Every Tuesday at 8pm EST, we host an organic-related conversation on Clubhouse (be sure to follow @organicinsider and @gregfleishman).

In last night’s room, New Hope’s Carlotta Mast and Elliot Howell took questions and gave us some information about this year’s Expo West Virtual Week and Expo East in Philadelphia.

Below are the highlights from the discussion.

EXPO WEST VIRTUAL WEEK, MAY 24-27

Expo West Virtual Week will be focused on product discovery and fostering connection between the exhibiting brands, retail buyers and the press and influencers. One-on-one networking, community breakout rooms, online concierge services and other digital tools will be available to support audience engagement and deepen community relationships. Read more »

Dr. Bronner’s, the beloved soap brand that donates 8.6% of its revenues to social and environmental causes, has released a limited-edition, cannabis-scented fragrance of its classic bar soap to support a new consumer education and crowdfunding campaign for Sun+Earth Certified.

Founded by the International Cannabis Farmers Association, Cannabis Conservancy and Certified Kind, along with deep support from Dr. Bronner’s, Sun+Earth is a program inspired by and aligned with the Regenerative Organic Certification standard but tailored to the way cannabis is grown and produced. Read more »

In the organic ingredient world, a significant transaction was announced this morning.

SunOpta, a global company focused on plant-based foods and beverages, sold its organic ingredient sourcing and production business, Tradin Organic, to Amsterdam Commodities N.V. (Acomo) in a debt and cash-free transaction worth €330 million. Read more »

If we want to improve the way children eat, using capitalism as a tool to create this change is certainly one powerful way to do it.

That is precisely what motivated the Whole Kids Foundation to launch its new #WholeKidsBiz sweepstakes, which is giving away $5,000 to student entrepreneurs.

From March 18-25, students ages 11-18 can enter for a chance to win by submitting an under-three-minute video describing how their business or entrepreneurial school program is helping kids eat healthier in one of three areas: gardening, plant-forward cooking or nutrition education.

Not only are children and young adults showing an interest in healthy living at a much earlier age, but youth entrepreneurship — undoubtedly helped by the popularity of Shark Tank — is also on the rise.

According to the Gallup-HOPE Index, 77% of students in grades 5 – 12 say they want to be their own boss, 45% say they plan to start their own business, and 42% say they will invent something that changes the world.

“Students are taking the lead in powering real change in their communities and schools— whether it’s growing and selling vegetables from their school garden or incorporating vegetables into baked goods,” said Nona Evans, Executive Director of the Whole Kids Foundation, a non-profit arm of Whole Foods Market. “We’re excited to support entrepreneurial learning, as the critical thinking skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur will set up our next generation of leaders for success in whatever they aspire to.”

For the Whole Kids Foundation, whose mission is to improve children’s nutrition and wellness, this giveaway is a natural fit. And it is the first of many steps the foundation plans to take to support entrepreneurship, with the goal of building awareness of youth-led businesses and creating a pipeline for a future grant program for students.

Read more »

The reality is that the older we get, the more responsible we become about decreasing our sugar intake.

And while reducing the amount of sugar we consume may be the smart thing to do for our health, it is not always the easiest habit to embrace.

Luckily, there are companies such as Foodstirs — a brand that completely understands the needs of the modern consumer. We want super-clean, organic ingredients that are sustainably-sourced but a product that does not force us to sacrifice taste.

The latest offering from Foodstirs — a keto chocolate chip cookie mix — encompasses all of that and an incredibly low amount of sugar as well.

“Our purpose is to provide spectacular Junk-Free sweet baked goods that are clean, better for you, and delicious. We believe this item is a new way for us to deliver on our purpose and promise to the world,” said Greg Fleishman, the company’s co-CEO and co-founder.

The organic keto chocolate chip cookie mix has 1 gram of added sugar per serving, with a total of 2 net carbs per serving. Not only is the product Non-GMO Project verified, but it is naturally gluten-free due to its use of almond and coconut flours. Read more »

With more than 80% of U.S. consumers purchasing organic food on a regular basis, the industry continues to surge in popularity, and there are more organic brands – and choices – than ever.

Yet, when one takes a deeper look at what is happening behind the scenes, the picture is rather unsettling. Most notably, the farmers are suffering beyond imagination.

According to the USDA, projected 2019 median farm income was expected to be -$1,636, and a majority of farmers are forced to earn off-farm income to feed their families and keep their farms afloat.

Canada-based Farmer Direct Organic, a certified organic producer of grains, seeds and legumes, is acutely aware of this problem and is making it a cornerstone of the company’s operating philosophy. Read more »

When you mention the name REBBL to most people, the first thing that usually pops up is their favorite flavor of the company’s adaptogenic coconut elixirs.

After all, these drinks are incredibly delicious and nutritious. And addictive.

Yet, when you dig deeper and peel back the layers of this brand, a very inspirational story emerges. Read more »