Organic Processing Vol.6 #3

Details

New Organic Educational
Gardens in Key Governmental
and Historical Locations

This spring a portion of the grounds that surround the USDA Whitten Building in Washington, DC, was dug up to plant an organic garden named “The People’s Garden.” A truckload of compost from Rodale Institute was brought to the site and spread by leaders of the National Organic Program, The National Organic Standards Board, and other notable figures in the organic industry. The garden will be in transition to organic certification under inspection by

Pennsylvania Certified Organic. Signs will be posted that tell the story of the organic garden and the requirements of NOP certified organic. Raised beds and pots with compost and certified organic transplants are part of the garden plan. Next time you are in Washington, DC, visit the People’s Garden—it’s much more accessible than the White House garden!

In addition, another organic garden is under way at Stratford Hall, home to the Lee family of Virginia including two signers of the Declaration of Independence, Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, and the birthplace of Robert E. Lee. This program will contrast 18th- and 21st-century agriculture practices, thereby exploring the significant issues of agriculture and its societal effects. By contrasting the history of organic farming practices, Stratford Hall will be able to make a significant contribution to public understanding of the evolution of agriculture and its impact on the economy, environment and diet.

Wolf, DiMatteo + Associates is working to design and implement this program and create an integrated organic farming system. Over 35,000 people visit Stratford Hall each year and will have the opportunity to observe the process of restoring soil health using organic methods.

Don’t Miss the Organic Processing Education

Track at the Annual All Things Organic Show Attendees of the All Things

Organic 2009 Conference and Trade Show will have the chance to experience the “Organic Ingredients/

Processing Educational Track” sponsored by Organic Processing

Magazine and the Organic Trade Association (OTA). The Conference will take place June 16th through the 18th, at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL. Listed below are some of the topics to be covered.

GLOBAL MARKETPLACE, GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN

Tuesday, June 16th; 10: 30 am - 12:00 pm

How global is the organic supply chain? What is known about the movement of organic products into and out of North America? Featuring the latest data from USDA’s Economic Research Service, our panel of speakers will update you on what to pay attention to, what you are accountable for at your level of the supply chain, how to ensure the quality of the inputs you buy, and how to responsibly sell surplus. Whether you buy or sell organic ingredients or products, this is a timely discussion you don’t want to miss.

INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION IN SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING Tuesday, June 16th; 1: 30 pm - 3:00 pm

Learn about the latest innovations in sustainable packaging solutions. You’ll hear about new options and best practices from those companies that are partnering to craft functional new products and create demand for eco-packaging throughout the industry. Leave with a broader understanding of the options available and some great ideas on how to invent new custom packaging solutions to suit your needs.

PROMISES AND PITFALLS OF PRIVATE LABEL

Wednesday, June 17th; 10: 30 am - 12:00 pm

In today’s economy, the convergence of consumers seeking to live their values while stretching their dollars to get the best quality for the price has set the stage for even greater growth in organic private label. Hear panelists share their perspectives on and experiences with the three basic approaches to private label: “beat ‘em, join ‘em, or co-exist with ‘em.” Whether your company makes private label products or competes with them, this session will give you timely insight and advice you need to make an informed decision about how to successfully maneuver through the private label landscape.

ORGANIC 101: HOT ORGANIC INGREDIENT TRENDS

Wednesday, June 17th; 1: 30 pm - 3:00 pm

Keep ahead of the curve! Ingredient suppliers and processors will learn together about hot new trends in organic ingredients in this session, led by experts from Organic Processing Magazine. Functional foods, fair trade products, and new developments in minor ingredients will be discussed with an eye toward producing enticing and authentic organic products with con-sumer-friendly labels.