January 2017 -

Like it or not we are well into a new year and a new federal government. Despite the many changes and sometimes uncertain paths, I believe the organic community is poised for growth should it decide to adopt an Organic Check-off program.

USDA recently published the first draft of a proposal in the Federal Register. Then just after his inauguration, Donald Trump ordered a freeze on all pending regulations not yet in affect. The new administration will take pause and review all new regulations during the next sixty days. Since this program is self funded by the industry and will cost the federal government nothing, I believe it will move forward. Continue reading “Make a Comment to Support the Organic Check-Off Program” →

Walking down a typical food aisle can be a daunting experience with a cacophony of seductive labels resounding from every shelf. These missives entice you to make purchases based on a feeling. Buying that product will make you feel healthier, sexier or perhaps insert a sense of pride that you are somehow protecting humankind and the environment. Food labels are powerful instruments that determine our purchasing habits unwittingly as we fill our baskets with hopes and emotions. With so many labels vying for our attention, it’s high time we peeled back the truth to see what’s really behind some of our most popular food labels. Continue reading “Peeling Back the Label: Organic, Natural, and Local” →