Organic News

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Organic farmers and non-profits sue USA over loophole for hydroponics

The Center for Food Safety (CFS), along with a coalition of organic farms and stakeholders, filed a lawsuit over the United States Department of Agriculture’s decision to allow hydroponic operations to be certified organic. “Hydroponic operations have their own unique benefits, but they do not enrich the soil, which is the very foundation of organic agriculture,” said […]

Compeer Financial launches organic bridge loan

Sun Compeer Financial, a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative based in the Upper Midwest, has announced the launch of a new loan product that provides financing options for farmers transitioning their conventional grain operations to certified organic. Compeer’s organic bridge loan provides built-in flexibility that meets the unique needs of producers who are making the switch […]