Casual Vs. Committed Organic Food Shoppers

New Survey Projects 14% growth

in Total U.S. Organic Food Market

 

 

Stephen Daniells, reporting for the online Food Navigator U.S.A. (January 3, 2014), using various sources, profiles a vibrant organic food market in the U.S.

 

Statistical Organic Food Profile

 

• Solid growth projected through 2018, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14%
• Western U.S. is driving much of organic food market revenues
• The push for GMO labeling will propel  the organic market
• 81% of U.S. families purchase organic food, at least occasionally
• Between 2002 and 2011, domestic organic food production has increased 240% compared to 3% in non-organic production
• The U.S. organic food and beverage market in 2011 was at $29.2 billion with a projected growth rate at 9.4%, compared to the conventional food and beverage market growth projected in the low single digits
•  

Organic "Power Shoppers"

 

• "True believers" in organic food and "environmentalists"--the two leading purchasing segments--make up 46% of all natural/organic product sales
• These two "power shopper" groups together comprise 18% of consumers

 

Cheers!

 

All Indicators are Up!



 

 

*   *   *

 

 

 

President Obama Reminded of 2007 Campaign Pledge to Label GMO Foods

Four U.S. Lawmakers Support Over 200 Food Companies and Others With Letter Delivered to Obama

 

 

On January 16, 2014, with the support of four U.S. lawmakers, more than 200 food companies, organic farming groups, health and environmental organizations and other groups, in a letter addressed to U.S. President Obama, urged labeling of food products containing genetically engineered ingredients. 

 

A Campaign Promise Reminder

 

The letter reminded Obama that as he campaigned in Iowa in 2007, he had promised to work toward labeling GMO foods.

 

 

Major Organizational Advocates

 

 

Organizations signing the letter included:

 

• Ben & Jerry's--the ice cream maker
• Nature's Path--the cereal maker
• Stonyfield Farms--maker of yogurt
• Consumer Federation of America
• Other environmental and health organizations

 

Lawmaker Supporters

 

Four Democratic U.S. lawmakers held a press conference to endorse the call to Obama for mandatory labeling:

 

• U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio, Oregon
• U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro, Connecticut
• U.S. Representative Ann McLane Kuster, New Hampshire
• U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree, Maine

 

Hear the Call, President Obama!

 

Choose Either

 

GMO Money

 

or

 

Our Nation's Health!

 

*   *   *





Enhanced Organic Food

The Biodynamic Cultivation Method

Tops All Other Organic Methods!

 

Few folks realize that some organic food is far superior to others.  Moreover, too few have even heard of the biodynamic method of farming and gardening.

 

The First Truly Organic Method

 

Biodynamics is a spiritual-ethical-ecological approach to agriculture, to food production, and to nutrition.  It originated in the 1920s based on the spiritual insights and practical suggestions of the Austrian writer, educator, and social activist Rudolf Steiner, whose world outlook is known as "anthroposophy."

 

Today, the biodynamic movement encompasses thousands of successful gardens, farms, vineyards, and agricultural operations of many kinds and sizes on all continents and in a wide variety of ecological and economic settings.

 

A New Testing Technique You can Use When You Shop for Organic Food

or Anything Else!

 

David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D (1927-2012)  pioneered the use of kinesiological testing (muscle testing) to determine the relative healthfulness (or truthfulness) of any visible or invisible (mental, spiritual) item or object.

 

In his book Power Vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior (Revised Edition 2012), Hawkins shows the extraordinary potential to discern scientifically  through kinesiology the health value of virtually anything.   He demonstrates that using applied kinesiology--the technique widely used by alternative healthcare providers, such as chiropractors--a user can calibrate or measure the relative healthfulness (or truthfulness) of any visible or invisible (mental, spiritual) item, subject, or object.

 

One of Hawkin's major contributions is his Map of Consciousness which consists of a
logarithmic scale (from 1 to 1,000) against which anything tested can be calibrated (measured).

 

The Dividing Point

 

On his logarithmic scale, he discovered that everything tested (He made thousands of tests) that registered 200 or better was healthful (true).  Everything calibrating below 200 was unhealthful, debilitating (false) and to be avoided.

 

My Revealing Organic Food Tests

 

 

I learned kinesiology before I had even heard of Hawkins and his work.  I use so-called O-Ring Kinesiology, which a person can do by himself.  The more formal kinesiology used by Hawkins for his scientific purposes and the kind so widely used by alternative healthcare providers requires two people, a tester and a subject.

 

 

Here are my testing results:

 

So-called "natural food"  calibrates at 200.  In other words, it's healthful! 

 

Organic Food calibrates at 205.  It is far more healthful.

 

Food produced by the biodynamic method calibrates at 215.  Because Hawkins' scale is logarithmic, biodynamic food is by far the most healthful food available on our planet!

 

But Most Alarming of All!

 

Most alarming of all is the calibration for food tainted in any way by by genetically modified organisms (GMOs).  Foods containing even traces of GMOs calibrate at -15 (minus 15).  In other words, ingesting foods containing GMOs is like taking poison!  Deadly, deadly, deadly!

 

 

Broadcast the health-giving value of biodynamic food!

 

Avoid at all cost, any food containing GMOs!

 

Wake Up World! 

 

Wake Up!

 

Wake Up!

 

*   *   *



 



Chemicals Destroy the Very Basis of Agriculture

They Kill Earthworms that Produce the Best Soil!

 

 

Narendre Singh of Organic India says:

 

 

Western, modern farming has spoiled agriculture in the country.  An over use of chemicals has made land acidic and hard, which means it needs even more water to produce, which is costly. 

 

So Says the Country With More Organic Food Producers Than Any Other!

 

India estimates that it has more organic producers than any other country.  Formerly, most organic products were exported. Now, they find favor with growing numbers of consumers.  According to a survey of 1,000 consumers in ten cities, 30% of Indian consumers prefer organic products and are prepared to pay  10 to 20% more for them.

 

But more earthworms are needed:

 

India Honors Earthworms

 

Shouldn't We All?

 

Long Live Earthworms!

 

 

*   *   *

What is the Role of Biodynamics in the Overall Organic Food Movement?

The Executive Director of the Biodynamic Farming

and Gardening Association Explains

 

 

Robert Karp, Executive Director of the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association in the U.S., speaking to an animated and receptive audience in Carlsbad, California, on December 2, 2013, offered these salient observations:

 

Medicine for the Earth

 

Whereas Karp enthusiastically acknowledged and welcomed the current, widespread interest in

 

• organic food
• eating from local resources rather than food trucked in from who knows where
• the dynamic growth of CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture support and distribution services)

he pointed out that the earth is sick and needs healing.

 

Going beyond the valuable contribution of the organic farming movement, biodynamics--which is a vital part of it--offers medicine for the ailing earth, in a way that no other part of the movement does.  He then touched briefly on the various biodynamic "preparations," designed to enhance both the soil and also crops once they appear above the earth.

 

The Farm as a Self-Sustainable Organism

 

Another essential contribution of biodynamics is the concept of the farm as a unique organism unto itself.  Although a weak farm may initially need to import manure for its fields and food for livestock from elsewhere, ultimately to become healthy, the farm needs to produce its own field manure and raise enough of its own food to feed its livestock.

 

Furthermore, because each farm and garden is situated in its very own landscape, with its own local weather and climate, each farmer or gardener needs to tune into the overall "personality" of the region where it is located (Something impossible for factory farms!).  As the farmer or gardener through observation of his land, his livestock, his farm or garden organism, becomes more aware of the land's own personality, he learns to work consciously to develop it--the way it intrinsically wishes to grow and thrive.

 

The Surrounding Community

 

 

Robert Karp sees all farms--not just biodynamic farms--as the basis of a revolutionary transformation of civilization.  During Medieval times, the city was the source, the center, that drew people to experience community.

 

 

Now, people try to escape the deadening, albeit exhilarating forces of our cities.  They seek community in a healthier locale and on a healthier scale.  Karp sees farms as a source of renewal, a "potential source of social, community renewal."   Farms now have educational programs and have become places to hold festivals.  The farm is now playing a therapeutic role in civilization.  It is an ark for social renewal. 

 

The Farm as Our Heart

 

The movement toward the farm is a movement of consciousness.  "I am not whole as a human being if I'm not connected consciously to nature, the foundation of all life"

 

 

And the origin of life is the human heart!

 

 

*   *   *







It May be Tiny--But It Intends to be Organic

Tiny Sikkim Plans to be a Fully Organic State by 2015!

 

 

 

Sikkim, with only 610,577 inhabitants, is a landlocked Indian state located in the Himalayan mountains.  It borders Nepal to the west, China's Tibet Autonomous Region on the north and east,  to the east, Bhutan, and to the south the Indian State West Bengal.

 

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling Confirms His State's Goals

 

 

At a ceremony inaugurating a College of Agricultural Engineering and Post Harvest Technology in Ranipool, Sikkim, on November 30, 2013, Chief Minister Pawn Chamling declared:

 

 

The State Government is moving ahead to make Sikkim fully Organic by 2015.

 

 

The State has adopted organic mode in production and processing agriculture.  There has been increasing demand for organic products in the domestic and international markets.  Consumers are generally willing to pay premium prices for organic products for health and improved livelihood. . . .

 

Process of organic certification of our land is going on together with extensive training for our farmers and officials.  We are also building an awareness program across the State among all the stakeholders to increasingly use organic manure only in our farm land.

 

 

Pay Heed Great Countries!

 

 

You Don't Need to be Big

 

 

To be Enlightened

 

 

About Organic Food!

 

*   *   *

Engage Young People in the U.S. to Get GMO-corrupted Food Labeled!

Max Goldberg Has it Right!

Max Goldberg of LivingMaxWell, Your Guide to Organic Food & Drink (LivingMaxWell) has it right.  He says:

 

If we want GMO-labeling to happen in the U.S.  young people must be engaged

AND empowered.

 

Real Food Challenge

 

Goldberg cites Real Food Challenge (Real Food Challenge) to show what youth can do.  The organization states:

 

The Real Food Challenge  leverages the power of youth and universities

 to create a healthy, fair, and green food system.

 

The organization aims:

 

To shift $1 billion of existing university food budgets away from industrial farms and junk food and towards local/community-based, fair, ecologically sound and humane food sources--what we call "real food"--by 2020.

 

A New Partnership Needed

 

 

Goldberg calls on the leading organic food companies and non-profits to partner with Real Food Challenge and say:

 

Let us tell you what is really going on with GMO-labeling in this country and why young people MUST be an important part of this process.  We don't know how to effectively reach your demographic and we don't understand social media like you do, but we do have financial resources that you don't have. 

 

 

We are going to give you some of our money, so that you can help our country have a future of food that looks promising.  After all, you have the most stake here since you are the future.

 

Tell us what we should be doing

and please lead the way.

 

 

 

And to his organic food industry friends, Goldberg concludes:

 

 

All they need now is for our industry

 

to offer them

 

a seat at the table.

 

 

*   *   *

 

 

Organic Food--Locally or Globally Grown?

The Pros and Cons of Where Organically Food is Grown

 

 

Of course it matters where organic food originates!  However, what matters most is, "Is the consumer getting what he needs?"  You and I need nutritious food.  If our food has traveled long distances, by the time we purchase it, prepare it, and dine on it--even if organically grown--it's weary, maybe a bit limp, and has lost not only nutrition but taste.  Moreover, transportation, whether 10 miles, 1,000 miles or still more, has contributed to the "carbon footprint,"  making overall life on planet Earth less sustainable.

 

But Do You, or Your Neighbors, Grow Your Own

Organic Coffee, Coconut, or Bananas?

 

Is there a farmer alive who can dine exclusively on what he raises organically?   Certainly, if he chooses to forego foods that most farmers, and virtually all consumers, seek at least now and then.

 

In other words, the organic food movement needs balance between locally-grown and globally-produced products.

 

The Economics of It All

 

What we're willing to pay pretty much trumps source of origin.  We're willing to pay for organic coffee, organic coconut, and organic bananas, because Farmer Jones down the lane can't grow them, nor can any distributor obtain these products locally grown.  These organic items must be imported. 

 

On the other hand, we hopefully may have a choice as to whether to buy organic string beans at a local farmers market or from a store that derives them from who knows where?  We may pay more for locally produced items (though quite often even less) or we may "save" by shopping at the big box store that purchases in bulk from far away.



As Regards Organic Food, "Caveat Emptor"

 

When you or I shop for organic food, the ancient saying caveat emptor or "Let the buyer beware!" applies as with any purchase.  The more informed we are, the better it is, not only  for us individually, but for our families.  We not only need to be sophisticated about what purports to be "organic," but we need to weigh the pros and cons of place of origin (where the tomatoes come from) and how much a decision to buy will cost us.

 

Farmers and Distributors Face Similar Decisions

 

Every farmer, every wholesaler, and every storekeeper faces comparable decisions--but risk their businesses financially!  A consumer can buy or not.  At most he risks not having the organic food he wished to purchase.

 

Distributors and farmers need a keen sense of the market.  If I  raise this product or if I stock this item, will someone want to buy it at a price at which I can make money--not lose money?  Or will the businesses to whom I want to sell choose to import the item instead of buying from me? 

 

Moreover, both farmers and distributors face the risk of spoilage, far less of a problem for you or me, unless we, as consumers, buy more than we can eat or safely store.

 

Local or global, all members of the organic food movement face decisions,

 

big and little!

 

 

 

 

Chemical vs. Organic Fertilizers

What Does the Texas Fertilizer Plant Explosion

Tell Us About Organic Food?

 

"Our society is sick!"  That's what it tells us!  Since the 19th Century, mankind has focused increasingly on all that can be measured, weighed, tasted, touched, and heard.  Correspondingly, mankind has increasingly ignored the invisible world, believing instead that what is invisible must be unmeasurable and can't be calculated, some how doesn't exist, has a lesser value--if any existence or value at all!  Note, however, that in recent years, sub-atomic physics has discovered its limits in attempting to measure the invisible.

 

What is Real?--Really?

 

In other words,  although all of us originate from an invisible source, and we obviously have invisible life in us during our earthly sojourn, and at death disappear into an invisible realm--to many in our contemporary society, life itself doesn't really matter (pun intended)!  Because it can't be counted!

 

We Can't Picture Life-Enhancing Cultivation Methods

--So Let's Build Life-destroying Chemical Fertilizer Plants!

 

The explosion at the West Chemical and Fertilizer Company (West, Texas) on April 17, 2013, was locally devestating, but is symptomatic of our society's overall ills.  The U.S. Geological Survey registered it as a 2.1 magnitude earthquake.  It killed 15 people and injured up to 180.

 

How Many People are Sickened, Maimed, and Killed by Chemicals in Our Food?

 

The plant, although it did not manufacture any products, stored and sold agricultural chemicals and fertilizers  to farmers.  Here's what the New York Times says:

 

The Company stored substantial amounts of chemicals used as fertilizers that can become explosive under proper conditions: anhydrous ammonia and ammonium nitrate.

 

Anhydrous ammonium is stored as a liquid in pressurized tanks and farmers inject it into the soil, where it vaporizes into a colorless, corrosive gas.  Ammonium nitrate is usually sold in granular form, and was used in the Oklahoma City bombing [that killed 168 people April 19, 1995].
 

No Comparison!

 

Tragic as the West, Texas, bombing is, think of the untold multitudes worldwide who ingest measurable quantities of poisons as they eat and imbibe foods grown by framers who cultivate inorganically, foods sold by distributors who either don't care about organic foods or can't obtain them.

 

We--humanity--are to blame.  We've brought these worldwide tragedies on ourselves.

And only we can change our thinking and the thinking of our fellow human beings!  

 

 



 

 

 

 

A Guardian All Organic Food Lovers Should Champion!

Eco-Friendly Beyond Pesticides Guards Our Health!

 

 

Too few among us in the organic food movement--consumers, middlemen, or farmers--know the non-profit organization, Beyond Pesticides, based on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C.  This organization, led by scientists, conservationists, and activists, lobbies to provide the public with useful information on pesticides and alternatives to their use.  Through its website and publications, it offers ways for us to protect ourselves and the environment from the hazards posed by pesticides.

 

Choose Your Poisons--Or Avoid Them Altogether!

 

Beyond Pesticides, on its website offers a program--and a tool--called Eating with a Conscience, to protect health and the environment.  The site declares:

 

The Organic Choice is Clear

 

It is important to eat organic food nurtured in a system of food production, handling, and certification that rejects hazardous synthetic chemicals.

 

USDA organic certification is the only system of food labeling that is subject to independent public review and oversight, assuring consumers that toxic, synthetic pesticides used in conventional agriculture are replaced by management practices focused on soil biology, biodiversity, and plant health.

 

This eliminates commonly used toxic chemicals in the production of food that is not labeled organic--pesticides that contaminate our water and air, hurt biodiversity, harm farm workers, and kill bees, birds, fish, and other wildlife.

 

Dial Your Poison!

 

Beyond Pesticides' website lets you choose from among four dozen fruits and vegetables to learn the names of numerous pesticides that can be used to grow your favorites.  To avoid the possibility of ingesting these highly questionable aids used by conventional farmers, the only answer, according to Beyond Pesticides is to eat organic!

 

A "Daily News Blog" Covers the Entire Human

and Environmental Health Spectrum

 

Examples from "Daily News Blog"



April 16: The spring meeting of the National Organic Standards Board just recently ended, and Beyond Pesticides is happy to report that the Board voted to stand by a 2014 expiration date for the use of tetracycline in organic apple and pear production. . .

 

April 15: Supermarket Chain [in the UK] to stop Suppliers from Using Bee-Harming Pesticides . . .

 

April 12: Study Shows Tumors in Children Caused by Parental Pesticides Exposure . . .  

 

See http://www.beyondpesticides.org



 

 

 

 

 



 

Labeling Food Organic--What's the Problem?

Identify What's Good and What's Bad!

 

In some areas of our life, we've reached a consensus that certain things are bad, dangerous, and to be avoided.  Society throughout the world recognizes that drivers approaching railroad tracks should be warned!  In many countries, if not most, signs warn vehicular drivers on roads of speed limits and other possible dangers, for example, "Deer Crossing"!

 

In the U.S., advertisements for prescription drugs bombard TV viewers with lengthy warnings of possible side effects to be aware of.  "If you take this drug and have one of these abnormal reactions, consult your physician immediately!"

 

Yet, despite findings of scientists worldwide of possible dangers from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), despite the fact that the European Union requires labeling of food containing GMOs, in the U.S. the attitude of lawmakers is "Let the chemical and pharmaceutical interests make their money, to Hell with the health of our people!  Besides we want to get reelected and we need those corporate contributions!"

 

Money Trumps Health!

 

No railway organizations (privately or publicly owned) could ever conceive of demolishing railroad crossing signs, because they're so patently needed.  Likewise, no auto or truck manufacturers would be so foolish as to obstruct governments from putting up roadway warnings.

 

However, because obscene sums of money are to be made adding chemicals to foodstuffs, and societies' legislators continue to permit corporate money to influence lawmakers--and it's in the nature of the beast to want always to get reelected!--money to those in power inevitably trumps good sense and the health of all.

 

Furthermore, laws such as those in the U.S. that grant personhood to corporations, giving them equal rights with individuals, allow multinational chemical and pharmaceutical corporations to trample on individual human beings throughout the world.  Again, to Hell with health!  Money, money, money, is all we care about!  



A Worldwide Organic Food Standard

Demeter International--Certifying Organic Food Since 1928

 

 

The Demeter certification program, established in Germany in 1928, is the earliest label for organically produced foods.

 

The name Demeter refers to the Greek goddess of grain and fertility.  Demeter Biodynamic Certification, now used in over 50 countries, verifies that biodynamic products meet Demeter's stringent production and processing standards.

 

 

The Highest of All Organic Food Standards

 

These standards require biodiversity and preservation and enhancement of the ecosystem.  Biodynamic farmers view farms as living, holistic organisms.  Consequently, they pay utmost attention to soil husbandry, livestock integration, and prohibit genetically engineered organisms.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demeter_International and http://www.demeter-usa.org.

 

Biodynamics and Demeter

 

"Biodynamics is a spiritual-ethical-ecological approach to agriculture, food production and nutrition," according to the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association.  Demeter certification is the certification method validating this approach.  Demeter and biodynamics go hand to hand.

 

The Association encapsulates its history and then provides an example of its global reach:

 

"Biodynamics was first developed in the early 1920s based on the spiritual insights and practical suggestions of the Austrian, writer, educator and social activist Dr. Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), whose philosophy is called "anthroposophy."  Today, the biodynamic movement encompasses thousands of successful gardens, farms, vineyards, and and agricultural operations, in a wide variety of ecological and economic settings."

 

Biodynamics and Demeter have Even Reached China!

 

Weihe Hu reported (January 31, 2013) about a ten-day seminar on biodynamic and organic agriculture held September 19-28, 2012, on a biodynamic farm in Beijing (Phoenix Hill Commune).  The farm is the first, and so far the only, Demeter-certified farm in China.  "The seminar, which was organized by the Demeter China Association and Phoenix Hill Commune, consisted of three parts: a biodynamic training course lasting six days, a two-day forum on the management of organic farms and green marketing, and a two-day tour of organic farms in the Beijing region."  See https://www.biodynamics.com