International Sustainable Food Report Cites Organic as a Model for a More Resilient Food System
The International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food) released a report, Food from Somewhere: Building food security and resilience through territorial markets, in July identifying the importance of moving beyond toxic chemical dependent, industrialized agriculture and toward “sourcing local and organic food” through alternative models, such as farmer and consumer-owned cooperatives, alternative certification schemes, and fostering relationships between organic producers and consumers through territorial markets. “[T]erritorial markets are closely associated with agroecology, and in many cases help to provide market outlets for farmers using natural fertilizers and pesticides that work with nature, rather than the fossil-fuel based synthetic inputs associated with corporate value chains,” the authors state and go on to advocate for transformative action based on various case studies rooted in organic principles and practices.
Do consumers still care about organic?
This is a tricky question to answer, as opinions will vary from person to person, and country to country. However, one very clear indicator of consumer attitudes towards organic products is sales, and they are booming!
https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2024/08/14/Is-organic-still-important-to-consumers
How does organic farming benefit honey bees?
Organic farming and flower strips promote the health of honey bees. In their vicinity, colonies grow stronger and are generally healthier. This is most likely because the insects have a diverse and continuous food supply there and are less exposed to pesticides.
https://phys.org/news/2024-08-farming-benefit-honey-bees.html
Uncle Matt’s Organic launches lemonade
Uncle Matt’s Organic is adding ginger honey lemonade to its roster of organic beverages. The product will blend organic lemons, Brazilian wildflower honey and Peruvian ginger, according to the company.
https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/26652-uncle-matts-organic-launches-lemonade
The big picture: Natural and organic industry sales data for 2023
So far in 2024, the U.S. natural and organic products market is riding an upward trajectory. After growing 4.8% in 2023, the total industry is projected to expand 5% this year. That’s good news. But within this sprawling industry, which includes everything from organic yogurt to green cleaning products to grass-fed steak to probiotic gummies, not every category is seeing an uptick in sales.
