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Mary Gray, Alternative Farming Systems Information Center, National Agricultural Library, U.S. Department of Agriculture
This publication documents the legal, economic, and social issues involved in marketing and trading organic products, and offers a starting place for entrepreneurs or for farmers researching potential markets. It describes the regulatory aspects of organic trade, offers market data, suppliers, outlets, and events, and summarizes market and consumer studies. There are also appendices on the National Organic Standards, links to journal articles, and a index of web sites and organizations. Publication is in PDF format.
133 pages. Also available on CD, which you can order by contacting:
Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
National Agricultural Library
10301 Baltimore Ave.
Room 132
Beltsville, MD 20705
Phone: (301) 504-6559
E-mail: afsic@nal.usda.gov
Peter C. Reynolds, Ph.D., Fearless Foods, LLC
A publication about the changing organic industry.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Contains ERS articles and reports, answers to frequently asked questions, recent research updates, and government links on this topic.
Dr. Charles Benbrook, agronomist and former ED of the NAS Board of Agriculture
Paper on pesticide residues in organic vs. conventional food. It includes new data from 1999-2000 California DPR testing, as well as 2001-2002 British testing (they found same basic pattern of residues as U.S. testing programs). It argues that on the food safety-pesticide front, the scientific case is now rock solid that consuming organic food is a reliable way to markedly reduce pesticide dietary exposures, and hence risk; and second, that recent toxicological and epi studies strongly support the conclusion that for pregnant women, infants, and children, current levels of exposure in the diet cannot be defended as safe. Publication is in PDF format.
The North Central Initiative for Small Farm Profitability, October 2001
A study of consumer attributes and purchasing patterns in 4 mid-western states. Includes consumer responses to organic, "all-natural," and local, with a special emphasis on meats and poultry, including pastured poultry. Publication is in PDF format.
Organic Trade Association
Designed for retailers who offer fresh organic produce. Offers merchandising tips, ordering ideas, and additional resources for everyone in the produce department. $50 for non-members, $30 for members, plus $4.25 S&H. Click here to get an order form.
Ramu Govindasamy, John Italia, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
This study provides an analysis of consumer willingness to pay for organic foods which decomposes the marginal effects of demographic variables, attitudes, and risk perceptions. This factsheet presents some positive evidence of consumer response to organically grown produce. Publication is in PDF format.
Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas
A starting point for organic growers looking to develop more secure marketing and business strategies.
A national association representing the organic industry in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmer associations, brokers, consultants, distributors, and retailers working to promote organic products in the marketplace and to protect the integrity of organic standards.
Organic Trade Association
P.O. Box 547
Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone: (413) 774-7511
Fax: (413) 774-6432
E-mail: info@ota.com
National Agricultural Library, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
A bibliography (1992-2002) available online.
Complimentary print copies are available from the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center at the National Agricultural Library by calling (301) 504-6559 or e-mailing afsic@nal.usda.gov.