Organic Trade Association Archives -

You don’t have to climb these steps to get involved in Food Policy

I just returned from The Organic Produce Summit in Monterey, Calif., where 2100 of my favorite friends gathered to celebrate. Finally connected in person—after a year like no other—growers, buyers, friends, sometimes rivals—we celebrated the part we played in 2020.

As the world changed, organic food sales went wild. OTA reports that organic food sales soared to $62 billion, growing twice as fast as the year before. Yet organic food huddles still at around 4% of all food sales.

There’s clearly work to be done beyond growing, selling, and buying organic food—it’s policy and political work.

Continue reading →

Culinary Delights, Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

It’s Never Too Late to Start an Organic Food Business

August 29, 2021August 30, 2021 Melody Meyer

When I started working in the organic business, it was a small niche market. Thanks to living in Santa Cruz, California, an original organic hot spot, not many knew the farmers like I did.

Last year was unprecedented with far-reaching consequences for humans and our health, the environment, and the economy. Those concerns continue today—our lives remade by the global pandemic and unprecedented climate behavior.

Organic food sales and home delivery businesses are thriving as a result.

According to the Organic Trade Association’s Industry Survey, organic food sales surpassed $56 billion in 2020. It grew 12.8% percent—the highest rates recorded in organic in well over a decade.

The global online food delivery market is expected to grow from $115.07 billion in 2020 to $126.91 billion in 2021.

Since both organic food and delivery services are booming right now – it may just be a good time to activate your inner entrepreneur and start an organic food delivery service.

Continue reading →

Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

This Holy Darkness Is a Call for Food Policy Change

September 16, 2020September 16, 2020 Melody Meyer

Smoke and Haze fill the West Photo by Dave Hoefler on Unsplash

As I write, the entire west is burning up in historic conflagrations. According to Meteorologist Daniel Swain, “Around 3.5 million acres have burned so far in California in 2020. That’s around 3.5% of the entire land area of the state and is approaching *double* the previous record for the greatest acreage burned during a single year.”

The air is laced with smoke and ash; the orange sun some days does not come forth. The darkness shrouds me, and the air places a heavy weight on my chest.

The earth is sending us a message in this holy darkness—flames sown by our sturdy two-legged species; we have ingenious brains but hold no reverence for the future.

We act like animals in fights for survival as we subjugate her with overconsumption. Burning fossil fuels, destroying ancient forests for cheap hamburgers, farming with chemicals that add to global emissions.

I believe it need not be so and that we can begin to make a difference.

Continue reading →

Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Food is Political. In 2020 Organic Food is Worth Our Investment

July 20, 2020 Melody Meyer

louis-velazquez-XWW746i6WoM-unsplash — Photo by Louis Velazquez on Unsplash

In this election year, while the pandemic rages, the political landscape also seems to be afire. Nary a day or hour goes by when some headline screams for our attention, perhaps dividing us.

It’s important to remember that food unites us. Whether you are left or right, food is a universal thing we can all agree on. We must eat to live, and, to live well, we must eat well.

If you believe organic agriculture and organic food is good for you, people and the planet, it may be time to see food as a political act and get involved.

One way to get involved is by supporting a Political Action Campaign (PAC), which can make a bigger impact on the issues you care about, such as food. Continue reading “Food is Political. In 2020 Organic Food is Worth Our Investment” →

Culinary Delights, well-being, What is Organic

Grant Lundberg On Caring for Family, Customers and the Community During the Pandemic

July 13, 2020July 13, 2020 Melody Meyer

Since 1937, the Lundbergs have grown healthy, great-tasting rice while stewarding the soil, air, water, and wildlife as carefully as their crops. Lundberg Family Farms, led by the family’s third generation, uses sustainable farming practices and 100% renewable energy to craft wholesome rice, rice cakes, rice chips, risottos, quinoa, and more. All while protecting and improving the planet for future generations.

Before the pandemic, they experienced steady growth thanks to their efforts to optimize the retail distribution of their fastest-selling items.

After shelter-in-place orders were issued, consumers began purchasing staples for home-cooked meals. This resulted in unprecedented demand for their packaged rice, with year-over-year growth never seen before by the company.

Grant Lundberg has been the CEO of Lundberg Family Farms since 1998. He is the grandson of Albert and Frances Lundberg. They moved from Nebraska in 1937 after experiencing the ravaging effects of poor soil management during the dust bowl years.

I was able to speak with Grant about his experience, the importance of organic and what the future may hold. Continue reading “Grant Lundberg On Caring for Family, Customers and the Community During the Pandemic” →