Visit your local natural products store and inform them of your quest. Most health food stores employ educated, knowledgeable staff members who are happy to assist in your research. While shopping, look for product information pamphlets strategically placed adjacent to the shelves and don’t forget to check out the stores’ bulletin board for weekly educational seminars. Most natural product stores give away FREE copies of natural health magazines (popular ones include “Delicious Living”, “Better Nutrition” and/or “Taste for Life”). Ask a staff member for your copy or pick one up at the front of the store.
As an influential player in the organic market, The Organic Trade Association’s mission is to promote, educate, advocate, protect and grow the industry.Visit www.ota.com for facts, trends and events and www.theorganicreport.org for information on organic gardening and cooking tips.
Other credible websites include:
- The Environmental Working Group – www.ewg.org. A team of experts explore scientific studies, government data as well as legal documents to expose health threats to people and the environment.
- The National Organic Program - www.ams.usda.gov/nop. A USDA program which develops and implements national organic standards.
- The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) – This not-for-profit organization reviews materials used in the production, processing, and handling or organic products in conjunction with the guidelines set forth by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). For more information on this organization and for access to past newsletter issues, please visit www.omri.org.
- The Organic Center - www.organic-center.org. For a compilation of scientific, peer-reviewed reports on the organic industry.
- The Organic Consumers Association - www.organicconsumers.org. A public interest organization focused on promoting the views and interests of organic and socially responsible consumers.
- The Campaign - www.thecampaign.org. A grassroots political action organization that lobbies for the proper labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods (GMOs).
- Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association (BFGA): http://www.biodynamics.com/index.html
- California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF): http://www.ccof.org
- Demeter USA: http://www.demeter-usa.org
- International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM):http://www.ifoam.org
- Wild Farm Alliance (WFA): http://wildfarmalliance.org
