June 28, 2017 New rules to increase consumer trust in organic foodstuffs and unleash the sectors potential for growth were informally agreed with Council negotiators on Wednesday.

To increase consumers trust:

Four years after entry into force of this regulation, the Commission would report back on the efficiency of the EU anti-contamination rules and national thresholds and, if need be, come up with a draft law to harmonise them.

To boost EU organic food production:

Rapporteur and chief EP negotiator Martin Husling (Greens/EFA, DE) will hold a press conference on Thursday at 09:30 on the outcome of the negotiations (Anna Politkovskaya room PHS 0A50).

More detailed information about the content of the deal are available in the background note.

After 20 months of negotiations we have managed to reach an agreement, which will help organic sector grow and will increase consumers trust in organic foodstuffs. It was a laborious task but I believe new rules will bring benefits to both EU consumers and organic farmers, said Martin Husling.

Next steps

The agreed text now needs to be approved by the Agriculture Committee, the Parliament and the Council before it can enter into force. It shall apply from 1 July 2020.

Procedure: Ordinary legislative procedure (co-decision), 1st reading agreement

Type of the document: Regulation

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Organic food: new rules for EU label agreed - YubaNet

Cincinnati-based grocery giant The Kroger Co. (KR) saw its shares tank 10% last week on news of ecommerce leader Amazon.com Inc.s (AMZN) proposed $13.7 billion all-cash acquisition of high-end grocer Whole Foods Market Inc. (WFM). (See also: Is Kroger Stock a Buy After Falling Last Week?)

Despite the sell-off, Kroger Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rodney McMullen spoke to CNBC on Tuesday with confidence regarding his company's ability to adapt and outperform in a rapidly changing industry. Many suggest Kroger should make a counteroffer for Whole Foods to protect its market share, but McMullen called the organic grocer a good fit for Amazon, indicating that he was not at all surprised by the blockbuster deal.

The number two U.S. grocers CEO says its business will continue like normal, as the firm remains hyperfocused on the long term, which he defined as three to five years. Kroger will continue to ramp up its efforts to transition into a more organic and natural foods focused retailer. McMullen hopes the health transformation will help the company grab a larger portion of the organic food market, as it sees sales in that segment boom to $16 billion.

I think the retail industry is in constant change. Weve been saying that for years, said McMullen. Amazon wanted to do something from the physical asset standpoint We are trying to take care of customers. The news comes just as German discount grocers Aldi and Lidl plan their U.S. strategy, pressuring prices which have already been heavily cut by Wal-Mart Stories Inc. (WMT).

Kroger shares gained 2.6% on the heels of McMullenss interview to close at $23.35 on Wednesday. The day's gain trims KR stock loss year-to-date (YTD) at 32.3%. (See also: Kroger Nosedives on Downward Revised Guidance.)

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Kroger CEO Not Phased by Amazon-Whole Foods Tie Up, Shares Pop - Investopedia

In Chef's Choice, the Naperville Sun asks local chefs to share their culinary background and experiences and talk about a featured dish found on their menu.

This week, we speak with Rick Van Buren, 49, who co-owns Fire It Up Taco Fusion Grill with his wife Julie. The restaurant's taco feature organic ingredients in unique combinations.

Van Buren has a finance degree, but started working in restaurants while in college and has a wide variety of experience, including stints at the Cubby Bear in Chicago, Bar Louie and private golf courses. He operated a food truck business from 2011 to 2013, which he sold to open his first brick-and-mortar location in Wheaton. The Naperville restaurant at 1523 N. Aurora Road opened in 2016.

Question: Where does the name, "Fire It Up," come from?

Van Buren: The name came from the food truck. When we first bought it, I'd say we need to fire it up to see what's wrong with it. My wife, being the marketing guru she is, said we should call it that.

Q: Actually food trucks are pretty popular. Why did you decide to do a regular restaurant location instead?

Van Buren: Because we live in Illinois and the truck thing is a very seasonal business. Even though it's winter, the kids have to eat.

Q: Has your experience been mostly fast food or has there been fine dining as well?

Van Buren: As far as my experience, it's been more to the full-service casual dining side of things.

David Sharos / Naperville Sun

The Asian tacos served at Naperville's Fire It Up include a homemade citrus slaw, braised pork and a spicy/sweet Asian sauce.

The Asian tacos served at Naperville's Fire It Up include a homemade citrus slaw, braised pork and a spicy/sweet Asian sauce. (David Sharos / Naperville Sun)

Q: What food trend would you say is most exciting right now?

Van Buren: I think the food business in general has people getting back to real food vs. stuff in a bag. I think having people getting back to real food is exciting. We're doing what we're doing because we felt it was the right thing to do.

Q: Where did the taco idea come from?

Van Buren: (The idea was) to keep it affordable. (If) you're buying organic food and if you're doing an organic burger, you're going to have to charge $16 for it. That doesn't seem affordable.

Q: What's the biggest change when you go from a food truck to a restaurant, besides the space?

Van Buren: Staffing that's a challenge across the industry. There aren't as many people in the market.

Q: What's the most amazing thing you've ever eaten?

Van Buren: That's really tough. There are so many things I've tried that I've liked.

Q: How about this: if you could only eat one type of cuisine the rest of your life, what would it be?

Van Buren: It would have to be Italian because there are so many options between the meats and the pastas and the things that could come together.

Q: Most people's palates change over time. What's something you enjoy eating now that you wouldn't touch as a kid?

Van Buren: As a kid, I couldn't stand cucumbers but now I love them. I wouldn't touch something like sushi either and now I love it.

Q: What's a go-to dinner at the Van Buren house?

Van Buren: Believe it or not, it's still tacos. We are always trying new recipes at home.

Q: Who out there in television or magazines has been an influence for you? Do you follow Rick Bayless, for example?

Van Buren: Not really. Maybe someone like Guy Fieri, who find these places on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives."

Q: Describe for us the dish you're featuring today

Van Buren: This is a new Asian taco we're featuring, with a homemade citrus slaw on the bottom, braised pork that goes on and a fresh ginger, soy, garlic-based Asian sauce that is sweet and spicy, and some house made pickled red onions. We serve it with our tri-colored quinoa.

David Sharos is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.

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Chef's Choice: 'Real' food an exciting trend for owner of Fire It Up fusion tacos - Chicago Tribune

New Delhi, Jun 28 Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh today held discussions with his counterpart in the commerce ministry, Nirmala Sitharaman, on ways to promote organic food products and their certification.

In a tweet, Singh said that a single system for organic certification to cater to all stakeholders, including farmers, exporters and consumers, was also deliberated on.

This meeting assumes significance as the commerce ministry is emphasising on promoting exports of organic goods and for that certification of products is important as it helps increase competitiveness in the global markets and fetch higher value.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the food regulator, has recently released a draft regulation for organic food products, seeking to ensure that these food items are actually organic.

Organic foods will have to comply with the provisions under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) administered by the government or the Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS-India) run by the Agriculture Ministry or any other standards notified by the food authority.

It has sought public comments on the draft regulations, which has been prepared in view of rising demand for organic food products, being considered as healthy, in the country.

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Agri, commerce ministers discuss ways to promote organic food - Outlook India

By Matthew Staver/Bloomberg/Getty Images.

Jeff Bezos has yet to actually take over Whole Foods, but the prospect of the acquisition deal has already disrupted the grocery industry. On the day Amazon announced plans to buy the upscale grocer for $13.7 billion, investors pulled billions of dollars from competing companies, with the market cap destruction totaling almost $40 billion for the 20 worst-performing food and retail stocks on the S&P alone. And the fallout from the potential merger isnt over.

On Wednesday, meal-kit delivery company Blue Apron announced plans to slash the target share price for its upcoming I.P.O., from $15 to $17 per share to $10 to $11 per sharea dramatic cut for a company that, while unprofitable, was generating significant year-over-year revenue and closing its losses. The new share price would value Blue Apron at about $2 billion, compared to its previously expected $3.2 billion valuation.

At least part of the blame for the sudden change in value can be attributed to the Amazon-Whole Foods deal: between Amazons logistics and Whole Foods fresh inventory and organic foods, the merger of the two companies would almost certainly give Blue Apron a run for its money. Amazon already offers AmazonFresh, a food delivery service, and has given thought to expanding into the meal-kit delivery space, too. In the deal, Amazon would also have access to 400 Whole Foods locations, giving Bezos hundreds of potential delivery hubs in the same upscale markets in which Blue Apron is trying to establish a foothold. Though the companies havent announced plans to take on Blue Apron yet, it remains an existential worry facing the company.

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The Amazon-Whole Foods Merger Is Already Wreaking Havoc - Vanity Fair

Alexander C.N., et al. Treating and preventing alcohol, nicotine, and drug abuse through Transcendental Meditation: A review and statistical meta-analysis. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly 11: 13-87, 1994.

Aron E.N. and Aron A. The patterns of reduction of drug and alcohol use among Transcendental Meditation participants. Bulletin of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors 2: 28-33, 1983.

Clements G., et al. The use of the Transcendental Meditation programme in the prevention of drug abuse and in the treatment of drug-addicted persons. Bulletin on Narcotics 40(1): 5156, 1988.

Gelderloos P., et al. Effectiveness of the Transcendental Meditation program in preventing and treating substance misuse: A review. International Journal of the Addictions 26: 293325, 1991.

Gelderloos P., et al. Effectiveness of the Transcendental Meditation program in preventing and treating substance misuse: A review. International Journal of the Addictions 26: 293325, 1991.

Orme-Johnson D. W. Transcendental Meditation as an epidemiological approach to drug and alcohol abuse: Theory, research, and financial impact evaluation. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 11, 119-165, 1994.

Royer A. The role of the Transcendental Meditation technique in promoting smoking cessation: A longitudinal study. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly 11: 219-236, 1994.

Shafii M. et al. Meditation and marijuana. American Journal of Psychiatry 131: 60-63, 1974.

Shafii M. et al. Meditation and the prevention of alcohol abuse. American Journal of Psychiatry 132: 942-945, 1975.

Wallace R.K. et al. Decreased drug abuse with Transcendental Meditation: A study of 1,862 subjects. In Drug Abuse: Proceedings of the International Conference, ed. Chris J.D. Zarafonetis (Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger): 369-376, 1972.

Walton K. G., and Levitsky, D.A. A neuroendocrine mechanism for the reduction of drug use and addictions by Transcendental Meditation. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly 11: 89-117, 1994.

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Transcendental Meditation (TM) Technique - Richmond

Mind is the forerunner of all actions. All deeds are led by mind, created by mind. If one speaks or acts with a serene mind, happiness follows, As surely as ones shadow. -Dhammapada 1:2

The Vipassana (pronounced vi PAH suh nuh) Group is a twice weekly gathering of diverse individuals who practice meditation and study the teachings of the Buddha according to the Theravada (pronounced terra VAH duh) school of Buddhism, the traditional Buddhism of Southern and Southeast Asia. The Vipassana Group first met at Ekoji in November 1994, and began weekly Friday meetings on March 3, 1995.

Newcomers are welcome and encouraged to attend, regardless of their meditation experience, religious background or affiliation, or those with no religious affiliation.

Vipassana is a Pali word which literally means clear-seeing, or seeing with clarity and precision; insight. Through the practice of meditation and by studying and applying the Buddhas teachings in everyday life, one learns to see things more clearly and with greater understanding. The causes and conditions that shape ones thoughts, feelings, judgments and sensations become clearer. Through direct experience, the nature of how one grows or regresses, how one produces suffering or frees oneself from suffering is understood. Life becomes characterized by increased awareness (mindfulness), non-delusion, self-control and peace.

As a way of strengthening our spiritual practice, the Ekoji Vipassana Group strives to host visiting teachers throughout the year. Past teachers we have hosted include Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia, Susan Stone, and Thanissaro Bhikkhu. In addition, we hold 2 self-led weekend retreats annually at The Clearing in Amelia County. We also encourage our members to attend outside retreats as their schedules permit.

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Insight Meditation Community of Richmond, Va. - Ekoji ...

Who we are

We are a friendly and inclusive group inspired by, and associated with, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanhs Community of Interbeing and with the Insight Meditation tradition of Gaia House.

What we do

We meet weekly on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm to practise Buddhist meditation and mindfulness. Weaspire to bring mindfulness, concentration, and insight to daily living. During our meetings we practice guided meditation, walking meditation and silent sitting meditation. We also share readings from a range of Buddhist teachers. There is an opportunity for mindful speaking in which we communicate with compassionate listening and loving speech. (See Our practice pages for more details of what we do).

Where we meet

Centrally located, meeting at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 222 Sheen Road, TW10 5AN,we are convenient for members from Richmond, Ham, Petersham, Kew, Barnes, East Sheen, Mortlake and St Margarets.

New members

Our meetings are open to, and welcome, new members of all faiths or none. We honour the differing religious traditions of our members. No previous experience is needed but please make contact by email before attending for the first time so that we can arrange for your first visit to be on a week in which relevant instruction is being given.

About our Group

Weare run ona not-for-profit basis. There is no charge for attending our meditation evenings but donations are accepted towards our running costs.

Richmond Mindfulness Meditation Group was founded in 1997. We followGuiding Principles which encapsulate what we value about our Group. For the avoidance of doubt, we are neither a therapeutic group nor a stress reduction group.Our meetings have a minimum age limit of 17 and we regret that children cannot be brought to our meetings.

In addition to our regular evening meetings we have periodic Days of Mindfulness where we have the benefit of a full day of practice.

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Richmond Mindfulness Meditation Group - Buddhist meditation

There are roughly two kinds of people: those who continually lament what is wrong with the world, and those who smile away life's difficulties and remain always positive in their thinking. Why take everything so seriously? How wonderful this world would be if everyone were more positive, more harmonious!

In the jungle of civilization, in the stress of modern living, lies the test. Whatever you give out will come back to you. Hate, and you will receive hate in return. When you fill yourself with inharmonious thoughts and emotions, you are destroying yourself. Why hate or be angry with anyone? Love your enemies. Why stew in the heat of anger? If you become riled, get over it at once. Take a walk, count to ten or fifteen, or divert your mind to something pleasant. Let go of the desire to retaliate. When you are angry your brain is overheating, your heart is having valve trouble, your whole body is being devitalized. Exude peace and goodness; because that is the nature of the image of God within you your true nature. Then no one can disturb you.

When you want to create a good habit or destroy a bad one, concentrate on the brain cells, the storehouse of the mechanisms of habits. To create a good habit, meditate; and then with the concentration fixed at the Christ center, the center of will between the eyebrows, deeply affirm the good habit that you want to install. And when you want to destroy bad habits, concentrate at the Christ center and deeply affirm that all the grooves of bad habits are being erased.

I will tell you a true story of the effectiveness of this technique. In India, a man who had a bad temper came to me. He was a specialist in slapping his bosses when he lost his temper, so he also lost one job after another. He would become so uncontrollably irate that he would throw at whoever bothered him anything that was handy. He asked me for help. I told him, The next time you get angry, count to one hundred before you act." He tried it, but came back to me and said, I get more angry when I do that. While I am counting, I am blind with rage for having to wait so long." His case looked hopeless.

Then I told him to practice Kriya Yoga, with this further instruction: After practicing your Kriya, think that the divine Light is going into your brain, soothing it, calming your nerves, calming your emotions, wiping away all anger. And one day your temper tantrums will be gone." Not long after that, he came to me again, and this time he said, I am free from the habit of anger. I am so thankful."

I decided to test him. I arranged for some boys to pick a quarrel with him. I hid myself in the park along the route where he used to pass regularly, so that I could observe. The boys tried again and again to goad him into a fight, but he wouldn't respond. He kept his calmness.

Affirmation

Bless me, that I heal anger hurts in myself with the salve of self-respect, and anger hurts in others with the balsam of kindness."

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Richmond Meditation Circle - Home

FITNESS

Saturday Tai Chi Floor Polish Dance Studio, 215 N. Hoff Ave. Learn chi-building standing meditation and Yang form Tai Chi Chuan movement. 1-2 p.m. Saturdays. $10. 333-5905.

Tai Chi for Health Resurrection Lutheran Church, 11575 N. First Ave, Oro Valley. Improve balance, mental clarity, relieve pain and create an overall feeling of well-being through natural breathing and slow, gentle, meditative body movements. 1-2 p.m. Mondays. $10 per class; $60 for nine weeks.780-6751.

Tai Chi for Health St. Francis in the Foothills, 4625 E. River Road. Safe, effective and fun way to improve balance, mental clarity, relieve pain and create an overall feeling of well-being. 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays. $10; $60 for nine weeks. 780-6751.

Seated Tai Chi for Health Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center, 1660 W. Ruthrauff Road. For those who want to improve their health but cant stand to exercise. 1-2 p.m. July 12. $24 for four classes. 465-2890.

Divine Joy Yoga Rincon United Church of Christ, 122 N. Craycroft Road. Yoga. Visit divinejoyyoga.com to see all locations. 9-10 a.m. July 6, 11 and 13. $6. 808-9383.

Yoga in the Buff Movement Culture, 435 E. Ninth St. Clothing optional co-ed. 4-5 p.m. Thursdays. $5. 250-2331.

Hot Yoga Rooted, 1600 N. Tucson Blvd. Full body flow. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. $10. 1-435-671-9033.

Vinyasa Yoga Tucson Chiropractic Center, 570 N. Columbus Blvd. Strengthen, stretch and tone. 8-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. $5. 1-435-671-9033.

Tibetan Yoga Awam Tibetan Buddhist Institute, 3400 E. Speedway Rancho Center. For young or old, focuses on the breath as it works with the asanas. 10-11 a.m. Saturdays. $5. 622-8460.

Meditation and Martial arts

Taekwondo Wellness Intuition Wellness Center, 5675 N. Oracle Road. Learn traditional Taekwondo philosophy and core principles, self-care, stress management, coping skills, social skills and mindfulness meditation. 4:15 p.m class for ages 7-12; 5:15 p.m. for ages 12 and up. 4:15 and 5:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. $20. 333-3320.

Capoeira for Kids Studio Ax, 2928 E. Broadway. Children learn the basics of Tucson Capoeira Martial Arts through games and exercises. Ages 5-12. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Free first class; $15. 990-1820.

Intro to Capoeira Studio Ax. A form of fitness and exercise that works the whole body, but also the mind. 7-8:15 p.m. Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free. 990-1820.

Tucson Community Capoeira Classes All Levels Movement Culture. Build strength, and test endurance while learning the basic history and traditions. 4-6 p.m. Saturdays. $10.

Kids Capoeira Movement Culture. Develop; balance, motor coordination, speed and strength. Wear loose pants/sweat pants and any t-shirt and training will be in bare feet or martial-art/dance shoes. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Mondays. $10.

Tucson Capoeira intro class Movement Culture. Introduction to the four core expressions of Capoeira: Movement, music, philosophy, and history. 5:30-7 p.m. Mondays. Free.

Tucson Capoeira Beginners Class for Kids Movement Culture. Children will begin to learn the basics of capoeira. Ages 5-12. 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays. $10.

Playing Capoiera: Learning Afro-Brazilian Martial Arts Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Public Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive. Learn Capoeira movements and music. Ages 10 and up. 6-7 p.m. July 12. Free. 594-5200.

Tucson Capoeira Beginners Class Movement Culture. Dance, acrobatics and music. 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. $15.

Kettlebell Fit Centerline Movement, 1600 N. Tucson Blvd. Strength and conditioning. 18 and up. 7-8 a.m. July 6, 11 and 13. $25. 975-0292.

Everyone Runs TMC Run with the Roosters Old Tucson, 201 S. Kinney Road. 5 mile run, customized finisher tech shirts, Mexican breakfast, photos, slip 'n slide, sno-cones and awards. 5-7 a.m. July 9. $35. 797-7867.

Brewery Bootcamp Dragoon Brewing Co., 1859 W. Grant Road. Full body workout. 21 and up. 11 a.m.- noon. July 9. $10 includes first beer. 465-6895.

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Tucson Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation and Fitness ideas July 6-14 - Arizona Daily Star