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PHOTO: LEANDRO CHAVIRA
“Integrity is what we do, what we say, and what we say we do.”
–Don Galer
As bearers of the USDA organic seal, the National Organic Program (NOP) rules and regulations are what “we say we do.” In essence, these
rules are promises we make to those who buy our products.
Making sure that everyone is honoring these
promises is what the NOP’s “Age of Enforcement,” the
subject of our cover story, is all about. While the
regulations can be complex, in this article the NOP
discusses the steps they are taking to clarify the rules—
and make sure these rules are being followed. So make
sure to do your homework (the cover story is a great
place to start) because as the NOP points out—not
knowing the rules is no excuse!
In addition, the industry has a responsibility to do
what they can to ensure that their supply chain is also
upholding organic integrity as well. In our Processing column, industry
leaders offer advice on ways to strengthen supply chain security in order to
protect organic integrity as well as prevent recalls and help you provide the
safest products possible.
Another area where safety—and integrity—are big concerns is in formulating for consumers with food allergies. We all know someone with a food
allergy or sensitivity, or maybe we have one, yet the amount of convenient,
safe foods available for these consumers is still very small. This presents a
great opportunity for processors to create products to fill this need. Check
out some great allergen-free, gluten-free formulating ideas and insight in
our Ingredients column.
In this issue, I am also honored to have the opportunity to chat with
one of the heroes of the organic industry—Bob Scowcroft, the founding
executive director of the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF).
In Dialogue, he tells OFRF’s story and offers inspiration for the next
generation as he retires and passes on the torch. Bob, I say this for the
whole organic industry when I say, “you will be missed!” You are truly a
man of integrity.
Lastly, as I sip from a steaming gourd of Guayaki yerba mate (featured
in Enterprise) and ponder “integrity,” I realize how amazing it is to work in
an industry that is built on this word. From companies like Guayaki who
are not only bringing new healthy organic products to market, but also
rebuilding thousands of acres of rainforest, to people like Bob Scowcroft
or NOP Deputy Administrator Miles McEvoy—integrity is what drives this
movement. Let us always do everything we can to protect it and our
promise to all those who buy organic.
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
Administrative Manager Allison Demmert
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craig@organicprocessing.com
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Stacy Atchison 424.298.8542
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,
Kat Schuett
Editorial Director
Organic Processing (USPS 024-104) is published
bimonthly by The Target Group Inc.,
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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.
