Two important dates are coming up and how we prepare for these
events will determine the challenges we have to navigate in the not so
distant future.
One is June 30, 2009, the day the new Canadian organic regulations
become official. In our cover story, Katherine DiMatteo, consultant and
president of the International Federation of Organic Agricultural
Movements, and Matthew Holmes, director of the Organic Trade
Association in Canada, discuss what you have to do to get ready to cross
the Canadian border. Although there is hope for an equivalency agreement between the two countries, procrastinating on preparing for the new regulations could mean losing the opportunity to do business with the United States’
largest trade partner—so don’t wait.
Another event that the organic community, and the
world in general, needs to proactively approach each and
every day is Earth Day—April 22. In honor of Earth Day,
we chose to pack this issue with some planet-saving inspi-
ration and advice. First, as the pioneers of the sustainability movement,
it’s the organic community’s responsibility to set the green standard.
That is just what Mountain Rose Herbs is doing with its Zero Waste pro-
gram, featured in Enterprise. This is truly an inspiring story that shows
what can be done when everyone in a company works together.
There is no reason why all companies can’t create programs like this.
Or why we can’t rally together and push for better packaging options
that keep waste from being created in the first place. In Processing, Kevin
Williams, packaging guru and brand strategist, points out why we must
change the way we think of eco-packaging in order to create a truly sustainable system that resonates with the consumer. For many conscious
consumers, the packaging you choose conveys your authenticity as a sustainable brand.
Your supply chain is being scrutinized ever more closely as well. In this
issue’s Managing, the founders of Stonyfield Farm talk about how looking
deeper into every business partnership you have and working with other
companies to create change can lead to gains in sustainability and consumer trust.
Lastly, we set up a roundtable in this issue’s Dialogue to discuss the new
sustainable agriculture standard, currently in development. There is
much debate in the organic industry about the need for and the intention of this standard; however, it does bring up many sustainability issues
that are not addressed by the organic standards. In today’s market where
green claims abound, organic companies must lead on all fronts of sustainability.
Whether it’s preparing to export to Canada or raising the bar on environmental leadership, we in the organic industry have a lot on our
proverbial plates. Time to roll our sleeves up and get to work.
Organically yours,
Chief Executive Officer Don Meeker
Publisher Stacy Atchison
Advertising Manager Bobby Meeker
Editorial Director Kathryn Schuett
Art Director Craig Van Wechel
Circulation Manager Andrea Karges
Sales Assistant Allison Demmert
Office Manager Vicki Martin
Publishing Office 1945 W. Mountain St.
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craig@organicprocessing.com
Advertising Sales
Stacy Atchison 310.745.0941
stacy@organicprocessing.com
Bobby Meeker 818.842.2829
bobby@organicprocessing.com
Adam Haas 561.347.8445
adam@organicprocessing.com
Printed on recycled paper.
Kat Schuett
Editorial Director
Organic Processing (USPS 024-104) is published
bimonthly by The Target Group Inc., 1945 W.
Mountain St., Glendale, CA 91201; Phone
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91201. © 2009 by The Target Group Inc. All rights
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implication, the factual accuracy of the articles or
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MISSION STATEMENT:
Organic Processing
provides an independent forum for
the exchange of practical and
relevant information, ideas and
experience that will promote and
sustain the growth of organic
processing from seed to shelf.
