It's so nice to see more and more Organic food choices at my local grocery store these days.  I do, however, wonder how much of it comes from my "own" backyard? 

April 8-12 the BioEthics 2006 Conference (http://www.bioethics2006.org/ )will offer an inspiring and informative week of events in Chicago that is not to be missed.  You will hear straight from local farmers just how YOU can make a difference when buying LOCAL Organic.  Christine Phillips Co-Coordinator of Bio-ETHICS 2006: The Voice of Reason says that,

"More and more, we are coming to understand that small family farms, urban agriculture, and sustainable food systems that yield delicious healthy food for all should be the norm and not the."

Not enough U.S. farmers are finding it possible to make the transition to organic production, according to a January 2006 marketing report from the research firm Organic Monitor in London.

Domestic consumers are buying record amounts of organic foods, but farmers are unable to meet that demand, resulting in $1.5 billion of organic crops imported into the U.S. in 2005.

This means that 10% of all organic sales in the U.S. today are imports. In comparison, U.S. organic exports amount to a meager $150 million.

In the European Union, government programs help conventional farmers make the transition to organic production with subsidies and technical assistance.

In contrast, the majority of U.S. agricultural subsidies are earmarked for large chemical-intensive and energy-intensive farms and genetically engineered crops, making it difficult for family-scale farmers and ranchers to afford the expensive and difficult three year transition from conventional to organic production. "Unless more American farmers consider converting to organic practices, exporters are likely to capitalize on this lucrative market," the report said.

This is one good reason for ALL of us to purchase from local farmers whenever possible!  

Note: Sales of certified organnic products in the USA reached $15
billion in 2005, of which $1.5 Billion or 10% were imported. USA organic exports, on the other hand, totaled $150 million or 1% of sales.Ingredient Shortage Hurts US
Shortages of many organic raw ingredients, including dairy, produce and meat, is stunting growth of the U.S. organic industry, according to a January 2006 report from research firm Organic Monitor in London.

"Nearly all market sectors would grow at much higher rates if sufficient supply was available, the report stated.

The shortages are forcing U.S. manufacturers to look overseas for raw materials. More than $1.5 billion worth of organic products are imported into the U.S. annually, compared to about $150 million in organics that are exported.

"Increasing volumes of organic fruit, vegetables, grain, seeds, beans, and herbs are being imported into the U.S.," the report stated. Shortage of organic milk for example, is leading Stonyfield Farm, Londonderry, NH, to look at sourcing organic milk powder from New Zealand.  Not like the old days when your local Dairy farmer delivered milk to your back door!

"With American demand for organic foods expected to strengthen in the coming years, supply shortages are likely to continue," Organic Monitor said. That will ultimately benefit exporters to the U.S. " Unless more American farmers consider converting to organic practices, exporters are likely to capitalize on this lucrative market," the report said. Source Organic Consumer's Association

Here's your chance to vote with your fork...make a difference today and support your local farmer!

Here's to your good health,

Beth Aldrich

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