NOSB meeting in Seattle

This article was originally published in January 2011

Mark your calendars: The National Organic Standards Board and the National Organic Program will hold their first meeting ever in Seattle on April 26-29. Consumers, vendors and other organic stakeholders may attend or testify.

The agenda isn’t final but it’s expected to focus on animal welfare and rules on “outdoor access” for organic poultry. Aquaculture also may be debated — whether only vegetarian fish should be certifiable in land-based systems, or whether carnivorous fish, such as farmed salmon and cod, also should be certifiable in open-ocean net pens. This is an unprecedented opportunity to witness the organic rule-making process.

What questions would you like to ask these experts about organic standards? You can sign up to testify before the NOSB at http://www.ams.usda.gov/nosbseattleslots

Visit our NOSB meeting Web page for more information.

Also in this issue

Sustainable shrimp

At PCC, we carry only American shrimp, wild-caught or farmed in ways that are ecologically sustainable. We have a range of sizes and styles — fresh, frozen, raw and cooked. Here are a few you may find in our stores.

What’s ahead in 2011

Like businesses everywhere, PCC has plans for the new year, with strategies for challenges and ideas for improvement — customer service, remodel and upgrade Fremont PCC, explore software to deliver our 10% coupon electronically — and much more!

The Farm Worker Pesticide Project: protecting people and the planet

Last spring, a group of workers tending orchard trees noticed a cloud of toxic fumes heading their way. Within minutes they were experiencing the pain and terror of acute poisoning: vomiting, abdominal cramps, dizziness, headaches, weak muscles, numbness, burning hot skin, and other symptoms.