North Farm News
February 2001

Home Shopping Insider
 & Buyers' Edge

Published bimonthly by North Farm Cooperative for its customers/members. To submit original articles or provide feedback, please e-mail the Editor, Norma Woods.

In This Issue:

Gaylord is Coming 

• GMO Opponent Ronnie Cummins To Keynote May Meeting
• Keep North Farm Informed
• What's New On The Web 
• Member Forum: Answers to Those Difficult Questions
• Returns Policy Dated
• Join In The Fun! 
• North Farm to Subsidize GMM Travel Costs
• Board Meeting Update
• Turning the Tables on an Impending Cold
• Prescription for Nutritional Healing
• Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference 2001
• USDA Sets New National Organic Standards
• Be Alert for Pack Size Changes
• Pack Size Changes Effective January 1, 2001
• New Flavors, Products, Brands
• North Farm Staff Picks

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General Manager

Box, that is. Gaylord boxes are large, heavy-walled, cardboard boxes designed to contain and protect large shipments. North Farm is testing Gaylord boxes, and by the time you read this, Gaylord boxes should be in general use on many of our delivery routes.

North Farm will be using these boxes for all unrefrigerated products delivered on all routes by late March. There are several important benefits we expect to achieve using these boxes, and we will need some cooperative help to make this project a success. 

The most important component of Gaylord boxes is their ability to isolate all products for a given delivery. While we have seen a 25% reduction in delivery errors during each of the last two years, I believe our error rate is still too high. This is in part due to the nature of our business—we have 25 to 30 pre-assembled deliveries on every route. By design, some pallets contain multiple deliveries which reduces our physical ability to adequately segregate product. 

Gaylord boxes allow us to “purify” orders. Every box will contain no more than one order. This will help ensure all the products we send to you get to you. We are projecting using these boxes will significantly reduce products you are billed for but do not receive. 

Gaylord boxes also yield some environmental and efficiency benefits. Because we will be packaging the completed order in one big box, we will be able to reduce or eliminate repack boxes. We will be packing all “eaches” in plastic bags, and layering these within the bigger box. This will eliminate certain manual steps in the warehouse (lowering costs) and reduce the amount of cardboard used (reducing our environmental impact).

There are other benefits to this program. In connection with these boxes, we are upgrading our trailer fleet. By late March, all North Farm trailers will be equipped with lift gates. This will help members without loading docks (most of you) unload your delivery. Where possible, we will be able to roll your entire delivery right where you want it. Because of this, we hope to achieve simpler, shorter deliveries. Gaylord boxes will also allow us to fill our trucks fuller for more efficient delivery routes.

This will have some impact on all members. Because we hope to drop these boxes on the delivery dock of our retail members, we will be asking them to fold up and store the boxes until the next delivery. On average, we need each box to last through at least four deliveries to reduce our environmental impact and lower our cost per delivery.

Buying club members will no longer have our repack boxes to carry sorted products home. I know this will represent a slight inconvenience. Buying club members will need to find other ways to carry product home; milk crates, plastic totes or coolers should work. I have seen great creativity by the members of this cooperative, and have confidence there are many solutions to these challenges.

This is an important project for North Farm. I believe Gaylord boxes will improve delivery quality, lower overall cost and reduce our environmental impact.

The minor inconveniences associated with this project are offset by considerable gains. In our efforts to improve our service to you, Gaylord boxes will play a significant role.

In advance, I appreciate your support of this program. 

GMO Opponent Ronnie Cummins
To Keynote May Meeting
by Sara Procknow, Marketing Manager

North Farm Cooperative is fortunate to have Ronnie Cummins as guest speaker for this year’s General Member-ship Meeting, May 19, 2001. As National Director of the Organic Consumers Association, Cummins is known for his strong stance against Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

Cummins’ speech is sure to educate, inspire and empower our membership on the subject of GMOs. In his recent book, Genetically Engineered Food: A Self Defense Guide for Consumers, Cummins and co-author Ben Lilliston describe this relatively new, untested technology as playing with DNA using an imprecise process. Cummins himself is a member of a North Farm Buying Club in his hometown of Little Marais, Minnesota, and regularly promotes buying clubs and co-op grocers as alter-native ways to buy natural and organic products.

The keynote speech is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 19 as part of North Farm’s General Membership Meeting (GMM) and Natural Products Show. The GMM will be held in Madison, Wisconsin, at the same location as in recent years, the Alliant Energy Center (formerly known as the Dane County Expo Center).

The day-long event is free to North Farm Co-op members, their families and guests. Non-members are encouraged to attend for a $5 fee.

To help defray the cost of traveling to Madison, North Farm has established a fund to provide partial travel reimbursement to members who submit a request in advance. (Please see the related article on page 3.)

The General Membership Meeting begins Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m., featuring several North Farm workshops, the annual Business Meeting/Elections and the Keynote Address. The popular Natural Products Show begins at noon and features over 100 vendors offering product samples. Concurrent workshops and vendor presentations will also be held during the afternoon. The event will end at 5 p.m.

We will mail a complete schedule of events and information in the GMM Resource Guide, part of the April 2001 edition of this newsletter. Also, we will update the Web site regularly; visit www.northfarm.com and click on the GMM link at the top of the page.

Keep North Farm Informed
by Norma Woods, Editor

North Farm spends a lot of time and money to update our mailing lists to ensure you receive the Price List and newsletter. It would help if you notify us any time there are changes which could affect our service to you.

• Mail or fax the Updated Information form found at the back of most Price Lists and on our Web site.
• Mail or fax your new information in a letter.
• Send a Change of Address card provided by the Post Office.
• E-mail us at nfcoop@northfarm.com
• Call Member Services.

Even if you haven’t moved recently, please check your next invoice to make sure your information is correct.

Did you know? The best way to receive your Price List on time is to take out a subscription and have it mailed to you. Home shoppers will also receive the Home Shopping Insider complete with bimonthly specials to save even more money.

If you move away from your buying club’s territory, let North Farm know your new ZIP Code so we can give you contact information for the nearest North Farm buying clubs.

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What's New On The Web
by Bonnie Heitner, Web Developer

As you click your way around the North Farm Web site, you will find some new features added for your convenience.

The following forms are now available online to be printed, completed and sent to us. These forms are available in PDF and HTML format and can be reached by clicking on the “News” and “Site-Outline” pages.

• Retail Price List Subscription Request
• Home Shopping Price List Subscription Request
• Customer Feedback Form
• Mail-In Credit Request Form
• New Product Ballot
• Fax Order Form
• New Product Request Form
• Updated Information Form

To view the forms in PDF format you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader loaded onto your computer. Acrobat Reader can be downloaded free of charge from the Adobe web site at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html

Also available online are the “Product Information Key” and “Brand Name Abbreviations” pages which are helpful in determining the meaning of abbreviations found throughout the online product catalog. These information keys are located by clicking on “News” and “Site-Outline.”

If it’s promotions you are interested in, you can now view promotions by month. This can be accomplished by clicking on “Products”. There you will see the current and next two months’ promotions.

Lastly, when you use the search feature and bring up a product, there is a new “message field” informing you of any changes regarding the product from out- of-stock information to pack size changes.

Member Forum: 
Answers to Those Difficult Questions
by Norma Woods, Editor

Q  What’s the best way to store chocolate and dried fruit?
A: The high fat content of chocolate makes it necessary to store it in an airtight container between 60°—75° and at less than 50% humidity. Chocolate will turn gray if stored at high humidity because moisture condenses on it and dissolves some of the sugar. If the temperature is too cold the chocolate may “sweat” as it is warmed; if too hot, a gray coating may develop which doesn’t affect the flavor.

Dried fruits can be stored unopened at room temperature for 6 months. Once the package is opened it’s best to seal it well and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. If the fruit dries out too much, just soak in hot water for an hour or so.

Q  What’s the difference between cold-pressed and expeller-pressed olive oils? How about virgin, extra virgin and regular olive oils?
A: There is no difference between cold-pressed and expeller-pressed oil. Extra virgin olive oil must have less than 1% oleic acid but the best have less than half of 1%. It is usually the first cold pressing which produces the finest oil—most often the least acidic.

The highest quality olive oil is virgin oil—expressed first under light pressure and not further refined. Careful storage away from light and heat will help preserve its excellent flavor and greatly in-crease its shelf life. Most olive oil is expressed under heavy pressure and undergoes further treatment which makes it less flavorful but lengthens its shelf life.

A: Different manufacturers have used the terms “cold-pressed” and “expeller-pressed” to label the same process of extraction. Both definitions would describe squeezing the oil from the source without using heat or chemicals.

Q Does North Farm sell a safe hair dye without ammonia, peroxide, lead or sulfate?
A: We sell Light Mountain Auburn Henna (#15524), Mahogany Henna (#15528) and Red Henna (#15526). Ingredients as listed: 100% premium henna. Free of harsh peroxide and ammonia. Includes cap and gloves. No animal ingredients or testing.

Q Should vitamin E and other oil-based vitamins be refrigerated so they don’t turn rancid?
A: It would be best to refrigerate them. You can add a small amount of vitamin E to cooking oils to help keep them from becoming rancid (oxidizing).

Q Are brown eggs healthier than white eggs? Do deep orange egg yolks have more nutrients than pale ones?
A: I’m not sure if there is a difference in the nutritional quality of brown eggs and white eggs. The color of the egg depends on the breed of the chicken. However, I do know that the color of the yolk is influenced by the type of food the chickens eat.

I buy my eggs fresh from a local producer. In the summer when the chickens run around and eat lots of grass, the yolks are a deep yellow color. Now that it is winter and the chickens do not have any fresh grass to eat, I notice that the yolks are pale yellow, like their store-bought counterparts.

More Member Forum Questions:

1. What is ayurveda?
2. Can taking calcium supplements lead to kidney stones?
3. What is ear candling—and is it safe?
4. Other than fresh, which is most nutritious: frozen, canned or dried food?
5. Is it possible to drink too much herbal tea or to drink teas in harmful combinations?
6. How can I decide what is the most healthful bread to buy?

If you have answers for these questions or have questions of your own, please write to:

Member Forum
North Farm Cooperative
204 Regas Road
Madison, WI 53714

Or, send an e-mail to nfcoop@northfarm.com. We’ll report back in the next issue.

Returns Policy Updated
by Rebecca Sonstrom, Sales & Member Services Manager

There are a few modifications to the way returns and credits are handled here at North Farm. The most obvious change is the new form used by the drivers to record and document credits to be issued for returns when you check in an order.

Please DO NOT write on or mark in any way the boxes or bags to be returned to North Farm. USE THE LABEL PROVIDED AND TAPE A NOTE TO THE BOX IF YOU NEED TO WRITE MORE. Recently, several different cases of products were returned to the Warehouse with handwritten messages stating “Return to North Farm” and other markings as well. Part of the process of taking products back and issuing you a credit is to re-stock them. We can’t put boxes that are marked up back on the shelves.

Furthermore, if the box/item was sent to you in error, PLEASE DO NOT OPEN IT! We need the product back in resalable condition.

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Join In The Fun!
by Dottie Dykstra, Board Administrator

Really, it’s serious work, but so rewarding. I’m speaking about a seat on the North Farm Cooperative Board of Directors. Have you ever thought about it? Think it’s too much work? Think you couldn’t possibly squeeze one more extracurricular activity into your busy life?

Being a North Farm Board Member is not for the meek or the mild. You will have to make some tough decisions. You will learn about financial statements, planning, goals and strategies. You will hone your communication skills, learn more about cooperatives and make new friends. And, it will look great on your resumé.

I have not met one North Farm Board Member who, once they made the commitment to run for election, was disappointed in their decision. I’d like to think it’s because I’m such a fun person to work with, but I know it’s because they find they’ve grown as an individual and feel their contribution is worthwhile.

Members are the owners of this cooperative; they are the lifeline. Without them, the Co-op ceases to exist. North Farm needs your input and your energy; please consider running for election. Seats up for election include two at-large seats, chapter seats from Wisconsin and Michigan, and four chapter alternate seats.

Please fill out the Candidate Statement of Intent form and submit it to North Farm along with a Statement of View by April 7, 2001. If you have any questions, please contact me at extension 2666. You can also find the form on the Web at www.northfarm.com

North Farm to Subsidize GMM
Travel Costs
by Becky Sonstrom, Sales Manager

As if the (free) celebration of our 30th anniversary weren’t enough, you now have even more reason to attend our General Membership Meeting (GMM)!

The North Farm Cooperative Board of Directors has once again generously created a fund to help defray costs for members to attend the 2001 General Membership Meeting on May 19 in Madison, Wisconsin. It is also a way for North Farm to reward the patronage of its loyal members who live far from Madison.

Members who travel 100+ miles to Madison may apply for a travel subsidy. Those traveling 200+ miles will receive a larger amount.

The travel subsidy form is available online or you may ask Member Services to send one to you. Applications must be completed and mailed to North Farm by April 23, 2001 (one per account number, please). Subsidies will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis so don’t delay submitting your application.

Recipients will be notified the first week in May and may claim their checks at the Member Services Table on the GMM show floor.

This year’s GMM will be the best ever. Please take advantage of this opportunity for North Farm to help you be there!  Questions? Call me at 608-229-2607 or e-mail: rsonstrom@northfarm.com

Board Meeting Update
by Dottie Dykstra, Board Administrator

The North Farm Board of Directors met December 1 and 2, 2000 at Olbrich Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin. Much of the meeting time was spent discussing the 2001 proposed business plans for both North Farm Cooperative and Magic Mill Natural Foods Market.

The Management Team gave updates and answered Board questions about the past year and the possibilities for the next year. Management mapped out the parameters used to develop the future direction.

The Board also discussed:

Board Communication. A new intranet has been put in place for Board members to confer on North Farm issues.

Audit. The Board chose to retain the firm Clifton Gunderson for the 2000 audit.

GMM Initiative. The Board approved the GMM Team’s proposal for $2,500 towards GMM travel subsidies for members.

Ballot Survey. The Board approved a member survey to be included in the mail ballots, which will be sent the first week in April.

Annual Report. The Board reviewed the 1999 Annual Report and made recommendations for the year 2000 Annual Report.

Open session meetings of the Board are open to the membership. If you are interested in attending an upcoming meeting, please contact Dottie at 800-236-5880, extension 2666. The next meeting is scheduled for March 30 and 31, 2001 in Madison.

Turning the Tables on an Impending Cold 
By Kathleen Wildwood, Holistic Herbalist

Most of us have some clue when our immune system is down. We might feel more exhausted than usual, chilly or just generally unwell. We may start noticing a few sniffles or a scratchy throat. This is the time to act! There are simple choices one might make at these early stages of a winter illness which can often avert it. Here’s what I do when my immune system is not functioning optimally:

1. Eat something orange.
Many naturally orange or pink foods contain carotenes, which are converted to Vitamin A by the body and are important components of immune system function. They enhance production of lymphocytes and T-cells, both helper cells and natural killer cells, as well as enhancing intercellular communication so the immune system can coordinate its activities to get the job done.

Fresh Fruits: cantaloupe, watermelon, peaches, apricots
Fresh fruits have the advantage of containing real vitamin C.  Cooked & Dried Foods: pumpkin pie, dried apricots, canned peaches, sweet potatoes (or pie), carrots, winter squashes.  Cooking foods with carotenes makes them up to five times more available for the body to use. Cook carrots until their color becomes vivid and the texture changes.

Interestingly enough, in Ayurvedic medicine the color orange is associated with the belly chakra and the immune system. We might think of orange as the color of protection.

2. Make a quart of nettle infusion.
Since much of the immune system is made on demand, it can only fend off invaders if we supply the body with the raw materials it needs to make necessary immune system components. Nettle seems practically designed by nature to give us the key nutrients to build immune system function (with the exception of vitamin C). These include vitamin A (made in the body from carotenes, which abound in beautiful, dark green nettle), vitamin E, zinc, selenium and other trace minerals. A nettle infusion contains these necessary nutrients in naturally occurring, absorbable forms. If you are interested in a safe, natural megadose of immune system-specific nutrition, here’s how to make a nettle infusion:

Take one ounce of dried nettle leaves/stalks and place in a one quart canning jar. Fill to the top with boiling water (stir and add more water if necessary) and cover. Let sit at least four hours (this is how long it takes for the minerals to be extracted) or overnight. Strain, and refrigerate for up to two days. It may be reheated and seasoned with salt or tamari. I usually drink a cup or two a day.

3. Take 1 ml (one dropperful from a 1oz bottle) of good quality Echinacea tincture 4-5 times a day for 1 week.*
Echinacea has proven itself worthy of its reputation in numerous studies and in many personal experiences, including mine. In addition to activating production of helper and killer T-cells, B-cells and macrophages, it directly inhibits the growth of many bacteria and viruses. One might do well to provide the body with the raw materials to make these components (see above) so Echinacea can really do some good work. If I have taken the above dose for the maximum time and my immune system is still not up to par, I take Echinacea for several months, 1 ml 2-3 times a day as a tonic.

Although there are rumors one should not take Echinacea for extended lengths of time, national leaders in the herb community feel this is not a problem if one is taking a quality alcohol extract. The safety of standardized Echinacea extracts has not yet been established so I stick with traditional preparations. Most nonstandardized capsules are not as strong as alcohol extracts, but still seem somewhat effective.

* This is what I do. What you do is up to you. Do research, follow the directions on the product and trust your instincts. As always, check with your doctor before taking any herb, especially if you are on medication. Echinacea should not be used by people with auto-immune disorders.

©2001 by Kathleen Wildwood

If you have an herb or health question or if you’d like to schedule an individual consultation with Kathleen, you can contact her on the Web: kwildwood@yahoo.com or at 608/767-4035.

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Prescription for Nutritional Healing
by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC and James F. Balch, M.D.

Reviewed by Norma Woods, Editor
Prescription for Nutritional Healing is a very empowering, must-have book full of invaluable information on the use of vitamins, minerals, herbs and food supplements. You can use it as an authoritative guide to find non-drug solutions or help for ailments such as bursitis and conditions such as aging.

You can find information on the specific properties of various supplements and advice on their use. You can search for what to take to help prevent conditions such as memory problems, wrinkles and insomnia. The book can also help you better understand your condition before consulting a doctor or alternative health practitioner.

The unique format and accessible style are instantly recognizable:

Part One lists and explains the various types of nutrients, natural food supplements, and herbs found in health-food and drugstores.  Part Two describes more than 250 common disorders, from acne to yeast infection, arranged conveniently in alphabetical order, and names the supplements that can be used to combat the conditions.  Part Three is a guide to alternative remedies and therapies that can be used in conjunction with a nutritional program. Self-diagnostic tests throughout the book offer in-depth coverage of a wide variety of topics.

Now in its recently released third edition, Prescription for Nutritional Healing has been a reliable health guide for over ten years. Included are expanded listings of drug-free cures for everything from abscesses to wrinkles. It also provides an in-depth look at the basic elements of health and covers new supplements like SAMe and herbal remedies such as cat’s claw.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing would make a perfect valentine present for someone you love. (I gave a copy to my adult children for their birthdays.) If you already own an earlier edition, I recommend donating it and investing in this brand-new version. With a list price of $23.95, North Farm’s low price of $13.57 has got to be one of the greatest bargains of all time. It’s in Sundries, Food & Health Books, #23025.

Upper Midwest Organic Farming
Conference 2001

North Farm Cooperative is a proud sponsor of the 12th Annual Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference (UMOFC). The UMOFC will be held March 16 and 17, 2001 at UW-LaCrosse, Wisconsin. The theme for this year’s conference is “Organic Vision: Food for Community, Hope for the Future.”

The UMOFC offers a unique, farmer-centered conference, bringing together a diverse group of more than 1,300 from all over the Upper Midwest. Over its 12-year history, the UMOFC has become known throughout the country as one of the best organic farming conferences in existence.

The exhibit hall provides a forum for over 100 exhibitors representing every aspect of sustainable and organic agriculture. The food and drink at the conference is locally grown whenever possible.

Registration is $95 for all day Friday and Saturday. To receive a conference flyer, call the UMOFC voice mail line at 715-772-6819, e-mail: lizrose@mwt.net or write to UMOFC, P.O. Box 339, Spring Valley, WI 54767. Please give your complete mailing address.

Visit their Web site: 

www.mosesorganic.org/umofc

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USDA Sets New National Organic Standards

National organic standards are the result of ten years of dedicated work by the Organic Trade Association (OTA), the farming community supporting sustainable agriculture, consumers and a number of dedicated government employees. These new standards will contribute tremendously to the growth of family farms, to the U.S. economy and to a safer environment worldwide.

How will this affect consumers?
For the first time, there will be consistent standards for all organic products marketed in the United States. No longer will there be questions concerning what certification stands for, or whether a state recognizes a private certification label. Instead, with national organic standards, there will be guaranteed reciprocity and uniformity among all certifying bodies approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

• Standards clarify and make labeling consistent, protecting the integrity of the organic guarantee.
• The rule gives consumers the assurance of what organic stands for. Organic agriculture prohibits the use of toxic synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, irradiation, sewage sludge, and genetic engineering in anything labeled organic.
• USDA will finally oversee and enforce the entry of only qualified organic products into the United States, thus preventing false and mislabeled products from entering the country.

What is going to happen in the coming months?
There is a 60-day period during which Congress can review the final rule. Following that, there will be an implementation period during which certifying bodies will need to apply for, and gain, approval from USDA.

The USDA has predicted it will take approximately a year to review and approve U.S. certifiers, both state and private entities, and to negotiate international equivalency agreements. The first round of approval will be free, with approval granted for five years. USDA will need to approve foreign certifying agencies or reach equivalency agreements with countries that have their own national organic standards before products certified as organic outside the United States can be labeled and sold as organic here.

The OTA anticipates there will then be a six-month period for businesses to obtain certification from accredited certifiers. Businesses already certified will be grandfathered for up to one year.

What changes will consumers see? 
Consumers will see new labels on organic products. They may also see the use of the USDA seal on various organic products.

The new standards allow four labeling options. The first three categories would prohibit the inclusion of any ingredients produced using genetic engineering, irradiation, or sewage sludge.

1. 100% organic. Only products exclusively produced using organic methods will be allowed to carry a label declaring “100% organic.”
2. Organic. This will signify 95% of the ingredients (by weight, excluding water and salt) in a processed product have been organically produced. The remaining 5% can only be natural ingredients or synthetic ingredients allowed on the National List. Organic products must be processed by a certified organic handler.
3. Made with organic. Products with 70 to 95% organic ingredients may display “Made with organic [with the specific ingredient or ingredients listed]”. Organic products must be processed by a certified organic handler.
4. Products with less than 70% organic ingredients would be allowed to list the organic items in the ingredient panel only.

A label claiming “Organic Vegetable Soup,” for instance, would signify that 95% of the total ingredients of the soup are certified as organic. Alternately, a soup label might read “Vegetable soup made with organic ingredients.” Another label might simply read “Vegetable Soup” and include the word “organic” in the ingredient panel (as in “potatoes, carrots, and organic kidney beans”).

In all label categories, the product cannot use both organic and non-organic versions of the same ingredient. For instance, if a bread is made with organic wheat, all of the wheat in the bread must be organic, not 80% organic wheat and 20% non-organic wheat.

How soon will shoppers see the USDA seal on products? 
Products may begin carrying the seal within 18 months. Use of the seal, however, is voluntary. It is the use of the term “organic” that will be regulated. The Organic Trade Association will work very hard with the Bush administration to ensure that this program is quickly implemented, with accreditation and certification occurring in a timely fashion. In a best-case scenario, a certifier that is currently ISO Guide 65 accredited will immediately apply to the USDA for approval, and complete the approval process in the first year.

How will this affect the organic industry?
Internationally, it means that the United States will be able to sit down as an equal at the negotiating table with the European Union and Japan concerning organic products. Without the rule, these international parties would have halted exports of U.S. organic products. The result will be access to additional international markets and further U.S. sales of organic products. With clear and consistent organic standards and labeling requirements, domestic sales will continue to expand.

• National organic standards position the organic industry to grow the organic farm community, protecting the environment and protecting future generations.
• Having standards in place will facilitate and expand the marketing of organic products, both domestically and globally.
• The rule ends any doubts about the credibility or viability of organic agriculture. This regulation acknowledges that organic agriculture is a viable and integral part of U.S. agriculture.
• National organic standards will allow the industry to pursue other growth opportunities, such as in fiber, in landscaping, and in organic alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.

Are national organic standards good for small farms and businesses? 
Organic agriculture is a production system that is proving to be a high-growth niche in a low-growth sector (agriculture) of the economy. It gives farmers a chance to produce high-value products while increasing the health of the land that they farm. Growing consumer demand worldwide continues to open markets both domestically and internationally for U.S. farmers and small businesses choosing to offer organic products.

The regulations, currently posted on USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service’s web site (www.ams.usda.gov/nop), also appeared in the Dec. 21, 2000 issue of the Federal Register.

Further information about national organic standards is available on OTA’s web site (www.ota.com).

Be Alert for Pack Size Changes
by Bruce Luecke, Warehouse
and Norma Woods, Editor

North Farm would like to call your attention to the problem of frequent errors caused by pack size changes. Pack sizes and quantities change quite often, so please verify the size and quantity in the Price List.

For example, when a member orders a case of a product that used to come as a case of 6 and the pack size has changed to a case of 12, then a case of 12 will be delivered. Often the customer returns the whole case. This causes extra handling on the truck and in the warehouse to get the case back into its slot and is costly in labor hours. If the customer keeps 6 and returns the other 6, there are extra problems in accounting.

The Purchasing Team has begun to put the pack-size change information into the invoice message field so people will note there is a new way to order these products. Marketing is noting pack size changes more prominently in the body of the Price List, in the online catalog and in Product Notes and News in the newsletter. Member Services will try to be more vigilant in pointing out changes in pack sizes when customers order.

Members, please check the pack sizes each time you order and review invoices, the newsletter, Price Lists and our Web site for pack size changes.

Together we can reduce the number of mistakes and, therefore, reduce costs.

Pack Size Changes Effective January 1, 2001

Mori-Nu Puddings (6180, 6196) 1 each = 1/12/3.75oz; 1 case = 6/12/3.75oz
Mori-Nu Pudding (6176) 1 each = 1/12/4oz; 1 case = 6/12/4oz
Bee & Flower Soaps (5442) 1 each = 1/4-pack; 1 case = 36/4-packs
Kashi Cereal (3544) 1 each = 1/5lb bag; 1 case = 6/5lb bags
PHB Toothbrushes (12747 & 12748) 1 each = 1 each; 1 case = 72 each
Fuch's Toothbrushes (13185, 19052, 13198, 19064) 1 each = 1/10-pack;
    1 case = 12/10-packs
Westbrae Ramen (4885, 4888, 4890) 1 each = 1/24/3.01oz; 1 case = 6/24/3.01 oz
Gentle Breeze Honey (13466 & 4303) 1 each = 1/5lb; 1 case = 6/5lb
American Health (5129, 5124, 5118) 1 each = 1/5lb; 1 case = 10/5lb
Prairie Mills Steel Cut Oats OG (5014) 1 each = 1/5lb; 1 case = 8/5lb
Prairie Mills Oat Bran OG (3568) 1 each = 1/5lb; 1 case = 8/5lb
Eddie's Bulk Pasta (17984, 17992, 17996) 1 each = 1/5lb; 1 case = 2/5lb
    Each to Case-Only Changes
Fantastic Foods Chili (3101) now case only 1 case = 12/6.4oz
Fantastic Foods Nature Burger (3107) now case only 1 case = 12/10oz
Fantastic Foods Tabouli (3116) now case only 1 case 12/6oz
Fantastic Foods Oatmeal (15871, 15869, 15082, 15090) now case only
    1 case = 12/1.7oz cups 
Fantastic Foods Soup (6704, 151101 case = 12/1oz cup
Lindt Candy Bars (6312, 6313, 6317, 6321, 6323, 6325, 6320, 6309) 1 case = 12/3.5oz 
Cloud Nine Candy Bars (12671, 12513, 12660, 12518, 12663, 12530, 12521, 12522, 12531,
     12666, 12524, 12529)1 case = 12/3oz
Rapunzel Candy Bars (7385, 7376, 7388, 7387, 7380, 7408, 7378) 1 case = 12/3oz 
Tropical Source Candy Bars (12540, 12542, 12553, 12548, 12547, 12544, 12546, 12502,
     12545) 1 case = 12/3oz
Country Choice Cookies (6849, 6848, 6850) now case only 1 case = 24/2oz
McDougall's Oatmeal (3592, 3591, 3577, 3582, 3598) now case only
     1 case = 6/variable-ounce cups 
Hain Snack Bars (12170, 12173, 12178) now case only 1 case = 12/5.6oz
Hain Snack Bars (12184, 12198) now case only 1 case = 12/3.9oz
Shelton's Jerky (13001, 13005) now case only 1 case = 12/.5oz

New Flavors, Products, Brands
by Sara Procknow, New Products Committee

Several additions to our natural product offerings were featured in the January/February Price List and we’d like to point out some of the features of these new products. Also, beginning February 1, we have brought on several new products early for you to try. Please visit our Web site for current pricing and nutrition facts on these products. They are: 

Cascadian Rice Bowls – Great tasting organic chicken and vegetable rice bowls have been added to the Cascadian Farm line. Four new flavors include 20016 Country Herb, 20018 Orange Dijon, 20019 Teriyaki and 20029 Thai. 

Eden Light Soy Milk – North Farm now offers two flavors of Eden Light Soymilk, Original and Vanilla. Available in two sizes: 1585 Original 12/1 Liter and 1588 Vanilla 12/1 Liter; or 1586 Original 9/3/8.45oz. and 1589 Vanilla 9/3/8.45oz.

Nature’s Gate Foaming Bath Oil – Choose from 11173 Moisturizing, 11174 Relaxing, or 11176 Invigorating new foaming bath oils from Nature’s Gate.

Soy Delicious Bar – Item number 15148 is a 4-ounce vanilla-almond-chocolate bar which joins the Soy Delicious group of frozen snack treats.

New products for January include:

Refrigerated
Butter & Butter Substitutes
Spectrum has come out with a new organic margarine spread that is worth a try. It is a non-dairy product and does not contain GMOs. There’s also a shortening available in the baking supplies, packaged section.
9488 SPECTRUM, Margarine OG, 12/16oz 1ea
9489 SPECTRUM, Shortening OG, 6/42oz 1ea

Frozen Foods
Breads & Baked Goods, Frozen
You can never go wrong with Amy’s natural frozen products and these toaster pops are no exception. For a snack or as a meal, these are a healthy, natural grab-n-go product. They’re made with some organic ingredients and without GMOs.
2246 AMY'S, Apple Toaster Pops, 12/11.6oz 1ea
2248 AMY'S, Cheese Pizza Toaster Pops, 12/11.6oz 1ea
2250 AMY'S, Strawberry Toaster Pops, 12/11.6oz 1ea

New from Van’s are some great-tasting waffles. If you’re looking for a substantial waffle to serve at breakfast, then try the Belgian Waffles – they are huge! 
10815 VANS, Original Blueberry Mini K, 12/8pk 8oz 1ea
10817 VANS, Original Chocolate Chip Mini K, 12/8pk 8oz 1ea
10874 VANS, 7-Grain Toaster Waffles K, 5/18pk 27oz 1ea
10881 VANS, Original Belgian Toaster K, 6/18pk 24oz 1ea
10882 VANS, Blueberry Original Belgian K, 12/4pk 8.2oz 1ea

Entrées, Vegetarian, Frozen
To make dinner planning a cinch, try these tasty skillet meals from Amy’s. They’re over a pound, so they are substantial enough to serve as a meal. Each one is made with all-natural ingredients (many of them organic) and without GMOs.
2254 AMY'S, Country Cheddar Skillet Meal, 8/18oz 1ea
2256 AMY'S, Pasta Veg Alfredo Skillet Meal, 8/18oz 1ea
2258 AMY'S, Teriyaki Stir Fry Skillet Meal, 8/18oz 1ea 

New from the Ethnic Gourmet brand are several vegetarian wraps. These wraps are large, bigger than your hand, but keep the calories in check at just over 300. Great for lunches or as a quick meal or snack.
3655 ETHNIC GOURMET, Kung Pao Tofu Wrap, 12/8oz 1ea 
3656 ETHNIC GOURMET, Vegetable Paneer Wrap, 12/8oz 1ea 
3657 ETHNIC GOURMET, Vegetarian Peanut Satay Wrap, 12/8oz 1ea 

Tomato Products & Pasta Sauce
Two new varieties of Muir Glen fire roasted tomatoes have been introduced, crushed and diced. They are made with organic tomatoes that have been fire roasted. Available in two sizes. 
19449 MUIR GLEN, Fire-Rstd Crushed Tomatoes, 12/28oz 1ea
19450 MUIR GLEN, Fire-Rstd Crushed Tomatoes, 12/14.5oz 1ea
19451 MUIR GLEN, Fire-Rstd Diced Tomatoes, 12/14.5oz 1ea
19452 MUIR GLEN, Fire- Rstd Diced Tomatoes, 12/28oz 1ea

Sundries & General Merchandise
Household Cleaning & Supply
Just as the brand name implies, these are products to use if you care about the environment. They are made with all-natural, unbleached paper and are perfect for baking. The large baking cups are for your typical muffin or cupcake recipe. Really high-quality products in nice, environmentally friendly packaging.
10256 IF YOU CARE, Parchment Paper 100% NB, 12/70 sq ft 1ea
10258 IF YOU CARE, Large Baking Cups NB, 24/48ct 1ea
10260 IF YOU CARE, Baking Paper Sheets NB, 12/24ct 1ea

North Farm Staff Picks Favorite Products

Linda Welch—Purchasing 
(Linda has worked at North Farm for 20 years and is North Farm’s longest-serving employee.) “I make a wonderful granola in my own home using mainly North Farm ingredients”:  Prairie Mills Rolled Oats (#4969), Dawes’ Hill Honey (#2521), Arrowhead Mills sunflower seeds (#5747), almonds (#4601), coconut (#4416) and Hain canola oil (#4473).

“I also especially like Falcone’s Flat Bread (find in Crackers and Ricecakes). Pad Thai Noodles (#7229) from Thai Kitchen are good but not quite spicy enough so I add some chili paste.

“I place an order for North Farm supplements about every two months: Multi-vitamins (#30475); E (#30220); Calcium (#30185); B-Complex (#30070) and Beta Carotene (#30005). They are high quality and an excellent value.”

Pam Herbrand—Purchasing
 “I buy a lot of Midwest Northern Nuts—Deluxe Mixed Roasted (# 5703) with no peanuts and no salt. I also buy Baby Swiss Delico Cheese (#842) or Weyewaga Cheese (#841), whichever is on sale. Both are yummy and excellent. And I love Newman’s Sockarooni (#3073).”

Ed Hunt — Information Systems
“We drink a lot of Celestial Seasonings Peppermint Tea (#1849). Cascadian Farm Strawberry Jelly (#9128) is excellent. For snacks we like Little Bear Caramel Popcorn (# 9237). We bought a lot of Thompson supplements; since they’ve been discontinued we are switching to the North Farm brand.”

Mary Hull — Member Services
“We like Bravissimo Pizza (#14533), Clif Luna Bars (#13014) and 
North Farm Cheese, especially String Mozzarella (#890) and Aged Cheddar (#85).”

Scott Capper—Warehouse Admin
“We buy a lot of North Farm Products—at least $200 worth a month. I hate going to grocery stores and ordering from North Farm is a lot easier. Almost anything by Amy’s is really good. We toast a lot of Matthew’s English Muffins. (Find in Frozen Bread.) Instead of cow’s milk we drink Eden Rice & Soy Blend (#1611) which we also put on cold cereals—Arrowhead Mills, Barbara’s Bakery, Health Valley, Nature’s Path, Nature’s Bakery Granola, Erewhon, Breadshop, U. S. Mills. They are all good and I buy them all. I buy all of our bathroom products and HABA (Health And Beauty Aids) from North Farm—especially Kiss My Face and Tulsi-Neem soap by Auromere (# 7536). Also Tom’s of Maine toothpaste—Spearmint (#5916) and Fennel flavors (#5910).”

Todd Shumate—Warehouse Admin
“I mostly buy things on sale in the North Farm Outlet Store such as snacks to get me throught the day. I like Newman’s Bite-Size Pretzels (#17946) and I just tried Vita-Spelt Pretzels (#4761) and was surprised at how good they taste. My wife buys products through the Price List. I know she buys cases of Shikai products.”

Don Droster—Warehouse
“My very favorite North Farm product is Sprecher’s Root Beer (#17261) and I buy a lot of it.”

Loretta Milner — Warehouse
“I love the frozen Yucatan Guacamole, Medium (#8475). I buy Little Bear Chips and Kettle Chips to go along with it. I buy lots of HABA products from North Farm: My kids like the Tom’s of Maine Strawberry-Flavored Toothpaste.

“Since I’m so busy working it’s hard to find time to order out of the Price List. I look at what customers buy a lot of when I pick orders and I can tell what’s on sale and what is really popular. I write down the numbers of things I want to order myself.”

Beth Disch—Member Services
“I buy lots of Luna Bars (esp Chai #13016) and have been known to buy 3 cases at a time. They’re not all for me, though—my husband loves them, too. He works in a factory and has to hide the label which says they’re for women. We drink a lot of Glaceau Water and I especially like the Honey Dew flavor (#15523).”

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