“This post contains content sponsored by the Organic Trade Association. The opinions expressed in my post are my own.”

Food is a huge part of my life!
I am a true Foodie at heart. I find food brings us together in ways that create some of the best memories. It is my desire to not only provide meals that are delicious to my family, but also good for them! 

I want to serve my family organic food, but the availability and cost is often a factor for our family at the grocery store.

Do you feel the same way? 

What if I told you we could do something about it?

Together we can help create a world with more access to organic food that was affordable. To make this a reality, we need your help. The solution to creating more access to organic food is through the Organic Check-Off Program.

What is the purpose of the Organic Check off?

An Organic Check off program would generate money for the organic sector to:

• Educate consumers about what organic is and its benefits
• Distinguish organic from lesser claims and unregulated seals like “natural”
•  Confirm the science behind the environmental and public health benefits of organic
•  Undertake research to solve problems such as invasive pests and weed control
•  Bring new farmers into organic production through information and technical assistance
•  Reduce the supply crunch by transitioning farmland to organic production across the U.S.
• The Organic Check-off would raise over $30 million per year for promotional, educational and research activities. Over time, this would be a game-changer for the organic sector.

We need to educate ourselves and other consumers about what organic is and what the benefits are of consuming organic products. I have previously felt skeptical of labels on foods claiming to be natural, but this will make the “Organic” label distinguished and regulated. 

When we are able to show the clear science behind the idea of why we should purchase and consume organic products we will be able to make better choices regarding our food purchases. More research and farmers need to be brought in to solve problems of accessibility and production. 

With the Organic Check-Off there will be targeted promotions and education offered to consumers helping them understand the benefits of organic. Remember “Got Milk?” Imagine a similar ad “Go Organic!” or another campaign that would help us all to remember to look for that Organic label. These other campaigns are all other Check-off campaigns that were very successful. 

How can I help? 

The USDA needs to hear from you! Go here and submit your name, address and comment to the federal register. The more that we support this as consumers, the more likely this will happen. If you are passionate about organic foods share comment and share this post with your friends and family! The public comment period ends March 20, 2017.

When there are many voices speaking out they will stop and listen! Others, like me, have been sharing and writing encouraging everyone to participate in this campaign.

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Thank you for supporting Organics!

Keikilani