Some of us buy certified organic food as an alternative to agribusiness as usual, right? I mean, we know we're supporting a production system that restricts, among other things, chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. And, though not addressed by the National Organic Program, deep down some of us hope we're supporting smaller farmers – paying them and their workers a fair price – and using our food dollar to turn this global food model upside down.

But are we?

As organic food sales climb (they were worth $17 billion in 2006), it's not surprising that the handful of multinational firms controlling most of our food and fiber want in – and they're in…deep.

Some industrial organic brands are easy to spot, like "Campbell's Organic," "Hershey's Organic," and "Tropicana Organic." Others not, meaning conscious shoppers who think they are supporting a strictly organic food company – like Muir Glen or Seeds of Change – are in fact directing money back into the pockets of the largest food processors. Michigan State University professor Philip Howard has drawn these connections for us. Here are some highlights:

Cargill/Heinz/Hain Celestial – Arrowhead Mills, Celestial Seasonings, Health Valley, Rice Dream, Walnut Acres

Coca Cola – Odwalla

Danone (France) – Stonyfield Farm, Brown Cow

Dean Foods – White Wave Silk Soy, Horizon

General Mills – Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen

Hershey Foods – Dagoba

Kraft – Boca, Back to Nature

Kellogg – Kashi, Gardenburger, Bear Naked, Morningstar Farms/Natural Touch

Kerry Group (Ireland) – Oregon Chai

M&M Mars – Seeds of Change

Pepsi – Naked Juice

Solera Capital – Annie's Naturals, Annie's Homegrown

Indeed, important players in the organic food industry have achieved their share of buyouts as well, especially Whole Foods, the world's largest retailer of natural and organic foods. It has bought more than a dozen retail chains in the last 15 years, including the 2007 purchase of Wild Oats, which came with a dozen of its own acquisitions.

But, take heart: many companies seem committed to their independence, including Applegate Farms, Eden Foods, Equal Exchange, Newman's Own Organics, and Organic Valley (a cooperative of farmers).

And, of course, dollars spent on local food is still the best way to nudge society toward a future where producing food enhances community relationships and doesn't wreak havoc on the environment. Thankfully, farmers' market season is just around the corner.

Sources (including graphic): Philip Howard, Michigan State University

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Healthy Foods Today
written by healthyfoodstoday, April 04, 2008

In today's world, our bodies still require the complete balance of pure nutrients and energy provided by live whole foods. The modern demands of our fast-paced world have led to the processing of food to the point of non-nutrition.

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