What Do Organic Food Retailers Want?

More Organic Food Products Might Help!

 

 

I'm only a consumer of organic foods, with no retail experience.  However, because I've been thinking long and hard about the overall organic food movement, I try to imagine what it's like to raise and sell organic foods.

 

I try to put myself in the position of the organic farmer, wholesaler, processor, and shopkeeper.  I also try to imagine what it's like to run a restaurant or other prepared meal service that might want to offer an organic menu.

 

 

More Resources

 

The farmer has special problems that we might talk about at length another time.  Overall, within the organic food supply chain, if I put my ear to the "ground," I hear shouted loudly, More! More! More! 

 

More variety, especially.  More dependable sources.  More certainty about what is truly organic.  Also, more locally grown items!

 

What About What's Not Locally Grown?

 

A host of organic products can't everywhere be locally grown.  Just a few examples--peanuts, for peanut butter; pears; avocados; coffee; teas; bananas; rice--and on and on the list goes.

 

It Takes the World to Supply Our Organic Food Needs!

 

Let's face it.  We should, wherever possible, foster locally grown produce, and the processing of this produce--for example, into jams, jellies, and baked goods.

 

 

Nevertheless, no matter how we look at it, we're interdependent.  No one, no community, no region, no national state can wholly supply all its own needs.  We need each other!

 

 

The Retailer Needs Us All!

 

If we raise our consciousness, just a bit, we'll realize that our local organic food store, not only needs us as a customer and also needs more customers, the store needs for us to work together in every way possible to foster the organic food movement.

 

The polluted air, the polluted soil, the polluted water that stain our food supply--all belong to us.  We've let it happen.  Only we can fix it!

 

 



Why Promote an Organic Food Network?

Who Benefits from an Organic Food Network?

 

 

Individual consumers of organic food and those who provide organic products in the organic food marketplace are widely scattered.  Many feel that their struggle to find truly organic food in sufficient quantities and varieties, or to sell it profitably, is a lonely effort.

 

Yet their counterparts, their fellow organic food seekers or providers are everywhere!   You and I can sense a gigantic worldwide awakening--an aversion to the seemingly inexhaustible pollution of food by thoughtless and/or greedy large and small distributors.

 

Lack of Connectivity

 

Even with our current seemingly endless Internet connectivity, concerned individuals and organizations, supporters of the nascent organic food movement, mostly flail weakly against the steel flanks of what they perceive are heartless corporations or obdurate government entities at all levels, all thwarting progress.

 

True Connectivity is Missing!

 

Each major role player in the organic food movement inevitably has his own very understandable and justified viewpoint.  Who are these role players?

 

• The Consumer (at his home, at his local shop)
• The Farmer
• The Retailer
• The Wholesaler
• The Processor
• The Restauranteur
• The Fresh Meal Provider for Companies, Hospitals, Schools, Retirement Homes

My company--I Control Communications--aims to connect these seven role players, to enhance their communications.  We would enable any in one role to communicate with one or more in another role.  In addition, anyone in any of the roles will be able to communicate with fellow members within his own role.

To make this clearer, let's simplify the seven role players to three: Producer, Distributor (or middleman), and Consumer.  Now, let's take CHERRIES as an example.

If we link all three, Producer, Distributor, and Consumer, by their registered interest in CHERRIES, here are their possible paths of communication, on the subject of organic CHERRIES:

Communication about CHERRIES

 

Producers --->    Consumers

Producers --->   Distributors

Producers   --->   Producers

 

Distributors   --->   Consumers

Distributors   --->   Distributors

Distributors   --->   Producers

 

Consumers   --->   Consumers

Consumers   --->   Distributors

Consumers   --->   Producers

 

New Communication Channels

Boost the Power of

The Organic Food Movement!

 

With the new power of the Organic Food Network, developed by I Control Communications (www.icontrolcommunications.com), all participants will benefit! 



 

And organic CHERRIES will triumph!



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!

 

 

 

 

Where Is the Organic Food Movement at This Time?

How I Aim to Help the Organic Food Movement

 

 

If I look around the world, I see scattered efforts to enhance the cultivation, distribution, and consumption of organic food.



 

Cultivation--In some countries, national organizations of organic farmers exist.  In some of these, even within the nation, local groups have organized.  Some farm groups are especially focused on actual organic cultivation.  Some also work on getting their organically raised crops and animals to market.  Some help develop CSAs (Community Supported Agricultural efforts) and help foster and participant in "Farmers Markets."

 

Distribution--In the area of distribution, little organization focusing on organic food can be found.  Are there any associations of organic food retailers?  Organic food wholesalers?  Organic food processors?

 

A sub-section of the Distribution segment is Organic Food Meal Service.  This includes Restaurants,  Company, School, and Hospital Cafeterias,  and Retirement Home Meal Service.

Where are there associations of restaurants and organizations in what is often called the Hospitality Industry that have formed, to demand and foster organic food needs? 

 

Consumption--Although--organizationally speaking--consumers are largely asleep, nevertheless, individuals as well as a variety of health organizations are beginning to voice concerns and are  starting to advocate for greater transparency in how foods are raised, processed, transported, and marketed to consumers. 

 

Nevertheless, where do we see powerful enough consumer organic food organizations, strong enough to counter  the hefty weight of factory farm Goliaths, food processing industry behemoths, either locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally?

 

What I Aim to Achieve

 

I see the need for greater conscious and co-operative interaction among all players in the organic food movement--consumers, middlemen, and producers.  To this end, I'm in the process of creating a web-based communications system that would link all participants by type of organic food product.  My business is called I Control Communications (www.icontrolcommunications.com). 

 

Originally, I conceived it as a means to bring the many hopes, wishes, and interests  of the so-called LOHAS cultural creatives together (LOHAS stands for Lifestyles Of Health And Sustainability).

 

I and my two partners now focus on what we call The Organic Food Network (For details, check out the above website). 

 

We aim to connect all the players in the organic food world, both consumers and providers, to satisfy everyone's needs more effectively--as both buyers and sellers.

 

We aim to transform the world of organic food via real-time communication, so that, whatever your role, just reach for your smartphone, tablet, or computer, make a few selections and press GO!  Our service will instantly link you with resources you seek, local or far away.

 

Moreover, we'll let consumers register whether they prefer organic food grown locally, and/or meeting kosher, halal, or biodynamic standards.

 

Consumers may also choose favorite categories of organic foods:

 

Meat, Seafood, Baked Goods, Vegetables, Fruit, Grains and Flour

Milk, Cheese, Butter, Eggs, Yogurt, Spices, Jams and Jellies

Nuts, Deserts, Wine, Beer, Oils and Salad Dressings, etc.

 

You as a shopper may change your wishes (add or delete preferences) at anytime, 24/7.

 



 These New Connections Can Transform the Organic Food World!

 

 

Connection Possibilities via The Organic Food Network:

 

Consumers <------> Producers

Middlemen <-------> Producers

Producers   <-------> Producers

 

Consumers <--------> Middlemen

Middlemen <--------> Middlemen

Producers   <-------->Middlemen

 

Consumers <-----> Consumers

Middlemen <-----> Consumers

Producers < ------> Consumers

 

When all participants can interact, possibilities for cooperation and transformation are endless!

 



 

 

 

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



 

 

 

 

 



 

Canadians Really Care About Organic Food!

How Much Do Canadians Care?  In the $Billions!

 

 

According to a recent report (April 11, 2013) of the Organic Trade Association (OTA), the organic market in Canada grew to $3.7 billion in 2012.

 

Since 2006, the value of the organic food market in Canada has tripled!  Now, 58% of Canadians buy organic products every week.

 

Strict Organic Food Labeling Seems to Have Stimulated Demand

 

The Executive Director of the Canadian Organic Trade Association, Matthew Holmes,  ascribes the huge increase to growing consumer confidence:

 

At the industry's urging, the government implemented strict national standards and label requirements in 2009 to uphold consumer confidence in organic claims,

 

So it's tremendously gratifying to see this result in such a strong market growth and continued consumer commitment to organic.

 

Vancouver Leads the Way!

 

Research shows that two-thirds of British Columbia consumers shop weekly for organic groceries.  Over three-quarters in Vancouver shop organically!
 

 

Broad-Scale Organic Food Support Encourages Organic Certifiers

 

Co-President of the Certified Organic Associations of BC says:

 

We are pleased to see growing consumer demand and impressive sales growth from mainstream retail to direct-to-consumer channels.

 

The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) is the membership-based trade association for the organic sector in Canada. 

 

It represents

• Growers
• Shippers
• Processors
• Certifiers
• Farmers' associations
• Distributors
• Importers
• Consultants
• Retailers
• Others in the organic value chain

See http://www.organicnewsroom.com/2013/04/canadas_organic_market_now_wor.html