 1,4 million producers and workers worldwide.

Organic meat and dairy linked to better quality breast milk

The breast milk of mothers consuming organic meat and dairy contains higher levels of beneficial fatty acids, and has an overall improved quality, suggests new research.

The new study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, reports that obtaining at least 90 per cent of dairy and meat products from organic sources increases levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).

Is organic better and can it feed us?

Due to consumer demand, organic agriculture is now growing faster than any other sector. It is finally starting to be taken seriously by researchers who are doing studies comparing yields and nutritional analysis of foods grown with modern synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and those grown organically.