Our Bright Future CCOF's Three-Year Strategic Plan

In The News - ContinuedStudy Shows Organic CitrusJuices Offer Greater HealthBenefitsrecent study from Washington StateA University found a higher amount ofantioxidants in organic citrus juices comparedto their conventional counterparts.The biggest differences were found betweenorganic and conventional lemonade, withorganic lemonade having ten times moreantioxidant compounds. Additionally, organicapple, tomato and grapefruit juicesalso showed higher levels.Three flavonoid compounds were testedand compared over a range of juices.Flavonoids are organic compounds foundin such food items as citrus, legumes, tea,and wine, which are produced by plants toprovide protection against environmentalstresses such as disease and insects. Thesecompounds have been linked to healthbenefits including immune system support,inflammation reduction, and lower risk ofheart disease and cancer.A Quick And Easy Way ToSource Non-GMO SuppliesAnd ProductsThe release of the 2008 Non-GMOSourcebook provides over 700 globallistings including organic seeds, grains,processing materials, food products, andmore. For more information or to requestcopies of the listings visit www.non-gmoreport.comor call (641) 472-1491.Candy CautionSeveral leading US beet sugar companiesannounced they would be sourcingtheir sugar from genetically engineered(GE) sugar beets starting in 2007, with thesugar arriving in stores in 2008. Like otherGE products, sugar will not be labeled assuch which means that consumers may beexposed to this new GE product withoutknowing. In addition, since sugar is a mainingredient in many conventional food productsthe risk of exposure is even higher. Formore information visit the Center for FoodSafety at www.centerforfoodsafety.org.Sugar Beets Not So SweetAlawsuit has been filed against theUSDA Animal Plant Health InspectionService regarding its deregulation of newlydeveloped genetically modified sugarbeets. Organic seed growers, includingOrganic Seed Alliance and High MowingSeeds, along with organizations such asthe Sierra Club and the Center for FoodSafety have banded together to opposethe change in legislation arguing that theRoundup ready seeds could introduce therisk of contamination into the organic seedindustry. Growers fear that the release ofthe GM seed could create large problemswith pest resistance and emergence ofsuper weeds. The lawsuit has been filedwith the same US California District Courtthat last year ruled in favor of a ban on theplanting and selling of genetically modifiedalfalfa seeds.Hilton Hotels Unveils Organic,Sustainable Food ProgramHiltonHotelsrecently announcedthe launchof an organic andsustainable foodsourcing policy at a number of its Hiltonand Doubletree hotels and resorts in southernCalifornia. The new “Eat Naturally”catering program emphasizes menu itemsthat are fresh, local, organic and sustainable.The program is based on a new policyof sourcing foods “grown in conditions thatdo not deplete natural resources and do notuse harmful, artificial substances that accumulatein the environment”, The initiativeis being spearheaded by Fred Mensinga,executive chef, Hilton Anaheim. In additionto organic and all-natural cuisine,the program will feature organic wines,coffees, teas, other natural beverages andhealthy snacks.Honest Tea Purchased byCoca-Cola.The Coca-Cola Companyhas purchased 40% ofthe bottled tea company,Honest Tea making it a main stakeholder.Honest Teas assortments of teas and lowcaloriekid-friendly drinks have boostedthe growing market for organic alternativesto the high calorie sugar beverages foundin most markets and vending machines.Honest Tea hopes to continue its methodsof production and with the Coca-Colainvestment create better accessibility.USDA’s Cafeteria HasSustainability On The MenuFrom biodegradable cupsto organic foods, fedsare starting to turn ‘green’.From the trays that carrythe food to the food itself,the cafeteria at the U.S. Department ofAgriculture headquarters is going organicand all-natural.The USDA is leading the way withingovernment in converting its cafeteria frompetroleum-based products, such as plastictrays and Styrofoam cups, to productsmade from organic materials such as cornor sugar cane.Recently, it began selling a line of organicsnack food including cookies andcrackers. What’s more, USDA convertsthe used corn-based trays and food scrapsthat otherwise would be thrown away intocompost, an organic mulch that is used onthe headquarters building’s vegetative roofand at other agency locations. The activitiesgoing on in the USDA cafeteria are part ofa larger effort by the department to encouragethe government to purchase productsmade of biological or agricultural materials,called biobased, products in an effortto decrease greenhouse gas emissions.Organic Soars At 20,000 FeetSterling Airlines based in Copenhagen,Denmark, announced earlier this yearthat it has become the first international airlineto provide 100% organic meals for itspassengers. The menu will feature brunch,sandwiches, and even kid-friendly meals.In addition Sterling is working on providingminimal packaging to enhance wastereduction.IN THE NEWS - Continued on page 22CCOF Certified Organic Magazine - Spring 200821