This year marks 20 years since Whole Foods Market first attained organic retail certification. The company offers more than 37,000 organic products across its stores and is the only national retailer to hold the certification.
“Whole Foods Market is proud to celebrate 20 years as the only certified organic national grocer in the industry and continue our work to help grow and support the organic community,” said Jason Buechel, CEO at Whole Foods Market, in a statement. “Our Team Members work hard to ensure the organic integrity of our products all the way from the farm to customer selection from our shelves.”
The retailer's belief in the importance of organic agriculture goes above and beyond the sale of organic products, including playing an active role in helping to develop the USDA National Organic Program, according to the company.
“We have a deep understanding of the environmental benefits sustainable farming methods like organic can bring and continue to work with our community to increase access to the organic market,” said Karen Christensen, SVP of merchandising for perishables and quality standards at Whole Foods, in a statement.
As part of its broader strategy to invest in climate-smart agriculture, the company is also working with farmers, ranchers, scientists, and industry experts to increase organic market access. For decades, the company has supported organic advocacy groups like the Organic Trade Association and the Organic Farming and Research Foundation, as well as maintained leadership on USDA advisory committees, like the National Organic Standards Board.
“OFRF is deeply grateful for the long-term partnership and financial support of Whole Foods; their support of our charitable organization over the last 30 years has directly enabled support of organic farmers across North America through our on-farm research grants, grower education, and farmer advocacy,” said Brise Tencer, executive director of the Organic Farming Research Foundation, in a statement.
The company joined OFRF and a broad group of signatories to endorse both the Strengthening Organic Agriculture Research Act in the House and the Organic Science and Research Investment Act in the Senate. Both pieces of legislation make investments in organic and sustainable agriculture through research, education, and extension initiatives.
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