'FOOD' FIGHT
A reader points out that we missed the significance in this item of the formation of a new lobbying group by organic dairy farmers, FOOD (Federation of Organic Dairy) Farmers. Not since the 1980s has a group of organic farmers come together in a national lobbying group.
With the growth of organics, more marginalized players in the 'organic coalition' are going to step up to have a more potent voice in policy. Until now, that voice has been largely represented by the Organic Trade Association, which includes food companies, retailers and consultants. But not all farmers have felt that the OTA represented their interests. Now, the organic dairy farmers - who have shown tremendous consensus on issues like the importance of grazing - are doing something about it.