April 2016 -

Organic food and fiber in the US are growing despite themselves. Even last week Miles McEvoy, Deputy Administrator of the National Organic Program, touted the double-digit growth of certified operations in the US are now 21,000 with 31,000 around the world. While this $40+ billion industry is indeed exploding on the shelves in US supermarkets, only 1% of agriculture, in the US is dedicated to growing organic. This ravenous appetite for organic food and fiber is percolating into a frothy peak, yet we just aren’t producing what we need to feed the growing hunger. The fact that Costco is buying land and equipment, partnering with organic growers to meet demand is commendable — but it’s not going to quench the bigger dilemma.

A spark is needed in agriculture and the Organic Check-off may be the ingredient that serves up the juiciest future. Continue reading “Cooking up an Organic Future – Is a Check-Off the Right Recipe?” →

Culinary Delights, Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

Organic Produce – A Path to Health and Prosperity

April 20, 2016 Melody Meyer

It may sound corny, but it’s time to celebrate good old-fashioned fruits and veggies of the organic bent. We have been told since we were toddling to “eat your fruits and veggies dear.” We know that eating our fill will give us the finest of fiber and the vitality of vitamins and minerals. Loading up on fresh fare will keep us off the path to heart disease and obesity. If you’re like me, it’s comforting to know you can eat as much as you want and not feel the guilt or the bulge. There is, however, one important side note to this verdant theme. Organic fresh produce is your best path to health and even prosperity! Continue reading “Organic Produce – A Path to Health and Prosperity” →

Culinary Delights, Environment, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

What I learned on Spring Break – Food Matters

April 13, 2016 Melody Meyer

It was a cold and blustery windy day. The first day of spring had sprung, and Easter had hitherto blossomed. On this windswept afternoon, I did something I seldom do, I committed to sitting down for two hours to watch a moving picture: a movie as my grandparents deemed it, otherwise known as a film. This movie by Michael Moore is his newest and shines a bright spotlight on what life is like in countries that don’t spend an inordinate amount of money on their military. Instead, the wealth of these nations is dedicated to social services, human decency, and happiness, the fair distribution of wealth and of course good food. Continue reading “What I learned on Spring Break – Food Matters” →

What is Organic

What are GMO’s and Why Label?

April 6, 2016 Melody Meyer

I recently had someone ask me to explain what GMO’s really are. What is the entire hullabaloo really about? Why clamor for labeling when we have been engineering genes for thousands of years?

The question made me realize that I can’t assume I have an audience always well versed in such details. Thus it is always good to clarify and cover the basics. So if you already know this stuff, dear reader, STOP READING NOW! Instead, forward it to someone who may not know, share it on Facebook with friends, and give it a tweet. .

You’ll be doing what I intend to do, educate, motivate and activate another person, family and friend. Continue reading “What are GMO’s and Why Label?” →