AHMEDABAD: Commander-in-chief of Myanmar Defence Forces senior general Min Aung Hlaing began his two-day visit to Ahmedabad on Sunday . The commander-in-chief arrived at Ahmedabad on Sunday along with his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, Myanmar Defence Forces and 15 other delegation members. The Myanmar delegation was received by General officer in Commanding of Golden Katar Division Major General Anil Puri. The commander-in-chief and along with his spouse visited Sabarmati Ashram and Riverfront on the first day of their visit. The commander-in-chief and his wife were very impressed by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Spokesperson Wing Com mander Abhishek Matiman said commander-in-chief Hlaing and the delegation were enthralled to visit the focal point of `Non-violence' conceptualized by Mahatma Gandhi."The delegation was particularly impressed by the scenic beauty of the Sabarmati River front." said Wing Commander Matiman. Commander-in-chief Hlaing is scheduled to visit various commercial sites including Amul Dairy plant at Anand, TATA Nano factory at Sanand and Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute on Monday.

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Myanmar defence chief, wife visit Sabarmati Ashram - Times of India

RIP to Cruciferous

Its already the end of the road for Cruciferous, the months-old vegan strip mall option that popped up almost out of nowhere in Hollywood. A collaboration with Marie Chia and partner Shane (plus the man behind Doomies Home Cookin), Cruciferous managed to stand out in a field of salads and grain bowls thanks to its unique takes on plant-based cuisine. And yet, the restaurant could not hold on.

In a note passed around to customers, the Cruciferous team says:

It is with a heavy heart that we have to anounce that last night was Cruciferous last night of service. We did not plan on ending it this way, and certainly not this soon, and we were looking forward to many, many more nights of cooking dinner for a growing crowd in our little space.

To everyone whos already made reservations for the next few days and weeks, we cannot thank you enough for choosing to dine with us and we deeply apologize for this regretful turn of events.

As for Doomies and also-vegan ice cream shop Cocobella, they both remain open in the same Hollywood strip mall.

Vinovore to Silver Lake

Another new wine shop is slated for Silver Lake soon, with the opening of Vinovore next to Hot Hot Food. That makes sense considering the address at 614 N. Hoover was for a time a pop-up wine shop by co-owner Coly Den Haan before Hot Hot Food started; now the corner lot will come back to life with tastings and a focus on female wine producers, with an opening slated for July 21.

All the pig you need

The Standing Room in the South Bay is doing a new weekly all-you-can-eat pig roast starting tonight, where for just $15 folks can enjoy tacos, sliders, and other bites of straight-up pork plus a free draft beer.

Remembering the Biltmore

Last month KCET put out a great piece on the history of Downtowns Biltmore hotel. The Pershing Square-adjacent property once played host to the annual Oscars ceremony, and remained for many years a bastion of upscale dining in posh Downtown.

More on the former Osso

The former Osso space (and before that, One-Eyed Gypsy) in the Arts District is thriving again, with plans for a music venue from some very big names. Its to be called The Moroccan Lounge, according to LA Weekly, who detail out some plans for the place including a likely fall arrival.

The Irvine scene

Ever wondered what the food scene is really like down in Irvine? The folks at i8Tonite have done all the hard work in collecting a round-the-clock guide to eating and drinking, from AM bites to late night sessions in what is otherwise considered one of Southern Californias sleepiest enclaves.

Terra Cotta is here

Koreatowns Terra Cotta couldnt seem to find a hold with locals, ultimately shuttering back in May following just six months of service. The time off gave management the chance to retool and focus on the bar (which makes sense given the proximity to the Wiltern), and now Terra Cotta is up and alive again. The (re)opening menu is below.

More here:

Hollywood's Most Intriguing Vegan Restaurant Has Closed Suddenly, and More - Eater LA

Image via Philippe Doignon

Got some spare time, a plane ticket to France, and a healthy appetite? Then perhaps youd like to check out this summers buzziest hot spot: Baywatch alum Pamela Andersons new pop-up restaurant, La table du Marche, in the South of France. The restaurant features a vegan menu, champagne bar, and a sexy, exquisite atmosphere. But dont waitdoors opened July 4, and will only stay open for only 50 days thereafter.

The famed animal-rights activist partnered with French chef Christophe Leroy to develop the carte du jour, which includes delectable delights like tomato tartar with goji berries, pissaladire (a pizza-like tart typically made with onions and black olives), small stuffed vegetables, risotto with asparagus, and a vegan burger (yesssssss!).

In an announcement posted on The Pam Anderson Foundation website, the concept of the restaurant is described as festive, glamorous and vegan, while the ambiance is described as sensual and chic. The pop-up is located inside the Moulins de Ramatuelle, a gorgeous hotel with a glam, antique feel.

The grand opening was surely delicious but also bittersweet. In the same announcement, Anderson included a plea to President of France Emmanuel Macron, inviting him to visit her new restaurantbut not just to nosh on a plant-based feast with a side of bubbly. In her poignant note, Anderson asked President Macron to grant asylum to her boyfriend, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, whos currently ensnared inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London.

I am reaching out to Emmanuel Macron, and to his wife Brigitte Trogneux. As a resident of France, my adopted home, I would like to meet with you and discuss Julians situation, Anderson wrote. I am opening a new vegan restaurant in France in July, and I would like to extend my invitation to the new President and his First Lady. Join me on the day I open the doors, and we will sit and eat good food and discuss what can be done for Julian. France could display its strength, and so could you, if you give Julian asylum.

Though you (probably) havent received a personal invitation from the PETA activist, if youre interested in some sophisticated plant-based fare, heres the 411. Bon apptit!

La Table du March by Pamela Les Moulins de Ramatuelle Route des plages 83350 Ramatuelle Phone #: 04 94 97 17 22 Make reservations online by clicking here.

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Sarah Ban is a beauty, health and wellness journalist, editor and copywriter who works with the world's best indie brands and publications. Her work has been published in NYLON magazine, The Kitchn and Living Healthy and she has worked with some extraordinary brands such as Odacit Skincare, CO Bigelow Apothecaries, Kopari Beauty and Seaweed Bath Co. When she's not writing or reading, you can find Sarah eating brunch alfresco in her green and gorgeous hometown of LA.

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Pamela Anderson Opens 'Sensual' Vegan Pop-Up Restaurant in France - Organic Authority

Photo illustration by Slate. Images via Ingram Publishing, gmast3r/iStock.

Mallory Ortberg, aka Dear Prudence, is online weekly to chat live with readers. An edited transcript of the chat is below. (Sign up below to get Dear Prudence delivered to your inbox each week. Read Prudies Slate columnshere. Send questions to Prudence at prudence@slate.com.)

Readers! Ask me your questions on the voice mail of the Dear Prudence podcast. Just leave a message at 401-371-DEAR (3327), and you may hear your question answered on a future episode of the show.

Sam Breach

Q. Break up over veggies: I was raised by my grandparents in Appalachia. There was an outdoor toilet, and hunting and food stamps made up a huge percentage of our meals. I have eaten squirrel and know how to sew, knit, can, and garden by sheer necessity. I got a scholarship to school and ended up very gay and very politically blue.

My long-term lover was born in California to very upscale gay parents. She has never wanted for anything in her life, and I consider her one of the best people I know. She has been trying to go vegan for while now. I dont mind the dietary restrictions, but we keep arguing over ethics. I find them holier-than-thou and rooted in a smug, classist outlook. She thinks eating meat is murder.

This topic is a thorn in the side of our relationship. Ill point out that increased demand for quinoa from upscale Americans has damaged local South American economies; shell send me upsetting PETA videos. Otherwise we work out beautifullysexually, spiritually, and mentally.

We have been getting serious until this, and we both want kids. It is a big deal to me to be able to teach my children how to hunt, fish, and survive off the land. My grandparents died a few years ago, and I want their legacy to live on.

I dont think marriage counseling is going to solve this, but I really do love her. Do you think we can resolve this problem?

A: First, the bad news: I dont think I have a better sense of whether this relationship can work out than you and your partner do. I can tell you that, based on what Ive seen from other couples (and what Ive learned in writing this column for nigh-on two years), differences of opinion about how to raise children tend to get more important over time, not less.

That doesnt mean its impossible for two people with extremely different dietary outlooks to start a family together, but you two cant possibly move forward as you are now. Repeatedly sending you slaughterhouse videos in lieu of having a difficult, honest conversation is not a great choice on your partners part, regardless of how strongly she feels about meat-eating. Telling your partner that you believe her vegan convictions are solely the result of having had a relatively easy childhood is not a terrific choice on yours, either.

Whether or not you two seek out a counselor for help mediating this conversation, I think the most important next step is to figure out how you can talk about food and children in a way that is not rooted in contempt and antagonism. Can you both accept that the other is a fundamentally good person who is attempting to live a valuable, self-sufficient, moral life to the best of her ability, in accordance to her own values? Can either of you imagine a possible compromise when it comes to raising childrenfor example, eating primarily vegetarian meals at home except for what you have hunted or fished yourselves?

I cant answer those questions for you, but I think its worth at least trying to resolve this together. If after all your best efforts you still think the other is being fundamentally unreasonable, you may have to part ways and find partners with more compatible views on child-rearing. But its worth fighting for what you have first.

Q. Night-shift roommate: At the beginning of the summer, my roommate got a job working the night shift. We talked about the situation well in advance of his start date, and I agreed to be quiet and conscientious in common areas during the day in order to let him sleep. My roommate has a short temper, and in the year weve been living together, hes handled conflicts aggressivelyswearing at me, breaking my dishes, and removing furniture from common areas without first asking me. I was worried that the stress of working the night shift would only exacerbate his anger issues, and that appears to be the case.

While Ive taken extreme care to avoid even being in common areas during the day, hes reacted to even the slightest sounds with a lot of hostility. Hes sent angry, all-caps messages, hes slammed doors in front of me, and hes screamed at me to shut up when Im working or eating quietly in common areas. This is only a temporary job, but I think the issues here run deeper, and I think it may be time for us to stop living together.

I love my apartment, I love my neighborhood, and I dont have the resources to move out right now. I also dont want to put my roommate in an unsafe or financially precarious positionor make him even angrier!by asking him to move out. Were both on the lease for another year. Should I try to resolve the situation and ask him to be less hostile, or should I just bite the bullet and try to navigate a moving-out discussion?

A: It isdefinitelytime for you twoto stop living together. Theres no maybe about it. The issue here is not whether your roommate is getting enough sleep (which Im very much in favor of!); the issue here is that your roommate has a violent temper and makes no attempt to curb his outbursts.

Figure out what you need to do in order for moving out to be financially viable, and start taking steps to find your own replacement on the lease. If you have a friendly relationship with your landlord, ask him or her about what options you have short of breaking the lease early.

In the meantime, if you have any friends or family you can stay with while you figure this out, I urge you to do so. I cant imagine how uncomfortable it must be for you to live around someone who might fly off the handle and start screaming and breaking things if you cough in the living room. Of course you can also try to ask him to curb his rages, but something tells me that if he thinks breaking your dishes and screaming curses at you is a reasonable response to ordinary roommate conflict, hes not going to listen.

Your best, and safest, option is to start planning your exit.

Q. Re: Night-shift roommate: Please! If this were a marriage or romantic partnership, this would be considered domestic violence, and we would be telling you to get out of there now. You have no emotional involvement of that sort. Please just get out of there. Maybe crash on someones sofa for a few weeks and pay a last months rent to help the guy out.

Otherwise, please dont worry about putting my roommate in an unsafe or financially precarious position.He put himself there!You cant make him not get angry.He is angry.That is his personality and also his tactic.

Please, please pack your things and get out of there now!He has already shown that he gets physical in anger. He could hurt you and might!

A: Right, the roommates financial situation should be the very least of the letter writers concerns. Since theyre worried about their own financial burden, they should contact the local tenants rights organization. Since theyre on the lease too, it wont be as simple as paying last months rent in order to get out of the contract, but that doesnt mean the only option is to stick it out for another year of walking on eggshells.

Q. Baby uncle: My dad and his second (much younger) wife are about to have a baby boy, just about a month after I had my second child. Im really happy for them and glad my new son will have a relative his age. However, it turns out my dad and stepmom fully expect my kids to call the new baby Uncle X.

I think this is ridiculous. Theyre older than him, and hes a baby. When I expressed this to my dad, he said it would be disrespectful for the kids not to call his son that, regardless of age.

A: Sometimes a situation does not have a clear right side and wrong side! (Those are the worst situations. Im so sorry.)

If your father expected your children to treat his as-yet unborn son as some sort of elder authority, we might be having a different conversation. But if all he wants is for you and your family to refer to his kid as your kids uncle, I think its worth humoring him. Its technically true!

That said, its possible your father is insisting your kids refer to his son as Uncle Fortescue instead of hisgiven nameat all times, even when theyre playing together, which would be more than a little ridiculous and almost impossible to enforce. You can certainly introduce your kids to their new uncle by his title, and say things like, Look! Uncle Fortescue just rolled over. How exciting for Uncle Fortescue, but odds are excellent that by the time all your kids are in the 2- to 5-year-old range, little Uncle Fortescue is not going to be interested in demanding he be addressed by his full title. And you certainly shouldnt go out of your way to correct a group of toddlers playing together and using one anothers given names.

Q. Can I ask my friend-with-benefits for sex?: Im just going to begin my question by acknowledging that the relationship Im about to describe is a little unconventional. Im in my late 20s; the guy Im seeing is in his mid-40s. Were not in a relationship, though weve been exclusively intimate for about two years. Were also very good friends. Hes extremely supportive of my life, family, and career, and vice versa. We consider ourselves friends with benefits, which, despite all the horror stories, is a label that mostly works for us.

But here is my problem: Its been a little over a month since weve seen one another (we live about two hours apart and each have a young child), and Im starting to get an ... itch. Ive inquired a few times about getting together, but hes been busy with work, and I obviously want to respect that. Is it reasonable to call him up and just say point-blank, Hey, I need sex. Can we figure this out? Or is that pushy and obnoxious?

I realize I could inquire with different men, but I honor the monogamous aspect of our relationship and would hate to screw it up over something trivial. Except that this isnt trivial; the itch is real, and I dont mean in a Well, maybe you should try masturbating way. Am I being crazy?

A: First things first: It is not crazyto ask someone you are having sex with to have sex with you. It is perhaps the least surprising thing you could ask for, given your arrangement.

Ask for sex point-blank! Why on earth would you consider it pushy? Its not pushy to stand in line at Starbucks and order coffee. One naturally follows the other! Itwouldbe pushy to order a coffee after closing time or to leap across the bar and demand the barista ignore every other customer in order to make your drink first. But youre not suggesting anything remotely close to that.

Youve been sleeping with this guy for two years, consider him a friend, and call him extremely supportive. Why are you so afraid to ask him to have sex with you?

Q. Re: Night-shift roommate: In some states a domestic violence situation requires that the landlord let a threatened lessee out of a lease. Not sure if the letter writers situation would apply, but he or she should consult an attorney.

A: Thats a helpful point and worth investigating! I think the letter writer should take any and all help available to get away from this guy.

Q. Unrequited for now?: I admit I have a crush on a close friend of mine.

He and I started hanging out this past semester, but we spent almost every day together because of classes. We have the same interests, and hes every bit as compassionate, cute, smart, and funny as one can hope for.

About two weeks into our friendship, though, I made a small comment that accidentally revealed my crush. He knew about my huge breakup from a year before but not much else about me, so he politely declined. Fast-forward seven months, we talk every day, and my crush is worse. Half of me wants to abandon it completely because hes already declined. The other half thinks if he gets to know me better, hell find something he likes about me and theres still hope.

Were entering our last semester together, and I need advice on what to do before I end up asking him out at graduation.

A: If you two have spent the past seven months talking every day, Id wager your crush already knows you pretty well. He has been given sufficient information and can make an informed decision as to whether he likes you as more than a friend!

Since the first time you asked him out was so early on in your acquaintance, I think its fine to ask once more. But why wait until graduation? At this point, I think any delay would have more to do with self-preservation than a genuine desire for him to get to know you better, since youre already fairly close. If he doesnt want to go out with you now, then its better to know so you can put your crush to bed and try to move on. If he does, congratulations! Have a great time on your date!

Q. His ex lives with us: My husband was married briefly in his early 20s, and the divorce was amicable. We are now in our early 40s and dealing with both elderly parents, downsizing, and a disabled child. When my husbands ex asked if she could stay in our house while looking for real estate, we both happily agreed. Mila is a lifesaver. I cant tell you how nice it is to come home to a hot meal and a clean house after a 12-hour shift, picking up a grumpy child, and taking my parents grocery shopping. We have additional income now and have been able go on actual date nights!

Mila has no family except an estranged brother. When she offered to move out, my husband and I both asked her to stay at least for another year. She can save her money and wait for a better real estate market and we all can live together happily.

My personal family is happy with this; my extended one is not. My siblings contribute very little to our parents care but are perfectly happy to gossip about me and pass it off to our parents. I nearly slapped my sister for accusing me of letting my husband move his mistress in. I told her Mila has done more for our parents than she did in the last 10 years (unless it was to beg money from them).

This is the only sour note in what has turned to be a new song in our lives. How do I stop them from spoiling it?

A: Congratulations on what sounds like the most delightful, difficult-to-achieve living arrangementof all time! I hope Mila is enjoying the arrangement as much as you and your husband are and that you two have enthusiastically shown your appreciation for all that she does around the house, as well as made sure she gets some time to herself.

Youve already explained to your siblings that theres nothing sexual or romantic going on between the three of you and that while your roommate situation might be unorthodox, it works for you and makes you happy. If they cant or wont accept that explanation, feel free to say (as often as necessary): Were very happy living with Mila, and Im not going to discuss it any further. If this means you end up spending less time talking to your siblingsfrankly, that sounds like a bonus.

Mallory Ortberg: Yes, theres that upturned chin and that grin of impetuous youth. I believe in you. See you next week.

More here:

Dear Prudence: Can a hunter date a vegan? - Slate Magazine

The Root Restaurant & Bar in White Lake Township has always been vegan friendly, offering daily specials and tastings for diners who prefer a plant-based diet.

This month, Executive Chef Nick Rodgers will prepare a six- course feast with no meat or dairy, spotlighting the fresh produce of Ann Arbor by farmer Tomm Becker and Sunseed Farms.

The Summer Vegan Feast menu at the restaurant, 340 Town Center Blvd., will feature beet and berries with red quinoa, grilled radish salad, cedar-planked seasonal vegetables, cream of celery soup and cauliflower steak with pickled hot peppers. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. and costs $60 per person, with beverage pairings available at $25. Tax and gratuity extra.

To reserve a place at the table, call 248-698-2400.

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The Root prides itself on handmade chef-driven cuisine committed to seasonal, local and sustainable sourcing. For more information, visit therootrestaurant.com or follow on Facebook.

Meanwhile, home cooks who want to try making a delicious vegan dish can begin with this Vegan Whole Wheat Tomato Tart from Chef Nick.

Start to finish: 2 hours

Serves: 4-8

INGREDIENTS

1 cup garlic cloves, peeled

2 cups vegetable oil

3 onions, julienned

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped

1/4, plus 1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup water

1 teaspoon sea salt

4 medium heirloom tomatoes

2 tablespoons of fresh thyme, chopped

2 lemons, zested

Salt and pepper to taste

STEPS

To make garlic confit, heat oven to 275 F. Place peeled garlic cloves in a deep pan. Cover with vegetable oil to about 2 inches above the garlic. Roast for about 2 hours until cloves are medium brown. Strain oil and let cool for about a minute. Crush garlic with a fork to finish the confit. Set aside.

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 3 tablespoons of garlic confit and let simmer, about 2 minutes. Add the onion slices and stir to coat the onions. Season with salt and pepper. Stir every 3 minutes, until dark golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

To make the tart shell, heat oven to 325 F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, fresh chopped oregano, 1/4 cup of olive oil, water and sea salt in a large bowl. Mix until combined and dough is evenly moistened, about 2 minutes. Remove from mixing bowl and pat dough across the bottom of the pie pan and up the sides.

Cover dough with a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, pressing the foil into fluted edges of the dough. Fill the foil-lined crust with a pie weights, dried beans or uncooked rice. Make sure the weight covers the entire bottom of the crust. Place in oven and bake until dry, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for about 30 minutes.

Reduce oven to 275 F. Spread caramelized onions around the bottom of the tart. Core and slice tomatoes 1/4-inch thick. Lay tomatoes in a ring pattern around the tart, overlapping each tomato by half. Season with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper.

In a small pan, mix 1 cup of garlic confit, thyme, lemon zest, remaining olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread mixture evenly on top of tomatoes. Place in oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the tomatoes are softened. Let cool. Cut into 8 slices and serve.

Original post:

Try vegan tomato tart at home, Root's Vegan Feast on July 13 - The Morning Sun

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LIMA Employers in the greater West Central Ohio region will collect $33 million in rebates from the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation in checks that will be mailed beginning next week.

BWC Administrator/CEO Sarah Morrison, in Lima to present a ceremonial check to local business leaders, said employers are free to spend their rebates as they wish, but she hopes they will consider investing in workplace safety.

We work with employers all over Ohio to prevent injuries and illness in the workplace, and they will tell you that investing in safety is a wise business decision, said Morrison, speaking at a press conference at the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce. Safe workplaces mean fewer injuries, fewer medical claims and a stable workforce, all of which leads to a healthy bottom line for a business.

Morrison was joined by chamber President/CEO Jed Metzger and Tony Daley of Limas Spallinger Millwright Services Inc. Metzger and Daley accepted the check on behalf of employers in the entire region, which includes Allen, Auglaize, Shelby, Hancock, Putnam, and Van Wert counties.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich proposed the rebate in March. Its the third such rebate in the last four years, made possible by an improving safety climate, prudent fiscal management and strong investment returns. The plan to distribute rebates to more than 200,000 Ohio employers during the month of July was approved by BWCs Board of Directors in April. Visitbwc.ohio.govfor more details and eligibility requirements.

The plan also includes a $44 million investment innew health and safety initiativesto promote a healthy workforce and a culture of safety in every Ohio workplace. This includes a new wellness program for small employers, funding for programs to help firefighters and those who work with children and adults with disabilities, and an education campaign to address common injuries at work and in the home.

A healthy economy depends on a strong and healthy workforce, Morrison continued. And when the economy is healthy, we all benefit.

Rebate checks will be mailed in phases starting July 10.

See the article here:
Super kamagra review - Van Wert independent

In case there are any doubts left after the recent jump into 100-plus-degree weather, summer is officially here. Fortunately, the heat is accompanied by the bounty of the Yakima Valley: cherries, berries, peaches, apricots, hops and all the rest.

With the abundance of produce, another question arises: Buy organic or not?

Reasons for eating organic vary from person to person, but they generally focus on personal health and safety and environmental sustainability. And organic production continues to increase worldwide, with Washington state making a strong showing: The state accounted for more than 90 percent of all U.S. organic apples and sweet cherries produced in 2015, along with more than 80 percent of organic pears.

But growers and agricultural experts say there are some common misconceptions about what organic truly means.

Organic production has a lot of benefits, yet it does not completely ensure that the product is food safe, said Mike Roy, president of operations at Roy Farms, which has 450 acres of organic hops, apples and blueberries.

For smart, safe grocery shopping, here are some facts about organic production, focusing on produce.

PERCEPTION: Organic produce is perfectly safe to eat, as is.

REALITY: Organic production really addresses pesticide and herbicide residue levels, Roy said. However, many environmental factors are still out of farmers control: A lot of these things like listeria outbreaks, E. coli, salmonella those arent necessarily addressed through organic certification.

The risk of pathogens affects organic and conventional produce.

One of the things to keep in mind on all fresh produce is, theres no kill step. None of the produce is cooked, as opposed to meat, which is usually heated to high enough temperatures to kill nasty bacteria, said Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington Tree Fruit Association.

Fruits and vegetables are grown out of doors ... they sit in open bins at the store, where people handle them, he said. The expectation should never be that fruits and apples are completely devoid of bacteria. You should always wash your food.

As for which products are best to eat organic, thats a personal preference, local growers say.

Theres a popular dirty dozen list that grades foods on how contaminated they are, though its decried by conventional produce growers.

Many consumers make choices based on a foods protective skin, says David Granatstein, sustainable agriculture specialist with the Washington State University Extension in Wenatchee.

The core purchasers of organic food only buy organic products; if they dont have an organic option, they usually wont buy that product, Granatstein said.

But another group of purchasers does more of a risk-assessment process when deciding, he said: If theyre buying a banana, the risk of pesticide residue after they peel it seems much smaller than the risk on a bell pepper, for example.

Customers also consider how much of a product theyre consuming, and whos eating it: If youre feeding yourself versus your 2-year-old baby, you may have a very different process, he said.

PERCEPTION: Organic farms dont use pesticides or chemicals.

REALITY: Everything is made up of chemicals water, air, beer, chocolate.

The National Organic Program keeps a National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances for organic crops and livestock, which can change from year to year.

Generally speaking, organic production uses nonsynthetic or natural substances and prohibits synthetic products, but there are some exceptions for specific uses as long as the substances do not contribute to contamination of crops, soil or water.

A few of those synthetic exceptions are chlorine-based products, copper sulfate, lime sulfur and peracetic acid.

While organic farms are careful to apply only approved substances, they are vulnerable to pesticide drift from other farms, even from far away.

A farmer could be spraying pesticides 200 miles away, but if the winds are right, it could end up being rained onto an organic field, contaminating the crop.

They have allowance for that, Granatstein said. Unless you live in a bubble, in a greenhouse, youre out in the real world. You cannot guarantee 100 percent protection.

Instead of conventional insecticides, farms may employ predators to take care of nuisance insect populations: Roy said their farms have released lacewings, predatory mice and ladybugs, as well as hawks to go after birds that eat the blueberries.

Fun tidbit about the ladybugs: While they do help get rid of aphids, Roy said they also farm aphids, keeping the population at a certain level to maintain their food source. For that reason, Roy Farms had to fire ladybugs as crop protectors.

PERCEPTION: Organic means small mom-and-pop operations

REALITY: Often, but not always. Organic farms come in all sizes, including big industrial operations, just like conventional farms.

As of January, Yakima County was home to nearly 100 certified-organic farms, orchards and ranches producing certified-organic crops or animal products, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

Of those, 60 were listed with less than 30 acres of organic production, including 27 with less than 10 acres. A few even reported less than 1 acre.

On the other hand, 23 Yakima County farms were listed at more than 150 acres each. Zirkle Fruit reported more than 3,200 total acres of organic crops spread among 10 ranches.

In 2015, organic farms in Yakima County reported $55.9 million in sales, up 36 percent from 2013, according to Washington State University data.

Achieving organic certification is at least a three-year process, as fields and orchards must go exactly three years without being sprayed with non-approved pesticides or herbicides before the crop can be considered organic.

Growers have to submit a detailed plan to the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Organic Program citing which substances they will use on their crops, making sure they comply with national regulations.

One aspect of organic farming that is now being adopted by mainstream farming is its lessons in soil health and sustainability, Granatstein said.

Organic systems tend to store more carbon in the soil, he said, which is good for the soil and the atmosphere; and there tends to be greater biodiversity in organic systems.

Climate resilience farms are able to weather adverse conditions, drought or flood, he said. All the extremes tend to be buffered when you do improve the soils.

Thats where much of Roys interest lies: The environmental benefits of organic systems, and ways to go beyond purely organic systems to achieve even greater balance and sustainability.

Organic certification doesnt look at energy use or carbon footprint, Roy said.

I do think theres a better undefined system that needs to be fleshed out in future years, he said. Something that is truly sustainabile for the environment and for production.

Link:

Digging deeper into organic produce myths vs. reality - Yakima Herald-Republic

Scott Horsfall is Chief Executive Officer of the California Leafy Green Products Handler Marketing Agreement (LGMA). The LGMA verifies that Californias handlers of lettuce, spinach and other leafy green products are following a set of accepted food safety standards on the farm. The LGMA was formed in February of 2007, and Horsfall joined the organization in May of that year as its first CEO. From 2002 through 2006 Horsfall was CEO of the Buy California Marketing Agreement, the organization designed to promote sales and consumption of locally-grown produce. Joining the California Grown campaign as Chief Operations Officer in 2002, Horsfall oversaw the creation of its marketing programs, and was promoted to CEO in 2003.

Prior to joining California Grown, Horsfall was President of the California Kiwifruit Commission (CKC), a position he held from 1997 to 2002. The CKC implements marketing and research programs on behalf of the states 400+ kiwifruit farmers.

Horsfall began his career in California agriculture with the California Table Grape Commission, Fresno, CA, where he served most recently as Vice President, International Marketing. At the CTGC, Horsfall oversaw an annual $3.5 million export promotion program. During his tenure grape exports increased over 600% in 14 years. He has served on several industry boards and committees. He served as chairman of the United States Agricultural Export Development Council (USAEDC), was a member of the Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee (ATAC) for fruits and vegetables and is a past chairman of the Produce Marketing Associations International Trade Conference.

Horsfall has a MA in international relations from California State University/Fresno and a BA in communications from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Original post:

In Move to Expand into Organic Food, Campbell's Buys Pacific Foods - FoodSafetyTech (blog)

By MIKE HIBBARD

mhibbard@fltimes.com

PENN YAN There were 392 certified organic farms in New York state in 2005.

That number had jumped to 1,050 by 2015, and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said there are certainly more today as consumer demand continues to increase for organically grown food.

While Schumer applauded that exponential growth during a visit to Penn Yan on Friday, he said that demand has created an issue that is hurting local and New York farmers organic fraud.

Organic farming is a great industry, but its under threat. Like every industry, you are finding people who want to cut corners, Schumer said at the Birkett Mills, which has been in business since the late 1700s and milling organic grain for about 20 years. That is what we are finding now.

Schumer was joined by Penn Yan and Yates County officials, Birkett Mills staff including company President Jeff Gifford, and local organic farmers. Together they called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to work with the Office of the Inspector General to immediately address organic fraud.

Schumer pointed to the efforts of Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens, pioneers in New York state organic farming who started the movement about 20 years ago in the Penn Yan area. They own Lakeview Organic Grain and attended Fridays event.

Birkett Mills has been around since 1797, when George Washington was president. A lot of our farmers depend on Birkett Mills, he said. Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens are like the George Washingtons of organic farmers in the Finger Lakes.

Agriculture is the backbone of upstate New Yorks economy. Increasingly, organic produce and products are becoming lucrative for producers across Yates County, enabling them to bring jobs and investments to the region. But these producers are threatened by foreign imports that illegally mislabel products and undermine New Yorks farmers. I am demanding that the USDA redouble their efforts and work to stop these producers in their tracks, Schumer added. Consumers must know that when they purchase a product that says certified organic, that they are getting what they paid for. The threat of phony organics entering our domestic market could undermine that confidence.

Schumer pointed to last months Washington Post investigative piece that revealed proof of fraudulent grain shipments being sold in the United States. The report exposed a shipment of 36 million pounds of non-organic soybeans and corn shipped from Ukraine and Turkey to California that were illicitly labeled as USDA organic when they reached the U.S.

The scam reportedly boosted soybean prices by $4 million, while deceiving American consumers and hurting U.S. organic producers. Of the 36 million pounds, more than 21 million pounds had already reached farms and mills by the time authorities acted.

Schumer added that the USDA is aware of dozens of overseas producers who are putting fraudulent organic certificates on their products and selling them at inflated prices. At least two of them are Chinese.

Someone slapped an organic sticker on these products and no one caught it. If consumers stop trusting the organic label, this whole industry here is in jeopardy, he said. There are consumers who buy organic products, like my daughter, who believe in them. USDA is supposed to be the cop on the beat, but they havent been doing enough. Its time for USDA to strengthen its oversight.

According to the 2014 USDA Organic Census, New York state is the third largest state in the nation in the number of organic farms, fourth in the number of organic farm acres and seventh in annual sales. Schumer said the USDAs efforts have not stemmed the tide of non-organic imports and the agency must work with the Office of Inspector General to determine new, innovative ways to address the issue.

Since the 1990 passage of the Organic Foods Production Action, the USDA has had the sole responsibility of certifying that products grown domestically and internationally meet organic standards. When a product is labeled organic, that means that farmers produce the food with methods that maximize soil health, conserve water and reduce air pollution.

Certified organic farms cannot use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or hormones.

Read the original here:

Fighting organic fraud - Finger Lakes Times

Stress and anxiety can strike almost everyone at some time or another and this can be made worse bynot getting enough sleep, having unwanted thoughts, and by having the wrong mindset.

Stress creates a surge of hormones in your body, which then causes your body to produce cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones will help you deal with any pressure or threats and this response is known as theflight or fight response.

The adrenaline that is produced will cause your heart rate to rise, as well as your blood pressure and you will have extra energy.

Cortisol is the stress hormone and will temporarily increase energy by triggering the release of glucose into the bloodstream, which will help you to fight or flight.

As your body responds to stress, it will regulate itself so that your hormone levels fall and with it, your heart and blood pressure will go back to normal.

We actuallyneed some stress on a daily basis, because it is actually what motivates us. However, when there is too much or too little stress, it can become a problem.

If you lack of stress, then your body will be under-stimulated and on the other hand, if you have too much stress then stress hormones will constantly be released. These can cause headaches, high blood pressure, and stomach issues. Having too much stress can also increase the risk of stroke or heart attack.

Not only are therephysical problems caused by stress, it can also cause mental issues like depression, anxiety, anger and more.

What Can Relaxation Do?

There is something called therelaxation response, which is a state of deep rest that has been designed to change our physical and emotional responses to stress.

With relaxation, we are able to reduce the stress that we feel, which will then counteract the effects of stress like anxiety.

The relaxation response will also help to lower your blood pressure, improve blood circulation; lower your heart rate and more. It will also give you a better sense of well-being.

However, triggering therelaxation response is not always that easy, but here are proven ways that you can relax and fight the effects of stress.

Proven Ways to Relax

If you are looking forways to relax, then take a look at these great ideas, which will help to trigger the relaxation response and will also help to lift any stress that you may have.

Buy a Plant

Nature is able to improve our well-being and having a little green around can actually improve our moods. House plants will help to purify the air and also calm you down. Just being around plants can help induce the relaxation response.

Turn Your Screens Off Before You Go to Bed

Your melatonin production is affected by TV and computer screens, which will in turn mess with your sleep. You should thenavoid screens before you go to bed, so that you can get into a better sleep rhythm and getting a good nights sleep will also help you to feel more relaxed and refreshed.

Listen to Classical Music

Any music that you love will automatically make you feel better, but classical music will help to slow your heart rate, decrease your stress levels and lower your blood pressure. So, put on some Mozart or try Weightless by Marconis Union, which is thought to be the most relaxing song.

Drink Green Tea

Green tea contains L-theanine, which reduces stress. And by adding honey, you can counteract free radicals and reduce inflammation.

Make Yourself Laugh

You can watch a funny movie; have a fun time with a friend or anything that makes you laugh. Laughter is a great stress buster and those that chuckles have lower levels of cortisol, which will then increase the response to stress.

Have a Piece of Chocolate

A piece of dark chocolate can help with stress, as it releases the happy chemicals, which are called beta endorphins.

Try Yoga

Yoga is a great stress reliever because it involves controlled breathing, as well as exercise. Also, there are poses that will relax your muscles to help reduce depression, anxiety, and tiredness.

Have a Banana

Potassium helps to regulate blood pressure and some may find it beneficial to eat a banana when they are stressed. It will help you recover from stress more quickly.

Practice Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is still being studied in terms of its benefits, but there are many essential oils that will help you to relax and combat stress. You can diffuse essential oils via a burner or you can create a room mist or body spray. Another great way to use essential oils is in a bath. Of course, soaking in a bath anyway is relaxing.Recommending an oil or two for relaxation is easy as there are so many. You can try rose, lavender, chamomile, vanilla, or geranium.

Chew Gum

Chewing gum can lower cortisol and improve your mood. In times of multi-tasking, it can improve your alertness and reduce your stress.

Exercise

Exercise is agreat stress buster as your body will release mood elevating hormones like endorphins and in return, reduce cortisol and adrenaline.

There are a number of ways that you can relax and relaxation is a must to be able to combat too much stress. You need to be able to reduce your stress and relax for your own physical and mental well-being. What do you do to relieve stress?

Read more here:

You Get Stressed If You Don't Rest: The Science Behind Relaxation and Anxiety - AlterNet