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Living Maxwell

Better Choices

Another Reason to Support Organic — Organic “Hotspots” Significantly Boost Local Economies

While there are many reasons why we should support organic food, we now have yet another one: organic boosts local economies.

In a new study by the Organic Trade Association called U.S Organic Hotspots and their Benefit to Local Economies, it has been found that organic food and crop production – and the business activities accompanying organic agriculture – creates real and long-lasting regional economic opportunities.

Conducted by by Penn State Agricultural Economist Dr. Edward Jaenicke, the research identifies 225 counties in the United States in Organic Hotspots — counties with high levels of organic agricultural activity that have neighboring counties with high organic activity — and then looks at how these Organic Hotspots impact key county-level economic indicators.

And what this study found was incredibly compelling, including:

  • Being an Organic Hotspot increases median household income by over $2,000
  • Being an Organic Hotspot lowers a county’s poverty rate by as much as 1.35 percentage points

This significant increase in household income and reduction in poverty levels are greater than general agriculture activity, and being an Organic Hotspot has an even greater impact than major anti-poverty programs.

In summary, what this shows is that organic isn’t just providing healthier food for people and keeping toxic pesticides out of our environment, but organic is making our economies stronger.

As such, we need to get this report to every single one of our politicians. Now we have tangible proof, instead of just rhetoric, that adopting a pro-organic agenda makes good business sense and will improve the financial standing of citizens living in these Organic Hotspots.

Needless to say, this is an extremely encouraging development and great work by the Organic Trade Association!

(To find out if you live in an Organic Hotspot, check out this cool interactive map here.)

A message from Tradin Organic

Why Tradin Organic is Prioritizing Regenerative Organic Farming

At Tradin Organic, we believe that regenerative organic farming is key to growing healthy and nutritious food ingredients — for now and for future generations.

And in Sierra Leone, we have grown the world’s first Regenerative Organic Certified cacao.

Learn more.

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Living Maxwell

Better Choices

Organic Strawberries are Found to be More Nutritious, Says Washington State University

I just love reading announcements like this. Researchers at Washington State University just released the results of their study of strawberries and concluded that organic is superior to conventional in several different categories.

Not that this is any great surprise to me but having empirical evidence is always beneficial.

The study, which was published in PLoS One, came to the following conclusions about organic strawberries:

– Longer shelf life and greater dry matter.

– Higher antioxidant activity and concentrations of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds.

– Sweeter taste, better flavor and appearance.

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A message from Tradin Organic

How Tradin Organic is Helping Coconut Farmers in The Philippines

For more than a decade, Tradin Organic has been working with local partners in The Philippines to bring a diversified range of organic products to the market, such as coconut oil, tropical fruits and even cocoa.

The company is helping to support local farmers by assisting them with technical support and organic certification, in addition to paying Fairtrade premium on top of the organic premium.

Learn more.

Living Maxwell

Better Choices

Organic Black Sesame Seeds — Something You’ll Always See in My Kitchen

When it comes to eating, I like clean and light food.

My body seems to reject heavy sauces, fried foods, and sautées, even if they are 100% organic.

I like simplicity in a meal and as a result, I tend to cook a decent amount for myself. Why?

Not only is cooking at home the most inexpensive way to eat organic but I can have exactly what I want.

Whenever I make quinoa, millet or a big salad, one of my favorite things to put on these dishes are black sesame seeds.

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Living Maxwell

Better Choices

RE Botanicals Becomes the First National, Certified Organic CBD Brand for US-Grown Hemp

As you may have already realized, CBD (short for cannabidiol — a cannabis compound) is exploding in popularity and is showing up in an increasing number of food, beverage and personal care products.

Despite the explosion of CBD oils and CBD-infused drinks, almost all of these products do not contain the USDA organic seal.

Boulder-based RE Botanicals has bucked this trend and has become the first national CBD brand to receive USDA organic certification for U.S.-grown hemp. Given who is behind RE Botanicals, the fact that it has achieved this milestone should not come as a surprise at all.

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livingmaxwell: a guide to organic food & drink