Organic Food Industry Makes Progress in 2006

According to the OCA (Organic Consumers Association), significant progress was made in 2006 towards keeping organic labels meaningful -- and clear to the consumer.

Working on several fronts (dairy farming, genetically modified foods, and factory farms), the OCA says "All of Aurora's, and much of Horizon's, "organic" milk is coming from industrial dairy feedlots, where the cows routinely have been imported from conventional dairies and have little or no access to pasture. Since April, thousands of consumers and a growing number of co-ops and natural food stores have joined the boycott. Horizon is apparently feeling the heat."

I know that once I heard about Horizon's decision to include cows that clearly are not producing milk in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Organic Standards Board, I stopped buying any Horizon products -- including milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, the whole works. I felt that Horizon had deceived me, and I can no longer trust them.

This is a serious issue for anyone who thinks they can "bend the rules" and it won't affect the bottom line; it will!

Gone are the days when food producers can get away with shady practices in hopes that no one will notice. They may have the big bucks, but we have the Internet -- and news travels faster than the speed of light -- certainly faster than you can say "boycott."

Consumers detest being tricked. THAT is the real bottom line. Food producers planning to hoodwink today's consumer have a hard row to hoe (if you will pardon the pun. . . )

Now, we learn that WalMart, who gleefully jumped on the organic bandwagon this year by introducing organic food to their grocery aisle, has already been caught trying to palm off mislabeled food products as organic -- that aren't. Shame shame! Guess how much credibility they have now?

Most of us "real" organic food lovers have been suspicious of WalMart's move from the minute they announced it. You'd think they could at least wait until it became popular in their stores before trying something THAT stupid!

As for those Frankenfoods (genetically modified), the OCA says "Although the US government has approved the cultivation of GE wheat, sugar beets, flax, potatoes, fish, and rice, pressure from the OCA and allied consumer and farm groups around the world has convinced the biotech industry to hold off indefinitely on releasing these varieties commercially."

Keeping it out of the marketplace is a good thing. But here's the real problem. Once a genetically modified crop is planted, even in a research plot, Nature can distribute the DNA easily (think wind, insects, and birds, for starters) and contaminate nearby fields with GMO crops. Everyone knew that woule be a serious hazard. Monsanto, the primary manufacturer of GMO food crops, denies that such things are a problem. Meanwhile, GMO rice has turned up in paddies across Southeast Asia, and no one (???) seems to know how.

Right. Who do they think they're fooling?

So, while we consumers have been able to find out the truth about some of the nastier shenanigans going on, thanks to our friends at OCA (and other watchdog groups) and the convenience of the internet, where our REAL strength showed up loud and clear was in our purchasing power.

Money talks, and if it's not speaking to the folks who are trying to bully their way into the organic business, it's because we the people aren't speaking to them any more.

I hope they finally get the message!

Yours for extraordinary dining -- for everyone,

Nancy
Find out where to get great organic gourmet foods -- and gifts -- for everyone

Is Organic Food Accessible for Everyone? This topic is an argument floated by folks who have concerns about the ability of the poor to eat properly and as well as folks with money to spare. The question has some validity -- but personally I believe that everyone can -- and should -- eat well, organically and locally. It might just take more work and planning.

Tom Philpott's latest article in Grist really goes to the heart of the matter. It's an interesting read about an experiment he tried with a friend and a budget.

Now, as far as I can tell, there are still many hurdles to cross before local organic food is as accessible to everyone as it should be. And all of them are doable.

What it will mean for families on the edge, is another layer of survival, if fresh local foods are available, affordable, and easy to prepare. You need all three in order to make it really work.

And let's face it -- not all families have the luxury of time, even if they have other resources available. That's the kicker.

So one answer is going to be in how to teach people to prepare good, fast meals for themselves and their families. And part of the answer lies in cooking when there is time for it -- like on weekends -- in big batches that can be frozen for cooking later in the week.

If you would be cooking frozen dinners anyway, why not make them dinners you have prepared yourself in advance, without preservatives and added chemicals of questionable nutritional value or health benefits?

On my organic food web site, I will be working toward putting together ALL the pieces that help people at every level and means to eat well. Because I believe it's possible -- and the most sensible answer to our burgeoning problems with obesity, diabetes, and other preventable diseases.

It's not finished yet, but look for the sections on Organic Food on a Budget, and other pages on my site that help you put together all the elements you need, to feed yourself and everyone in your family great organic gourmet foods.

Yours for extraordinary dining -- for everyone,
Nancy
p.s. Find more great organic gourmet food -- and gift -- ideas here

Organic Food Delivered to Your Home!

If you don't feel like going out to a store or restaurant, but still want great organic foods, what's the next best thing?

Yes, you could thaw out a frozen (organic, of course) meal and cook it.

Or, you could order your organic food delivered to your door!

There is an abundance of sources for having your organic food delivered at home. On our web site, we will maintain a list of them, and add more to the blog as we discover new ones.

For starters (I was going to say, for a taste of what's in store. . . but that was too bad a pun!) -- here is one of my personal favorites, Dines Farms -- a local farmer whose stop is a must at our farmers market.

Last weekend was Dines Farms last appearance at the farmers market for the season -- but not to worry, because now you can order directly from them to have your organic meats delivered to your home.

In case you don't already know this, Dines makes award-winning frankfurters. I tried them for the first time this summer and honestly, I have never eaten a better hot dog anywhere. No wonder they won the "Top Hot Dog in NY State" award!!

But hot dogs are just one delicious item Dines Farms offers. There's much more!

They have:

-- Organic Chicken and chicken products (breasts, thighs, eggs)
-- Organic Pork and pork products (smoked bacon, pork loin chops, pork roast)
-- Organic Beef and beef products (steaks, ground beef, hot dogs)
-- All natural chicken sausage

Dines Farms is a family owned and operated farm. Their meats are all-natural, pasture-raised, no antibiotics, no hormones and no chemicals of any kind. All animals are raised on pastures that have not had pesticides on them in over 20 years.

And folks, when you eat meat that has been raised this way, you can TELL the difference, not only in taste, but in how you feel afterwards. There is absolutely no comparison to meat raised the "modern" way.

I've tried just about everything Dines Farms offers except the duck. All of it has been exceptional in every way.

Treat yourself to some extraordinary organic meals this winter, delivered to your door. Try Dines Farms and see what you've been missing! But save some for me -- I haven't ordered my Christmas turkeys yet!

Yours for extraordinary dining,

Nancy
Learn how to get more organic foods delivered to your door

Organic Farmer Goes to Congress!

Jon Tester, an organic farmer from Montana, will be joining the ranks of U.S. Senators in January, thanks in part to the national Democratic sweep reflecting a hunger (oh, pardon the pun there. . . ) for change in the way things are done in our country.

Tester says, in his thank-you message to supporters, "The message sent by Montanans in this election is clear: it is time to get to work. Time to make government work again for ordinary Montanans. Time to fix health care. Time to achieve energy independence. Time to find a plan to end the crisis in Iraq and bring our troops home. Time to restore the Montana values of honesty and integrity to the United States Senate. And time to end destructive party politics and work together for real solutions and real change in Montana and this great nation."

So we can see why he wants to be there.

It will certainly be interesting -- and refreshing -- to have someone "on the inside" who knows the real scoop (especially about food production and sustainability -- he's been farming organically for 20 years now), helping to shape our country's food policies.

This is a hopeful (and momentous) sign, for those of us who care about sustainability and great organic food -- and for everyone. This is the first time an organic farmer will walk the halls of power in our land. Hallelujah -- and thank you, Montana, for giving us one of your best :-)

Go get 'em, Jon -- you have an "army" of devoted foodies and organic food enthusiasts out here eagerly waiting to see how you will move forward with some progressive changes at last.

Congratulations!

Yours for extraordinary dining -- for everyone,

Nancy
Send your loved ones an organic gourmet gift basket this holiday season!

Organic turkeys and corporate turkeys. . .

Soon it will be "turkey day" in the USA. Folks will gather with family and friends, to reflect upon what in life is good, and to offer thanks for all those gifts, usually around a table (or two) groaning with food.

Maybe we could all step back from the table, though, to remember those who do not have enough to eat -- and to find ways to help. There really is enough for everyone -- if we would all just share a bit.

If you're cooking this holiday season, and wondering where to find great organic turkeys and organic poultry, we've got some sources for you here.

And, after you have ordered your poultry, you might want to reconsider shopping at WalMart from now on. As soon as they announced that they were getting into the organic food business, I knew there would be trouble -- and here it is already. Seems they are mislabeling some foods as "organic" that aren't.

Figures. I always knew WalMart wasn't really green -- they just want OUR green stuff!

Oh well -- if you REALLY want great organic gourmet foods, stick to the people who are doing it right. Visit our site for more information (and great resources -- I just found 10 more this week, and haven't even had a chance to upload them yet.)

Happy Organic Thanksgiving!

Yours for extraordinary dining -- for everyone,

Nancy
Find Everything Organic Here

Is Organic Food Only For The Rich?

According to an article published in today's Grist by author and sustainable farmer Tom Philpott, yes, maybe, but it doesn't have to be that way.

I totally agree. My premise is that fresh healthy food is available -- and affordable -- for everyone, and I would like to help everyone learn how to access it, grow, cook, and eat great organic gourmet food.

Philpott says that there is a dark history behind the way our food is grown, and who has real access to the best of our food supply. His article is thought-provoking at the very least.

It's true that people at the low end of the income scale will tend to reach for cheap, available foods (which in the USA is often fast foods and drinks, loaded with trans fats, carbs, and sugar.)

But many farmers markets accept food stamps, and with a little planning and change of habits, even someone on a very low pay scale can still feed their family with healthy meals.

For one thing, a large bag of lentils will make a fabulous soup or stew that serves a large family for more than a week, and costs less than one big hamburger from a fast food joint. Add some fresh vegetables, and maybe a bone or two for extra protein and flavor, and now you're really cooking.

Of course, comparing a pot of lentil soup (that admittedly must be cooked and simmered a while) to something you can grab on the run, is not always the solution for the hard working poor. But it IS possible. And desirable.

Wonderful and simple meals can be easily produced with a minimum of effort. But the key is education.

Who will reach and teach the working poor, to seek better eating habits? Who will show them where to find the bargains they need to find, in order to make it work?

I don't have the whole answer but I'm making a start with my web site, Find Great Organic Gourmet Foods.

I advocate eating better for everyone, regardless of means. And hopefully, I will be able to provide the links and resources you need to start turning away from fast food "solutions" to get on track for healthy eating again.

Here's to a safe and delicious food supply -- for everyone!

Nancy
Here's where to learn more

What caused the e-coli outbreaks?

As soon as people started getting sick from eating "organic" spinach, big agribusiness was eagerly pointing the finger at organic growers, claiming it was the manure (that is used as fertilizer in organic and biodynamic farming) to blame.

The only problem with that is, it is not true.

In an article written October 12th by Abrahan Paulos, titled You Can Thank Big Agriculture for E-coli, it seems organically grown foods are the answer, not the problem.

"Can E. coli-free spinach be grown locally, safely, and healthy much of the year? Yes indeed, it is now being done by small and medium-sized producers in the Midwest and throughout much of the Northeast. So, what's stopping the growth? Easy. Artificial economies, subsidies, and compromises in quality in a greedy and harmful effort to produce cheaper and cheaper food" says Paulos.

I agree. Local, organic produce is the answer.

The manure that is used in biodynamic farming has been dried and processed, to clean and eliminate active bacteria cultures, while retaining the necessary nutrients (such as nitrogen and calcium) that the soil -- and plants -- need to be healthy.

The danger comes not from what is in the soil, but in how it is processed and handled after it's been picked and while it's being packaged and transported.

Soil conditions -- and chemicals -- used in agribusiness have proven to be toxic to both humans, animals and insects that are needed to help pollinate and protect the crops.

Whether or not it is a lack of understanding about biodynamic farming, or whether a deliberate attempt to discredit the organic industry, it serves no good purpose to point fingers and place blame when one is not also seeking to correct one's own conditions and causes.

Greed makes for sad outcomes -- and propaganda makes for poor policy.

Now, a lot of fresh produce can be grown in the winter months in organic, biodynamic greenhouses -- so you don't need to depend 100% on farms from warmer climates when you are looking for sources for safe greens and other vegetables.

Better yet, you could grow your own! It's not as hard as you think. When you know what has happened to youe food from seed to plate, you can relax about how safe it is -- and simply enjoy it.

And you know what? If we all stopped buying agri-food, and started to support local farmers in a big way, things would change in a hurry.

Go for the green (and healthy) stuff this winter -- look for locally grown organic produce.

Or take the leap and learn how to construct a cold frame. Try your hand at growing some green produce (think spinach, lettuce, kale, bok choy, and the like) yourself.

Enjoy your week!

Yours for extraordinary dining -- for everyone,

Nancy

Find out where to get fresh local organic produce