Michael Potter, President, December 2005
Bad News
As the news of late is focused on corrupt influence peddling in our Federal government, and the bills that make their way through Congress have hundreds of earmarks (funding or legal authorization for special interests) attached, isn't it sad that the Organic Trade Association (OTA) chose to join that fray?
In the dark and wee hours of the morning, 27 October 2005, the OTA and their paid lobbyists succeeded in significantly changing the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA). Beyond the shadow of a doubt, their action legalized the adulteration of organic food with thousands of toxic additives.
Prior to this sell out organic food had to be natural food. Thanks to the OTA, this is no longer the case. Instead of using its (organic food industry dues) money to clean up all the dirty little secrets common in organic food production, they used it to legalize it all, and more.
On 3 October 2005 Eden wrote, "While big agribusiness and some OTA members have spoken in favor of the OTA's actions, Eden Foods strongly objects. As the oldest and a founding member of the organic foods industry that has never employed shortcuts, we believe that the fast, cheap, and easy route is counter productive in organic food production." ... and ... "These recent actions exemplify the reasons Eden Foods has never been a member of the OTA despite urging from industry peers to join. We hope to see like-minded companies reconsider their funding of the OTA. No matter how you cut it, they have worked consistently to weaken organic standards."
Mixed News
All of the beans in our soymilks, canned beans, refried beans, and rice and beans are North American family farm organically grown. Most of our competitors get their soys from Argentina and China, and all of their other beans are from China, except for garbanzos that they get from Turkey or Morocco. All of Eden grain is also locally organically grown. We know precisely where all of our foods come from and who grew them. Nurturing this system nurtures sustainable supply, and in the long run is best for all. Buying cheaper foreign grown food for competitive advantage is short-sighted, damages local organic development, and is most commonly, questionably organic.
Good News
It is our consistent experience that the 'cream of the crop' of North American family farm organically grown grains, beans, and vegetables that Eden acquires annually are far superior to the less expensive, long traveled, foreign alternatives. Intelligent local sourcing delivers the finest quality.