Organic farmers are my heroes.

Growing up in Iowa, farmers were a common part of the landscape, but
I didn’t develop a deep appreciation for the work they do until I started
writing about organic agriculture, digging into the research on the subject
and talking to farmers about their passion—the soil.
After seeing the dirt under their fingernails from years
of hard yet honorable work and the way their eyes light
up as they talk about nurturing the land—I have an
overwhelming gratitude and respect for the organic
farmer. Farmers are at the foundation of everything we
stand for in the organic industry. Their understanding
of the soil life web and the complex natural systems
that work together to grow the organic foods that we
depend on everyday for nourishment—and to create
the products we make for the world—is nothing short
of inspiring, a miracle of sorts.

Today, though, organic farming is more than a miracle, it’s a proven science. More and more studies are coming out everyday that show the benefits of organic agriculture and the negatives of conventional, chemical-based farming. For those in the organic industry, these exciting findings confirm our core beliefs: organic farming is essential tosaving the planet. Now that we have the proof to backup our philosophy, it is time to get out there and tell the world.

The goal with this issue’s cover story is to help you do just that. By understanding the science of organic agriculture, we arm ourselves with information we can use to change the world. Familiarize yourself with the facts and figures. Talk about these findings in interviews with the media. Blog. Tweet. It’s time to tell the story of organic and raise consciousness.

That is also the goal that Maria Rodale had when writing her book,
Organic Manifesto. As the CEO of Rodale, Inc. and the granddaughter of or-
ganic pioneer J.I. Rodale, passion for the organic movement is a part of her
DNA. During a recent interview featured in this issue’s Dialogue, I had the
chance to chat with Maria about her latest book which provides details on
how organic farming can “heal our planet, feed the world and keep us
safe”—and I have to say I am excited! For the first time, we in the organic
industry have a comprehensive book of reference we can use to help tell
our story. Read it. Share it with friends. As Maria says, “It’s time to get the
world to start demanding organic. It’s time to start arevolution”
We have the research, the passion and our heroes, the organic farmers,
to lead this revolution from the ground up. It is time.

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
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kat@organicprocessing.com
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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 407.601.5440
adam@organicprocessing.com
Printed on recycled paper.

Organically yours, Organically y Kat Schuett Editorial Director Kat Schuett

Organic Processing (USPS 024-104) is published bimonthly by The Target Group Inc.,

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Change of Address: Notices should be sent providing old mailing label as well as new address. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Organic Processing, 1945 W. Mountain St., Glendale, CA 91201. © 2010 by The Target Group Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. The publishers do not warrant, either expressly or by implication, the factual accuracy of the articles or descriptions herein, nor do they so warrant any views or opinions offered by the authors of said articles and descriptions.

MISSION STATEMENT:

Organic Processing
provides an independent forum for
the exchange of practical and
relevant information, ideas and ex-
perience that will promote and sus-
tain the growth of organic
processing from seed to shelf.