August 28, 2009: More produce, more care

Hello: In a consumer-driven environment, more and more farmers are choosing to produce organic fruit, vegetables and berries as high-value enterprises. With direct-marketed, fresh produce comes a world of opportunity, as well as a universe of responsibility to deliver safe, healthy food every day, every load, every crop.

This week: we look at two Iowa farmers leading the way in giving greater care to crops after they are harvested; a summer intern tells how personal stories galvanized her organic convictions from way casual to deep commitment; and the French find that organic food is more nutritious.

Handle with care:
Hands-on experience, on-line tools help fruit and vegetable growers with food safety
It takes attention to detail from the second produce is picked through washing, prepping and packing to give consumers the consistently fresh, healthy food they expect.

Organic nutritional benefits clear in detailed French report

Swedish farmers help with climate labeling for food

EU research targets organic ag improvements for farmers, consumers

Ag fertilizers, processed foods causing risks to “nitrosamine generation”

Organics fare well in TIME story on fixing US ag crisis