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OPN Connect Newsletter 4
The debate to create a federally mandated marketing order for the organic industry to fund promotion and research for organics continues. In previous OPN Connect stories, we offered background on the proposed legislation background on the proposal and provide information on its impact to the organic produce industry. The following is an overview of what some industry leaders are saying.
Sixty five percent of traditional retailer grocery shoppers said organic produce is the key gateway for them to begin exploring a store’s other organic and natural offerings – products that are beyond just the perimeter of the store, according to a study by Acosta Inc. The report, Back to our Roots: The Rise of the Natural/Organic Shopper indicates growing organic/natural purchases include dairy, soup, pastas, oatmeal and other cereal products.
Produce is the number one “must have” organic or natural item in the report.
Vic Smith speaks with Tonya Antle about his winding career in the organic industry, millennials, his view on the use of ponics and more.
The hot topic of discussion during the National Organic Standards Board meeting this April will be whether to strengthen guidance on organic seed use. While organic seeds have become more available, the amount of organic seeds used by growers has not increased, leading many to believe increase organic seed production is not moving quickly enough for the industry.
By Melody Meyer, vice president of policy and industry relations, United Natural Foods (UNFI)
The rise of Non-GMO foods has stormed the aisles of almost every supermarket, natural food store and big box outlet, running rip shod over almost every other label claim. I can even find the Non-GMO claim inside my local gas-mart amongst the nuts and chips. Forecasts indicate that the global Non-GMO foods market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 16.23% during the 2017-2021 period.
You likely recognize the Non-GMO Project's easy-to-spot label with its brilliant orange butterfly logo anointing packages throughout the store. That butterfly identifies the leading verifier of Non-GMO product. As this mighty butterfly alights on more and more products, do consumers really understand what the label means?
Will Sprouts join Albertsons? United Arab Emirates make organic produce affordable and available. Environmental Working Group 2018 Farm Bill Reforms, the Boston Red Sox "Green Monster" and more.
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