The Organic & Non-GMO Report Newsletter

Organic food companies, representing both coasts and Canada, are targeting generous donations to those in need

With grocery stores running out of essentials, widespread layoffs, and unprecedented demand on food banks and charitable organizations, organic food manufacturers are rising to help out. Cascade Organic Flour has donated 42 tons of organic whole wheat flour in 2020 to 2nd Harvest, a food bank serving eastern and central Washington. The donation marks the […]

Artisan Grain Collaborative launches program to benefit bakeries, farmers and local communities

In a creative response to the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on bread suppliers and producers, the Artisan Grain Collaborative (AGC) has launched Neighbor Loaves. The initiative fosters regenerative agriculture practices so farmers, millers, maltsters, bakers, chefs, brewers, distillers, and other affiliates can create healthier communities, local economies, and ecosystems. The Neighbor Loaves program inspires consumers to […]

Organic, natural grocery chains see Q1 sales jump 16% to 20% on pandemic shopping

Organic grocery outlets saw a spike in sales in the first quarter of 2020. Colorado-based Natural Grocers saw a 17% increase in sales ending March 31, and a 152% jump in second quarter income to $9.7 million, up 20%. The chain operates 157 stores in 20 states; sales surges begun in late February and hit […]

Organic groups ask Congress, USDA to protect organic food and agriculture during COVID-19 pandemic

The National Organic Coalition (NOC), Organic Farmers Association (OFA), recently called on Congress to include provisions in the next coronavirus relief package to help organic farmers, farmworkers, retailers, certifiers, and other businesses weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) sent a letter to USDA secretary Sonny Perdue urging that his agency support […]

Frontier Co-op CEO leads by example through pandemic

Iowa-based Frontier Co-op, manufacturer of organic, sustainably sourced herbs and spices, was already seeing 5% annual growth—but the last two months, with emergence of coronavirus, saw sales jump 60% as people began cooking at home. For Tony Bedard, CEO of the $200 million business including the Frontier Co-op, Simply Organic, and Aura Cacia brands, it’s […]