News
White House plants organic garden
It was a long and ambitious campaign but people power – and common sense – finally won through. The forces behind Eat My View and other similar campaigns must have been rubbing their eyes at the sight of Michelle Obama armed with a shovel on the White House lawn. More →
Now for some good news
First the bad news. As previously reported, growth in the organic food sector has slowed considerably as a result of the economic downturn. This is particularly true in countries regarded as the heavy hitters in the industry – the United States, France, the United Kingdom and Germany. More →
Whole Foods stocks soar
Stocks in Whole Foods Market soared after a new year’s revelation that should also lift spirits at the embattled natural foods retailer. Los Angeles billionaire Ronald Burkle announced that he had bought a seven percent stake in Whole Foods over the past few months, news that saw the share price rise almost 23 percent to $12.27. More →
Crisis slows organic growth
The financial crisis has hit the organic sector, with growth slowing in the past few months as Americans cut back on discretionary spending. The market has enjoyed double digit growth of up to 20 percent a year for several years, but research released in the wake of the country’s economic meltdown shows a significant drop. While it was still on the up, More →
Organic food stores branch out
While the worldwide economic crisis has caused sales in some organic sectors to slow, a few retail outlets have not let the mood dampen expansion plans. Colorado company Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, which has 27 stores in the US, will open two more in Texas in coming months and Planet Organic, the UK’s largest retailer of organic food and products, has already branched out in two more areas of London. More →
Paul Newman led the way
When a screen legend dies, the fawning tributes quickly follow. In death they somehow become not only brilliant thespians, but stellar human beings. And so it was with the passing of Paul Newman at the weekend, with many describing him as having lived an “exemplary life”. The difference, however, is it’s hard to argue with that or any of the accolades that have been bestowed upon the owner of those sparkling blue eyes since the world learnt of his death from cancer at 83. More →
Critics fear more of the same
The mood around Washington on Inauguration Day may have been one of celebration and overwhelming optimism, but those hoping the change in president will bring an overhaul of the country’s agricultural policies are less than impressed. More →
Chinese put trust in organic
While Chinese authorities have moved to assure citizens that their food is now free of melamine, a chemical that caused the death of four infants and poisoned more than 50,000 others earlier this year, many locals aren’t taking any chances.
The scandal erupted after it was found that infant formula milk had been contaminated with the More →
Say no to GMO
More than a thousand protesters marched on the West Australian Parliament today demanding the new government extend the moratorium on the production of genetically modified crops. Front and centre of the march was renowned gardening guru Peter Cundall, who described the push for GM food as dangerous, arguing it would harm Western Australia’s export image as a “clean, green state”. More →
Watchdog urges dairy overhaul
A leading organic watchdog in the United States has filed formal legal complaints against two industrial dairies, claiming they are masquerading as organic. The Cornucopia Institute wants the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take action against operators who contravene federal organic regulations before it’s too late. “This could be the end of the organic industry as we know it,” co-director Mark A. Kastel says. More →
