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Nature’s Path supports Organic Foods: From Harvest to Home
The sale of organic products continues to increase at over 20% per year and is the fastest growing segment in the processed foods industry. Any business that grows that quickly goes through many changes and growing pains. In order to remain at the forefront of the organic industry through this transition it is essential to stay flexible and on the cutting edge. At Nature's Path we have looked very carefully at why we have survived and thrived, and what we have to do to continue, in a very competitive world. Delivering products that are of superior quality and taste and that are well packaged is essential, but we also understand that our consumers care about the health of their families and the environment, as well as the farmers that supply us. This means our guarantee of certified organic and sustainability must include the farms that grow the large quantities grains, fruits, seeds and other crops we require.To focus on strengthening the connections and relationships of all the different parties involved in getting a superb product on the table and in the bowl (or plate) two years ago we initiated a ‘Harvest to Home’ program.
Consumers increasingly want to feel connected with the food they eat. They want to understand how it was produced and where it originated and they also want to know that the process of growing it did little or no damage to the environment. Currently these connections are not well understood, so our ‘Harvest to Home’ program provides the farmer, pre-processor, broker, miller, trucker, final processor (Nature’s Path), employees and the end consumer an opportunity to understand, connect and feel empowered about every step involved in the growing and processing of the certified organic products we provide.
In addition to the consumer component, there is a very important practical aspect to this initiative. In order to keep growing, the organic supply base needs to increase. To ensure a continuous supply of high quality certified organic ingredients as required, we foresee the need for a strong network of farmer producers whom we will assist and collaborate with to ensure that they successfully retain their third party organic certification, as well as ensure that they have the latest and best organic growing information and methods available. This will also allow experienced organic farmers to pass on practical knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles of organic growing to the new farmer that wishes to farm organically. Non-organic farmers who would like to go through the transition to organic certification are able to access this program for help and guidance in maneuvering through the complex certification process. It is critical that the farmer producers not only be third-party certified organic, but that they are among the best and most committed, and like us continually strive to become better and improve the environment, quality, and organic sustainability of what they do. We encourage their development in this direction, and support educational events and provide a system for them to assess their progress as organic farmers.
We are excited about the tremendous continuing interest and support for organic products. To us it means that we are heading into better times for ourselves, our children and for our environment. It reaffirms our belief that if we do what we believe in, we will be successful in the end. Economic survival on the farm has been very difficult. The casualties have been great. We are pleased to see that organic family farmers now have expanded opportunities to earn a better living.
For further information about the Harvest to Home initiative please contact: Dag Falck, Organic Program Manager (250) 379 2244 or dfalck@naturespath.com
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