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Grocery Store Truths: Organic Corporations
Ever wonder who owns the farms producing the certified organic products you buy at most grocery stores? Chances are it’s no longer the family farm that’s been passed down through the generations, but rather a farm owned by one of the top 25 corporate food processors in North America. Horizon, Green & Black, Earth’s Best, Kashi, and Cascadian Farms are just a few of the organic brands owned by major corporations like Heinz, Dean, Kellogg, and General Mills. Since the USDA’s organic standards were implemented in 2002, there have been dramatic changes in corporate ownership in the organic food sector, with many small farms being rapidly bought up by these larger corporations. Just the massive amounts of paperwork and administrative burdens brought about by these standards are more than small independent farmers can handle on their own.
This graph, displaying the industry structure of major organic farms, shows just how many of the organic brands we buy every day are owned by major corporations.
(Download large version HERE)
This raises a tough question: Do you still want to buy organic if it’s produced, distributed, retailed, profited from by one of the big corporations that run the conventional agri-food system?
For those who want to avoid buying into the corporate food system, take advantage of your local farmers markets, many of which have a variety of organic offerings. Not only will you know exactly where you food is coming from, but you will be supporting and building relationships with local farmers.
If you live in Philadelphia, check out the farmer’s market schedule for Lancaster farm fresh. They run farmers markets all over the city on different days of the week.
Short on time? Join a Lancaster Farm Fresh Buying Club and have your share of seasonal meats and vegetables dropped right at your door.
Also be sure to check out Art in the Age’s Weekly Local Event Guide, which includes local farmer’s market dates.
Written by intern on 05/28/2010 in Activism | Blog | Editorial | Food | Gardening | Philadelphia | Politics | Theory/Criticism
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