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Here's to Your Health:  Organics  |
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Mari-dahlia
True Blue Farmgirl
269 Posts
Marianne
Hoosick Falls
New York
USA
269 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 30 2006 : 09:19:48 AM
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JUst got back from the Northeastern Organic Farmers Conference. A few things you all may want to know.
Horizon organic milk: ( owned by the food giant Dean Foods and sells mainly to Walmart)
Has not been in compliance with the USDA organic standards from the onset. They have 5000 cows in milking barns where they can not move and never see pasture while they are in their milk. They have skirted the law by telling inspectors that they have only let not lactating cows out to pasture. They milk upwards of 4 times a day so it is physically impossible to move that many cows in and out for each milking. They do not even own enough property to graze the cows in the first place. Starting in 2001 organic groups have been putting pressure on the USDA to either make them comply or pull their certification because they are underselling the family organic farm for obvious reasons. The USDA has done nothing and they are still selling with an organic label.
Cascadian farm organic veggies sold to General MIlls years ago and since then most of their veggies come from China, Mexico and Central and South America. We do not inspect these other countries for their organic standards and they are undercutting the organic farmer in the USA again for obvious reasons.
I am currently undergoing the Organic Certification process and it is quite disheartening when I have 2 inches of paperwork to fill out with a 550 dollar fee and yet other countries could be doing anything or nothing to comply with our organic standards.
Thanks for listening, it is frustrating and I thought you all would understand. |
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celebrate2727
True Blue Farmgirl
989 Posts
Beth
MJF
Farmgirl
989 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2006 : 10:09:05 AM
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Marianne it is appauling to hear how hese practices can occur. Many thanks for alerting us to this. As a rule of thumb, I generaly buy my organics from a local farmer so I can "see for myself" their practices. Plus better to help the local community. I hope to go through the organic process for my own farm this summer. I guess I'll have my work cut out for me. Just a little info for all the MN farmgirls. The living green expo should be coming up at the State Fairgrounds. I went last year with my DH and it was wonderful. It's a great way to get a list of local farmers and the markets they sell their food at.
May you achieve your full potential to excel intellectually, to live spiritually, to lead responsibly, to act justly and to serve selflessly. Have a wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year!
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blueroses
True Blue Farmgirl
1323 Posts
Debbie
in the Pandhandle of
Idaho
USA
1323 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2006 : 10:20:37 AM
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Marianne,
Thanks for the info on Horizon. My daughter has been buying this milk for several years, thinking that it was much better for them. It really ticks me off! I will be sure to let her know.
Debbie
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
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celebrate2727
True Blue Farmgirl
989 Posts
Beth
MJF
Farmgirl
989 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2006 : 11:15:11 AM
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Found this on the Living Green Expo Information. Their web address is www.livinggreen.org
Ten Things You Can Do
1) Support local, sustainable, and organic farmers by purchasing their products directly or through farmer’s markets, community supported agriculture farms (CSAs), food co-ops, natural food stores, local grocers, etc. Or From MJ of course!
2) Eat in-season foods to reduce the amount of miles your food has traveled.
3) Encourage crop diversity on our farms by seeking out seasonal varieties and local specialties.
4) Make the most of your interactions with farmers by talking to them about their products and growing practices – get engaged, ask questions, and tell them what you think!
5) Patronize restaurants that buy from local farmers and serve healthy environmentally-friendly food – bring your own container for leftovers.
6) Buy bulk foods and reuse your bags to reduce packaging waste and save money – seek out recycled or recyclable packaging.
7) Find substitutes for foods that are environmentally costly – buy hemp products, substitute honey for sugar, avoid endangered fish, and diversify animal protein with plant protein.
8) Compost kitchen scraps and appropriate paper products – you can also reduce your kitchen waste by waiting to purchase produce until you are ready to use it.
9) Prepare meals from scratch using fresh or raw ingredients rather than relying on convenience food, which may include harmful preservatives, dyes, and low-quality ingredients.
10) Understand key terms like organic, fair trade, free-range, grass-fed, and natural. The greater your understanding of issues like pesticide use, the cost of food transportation, and food labeling laws, the better able you are to make choices that reflect your values and allow you to vote with your dollar.
May you achieve your full potential to excel intellectually, to live spiritually, to lead responsibly, to act justly and to serve selflessly. Have a wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year!
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YiberryYadeeKarin
True Blue Farmgirl
343 Posts
Karin
Spokane Valley
WA
USA
343 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2006 : 11:30:51 AM
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Thanks for the information!
I've been reading the February 2006 issue of Consumer Reports that has a great article on organic food. One of the things they talked about was Horizon's practices -- Organic Valley sounds like a much better choice and is what I've been purchasing lately.
I'm hoping this summer I can get everything together to grow some of my own veggies and grow more of my own fruit. One of our bookmobile patrons in northern Idaho has a wonderful organic farm business that I hope to support more this year (if I can get to the farmer's market).
Karin |
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MNFarmGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
52 Posts
USA
52 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2006 : 12:03:03 PM
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Thanks Mari-dahila for posting this information. I have been wondering how organic these people are. I will defiantly spread the word about them, Thanks MN
"Agriculture...is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end conribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness." Thomas Jefferson |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2006 : 4:46:57 PM
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Marianne -- thanks so much for the information. With all the "organic" lines showing up in regular grocery stores lately I was wondering where the products were coming from. You can probably bet that Wal-Mart is not buying from American organic farmers!
http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
http://rusticcottage.blogspot.com/ |
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greyghost
True Blue Farmgirl
650 Posts
Lynn
Summerville
Georgia
USA
650 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2006 : 6:05:10 PM
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Nope, Horizon ain't organic! I told my local grocery store about it and they only carry Organic Valley now. You can actually tell - it smells and tastes different!
Thanks for the info on the veggies. So hard to find that stuff right now with it being winter and all - Spring is around the corner and I can have MY veggies back again!
I wouldn't buy any food from Mao-Mart (as I affectionately call Wal-Mart). Fish farm raised in China, veggies from Lord-knows-where, and Horizon milk. Nope. Not me. |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
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Mari-dahlia
True Blue Farmgirl
269 Posts
Marianne
Hoosick Falls
New York
USA
269 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2006 : 06:59:12 AM
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I knew you all would be interested, Thanks!
I think we have a responsibility to support honest responsible farmers like Mary Jane and stop buying from these conglomerate fakes.
If anyone else has any info on any other good or bad companies in the organic ring, it would be great to hear from you. |
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Lacy
True Blue Farmgirl
114 Posts
Lacy
Dallas
Texas
114 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2006 : 08:36:23 AM
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There was an article in Mother Earth News about this this month. It's a profile on Organic Valley-- very interesting.
http://farmaspirations.blogspot.com |
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Mari-dahlia
True Blue Farmgirl
269 Posts
Marianne
Hoosick Falls
New York
USA
269 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2006 : 6:12:20 PM
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| I saw it, Organic Valley I think. I met a dairy farmer at the conference who was conventional dairy going out of business then he decided to go organic with Organic Valley, for the first time in years he can actually make ends meet. Organic milk business is saving our dying NYS dairy farmers, the ones that have the courage to switch, that is. |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2006 : 7:48:42 PM
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In my heart of hearts I believe that organic farming could help save a lot of farmers. They do need courage to make the switch because they would face a lot of questions and ridicule from those that don't understand. Living in the PNW I believe that organics are a more accepted thing than in other parts of the country.
Mine is just a little old fashioned garden where the flowers come together to praise the Lord, and teach all who look upon them to do likewise.
-- Celia Thaxter
http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
http://rusticcottage.blogspot.com/ |
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lonestargal
True Blue Farmgirl
607 Posts
Kristi
Texas
607 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2006 : 06:27:59 AM
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| OH MY GOSH!!! That ticks me off to no end. I've bought Horizon products off and on for a long time now. There is only one store in my area that carries organic products besides Wal-Mart. They do carry Organic Valley milk and butter but all other products--yogurt, sour cream, etc. is Horizon. As if trying to eat as organically as possible isn't hard enough now this!!!! |
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happymama58
True Blue Farmgirl
1210 Posts
Patti
Missouri
USA
1210 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2006 : 10:34:22 PM
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Thanks for the info. I've been trying to buy organic things, but don't have many options where I am. There's a farmer's market during the summer & fall, but other than that there's only Wal-Mart and a small health food store that's very expensive.
Some people search for happiness; others create it. |
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Mag
True Blue Farmgirl
144 Posts
Margaret
Mount Vernon
OH
USA
144 Posts |
Posted - Feb 07 2006 : 5:21:10 PM
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| Thanks for the info. I have been buying Natually Preferred for a while. I don't know how much they distribute but the milk is good. It just goes to show how mis-leading the retail business is. |
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Bridge
True Blue Farmgirl
814 Posts
Bridgette
Southern
Indiana
USA
814 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2006 : 08:46:58 AM
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You might check out this link and see if there is a buying club/co-op in your area.
http://www.unitedbuyingclubs.com/RESOURCES/FABC/FABC_Home.htm
If you find one close to you, you can email them using the link at the top and get the clubs contact info.
You could also start a club if you have a few people that are also interested in organics!!
I live in a area where it is almost impossible to find good organic food. But I searched and found a co-op close to me (about 20 miles, but well worth the trip)
It has also helped me to plan and shop smarter. The group only orders every 2 weeks.
It has actually helped me to save $$ & eat better quality food.
~~My Blog~~
Bridge's Bargains~Click to see |
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lonestargal
True Blue Farmgirl
607 Posts
Kristi
Texas
607 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2006 : 1:58:13 PM
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Well that's just my luck, Texas isn't even on there.  |
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Bridge
True Blue Farmgirl
814 Posts
Bridgette
Southern
Indiana
USA
814 Posts |
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Here's to Your Health: Organics |
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Organics
