Friday, June 6, 2008

Local Stores
ORBIT HEALTH FOOD STORES11966 LEBANON ROAD MT. JULIET TN 37128 (615) 758-9499601 S. MAIN STREET GOODLETTSVILLE TN (615) 859-9561171 N MT JULIET ROAD MT. JULIET TN 37122 (615) 754-77223814B OLD HICKORY BLVD OLD HICKORY TN (615) 847-9741
GENERAL NUTRITION CENTER445 HIGHWAY 46 S, DICKSON, TN 37055, (615) 441-4939 1000 TWO MILE PKWY, GOODLETTSVILLE, TN 37072, (615) 859-3161 719 THOMPSON LN, NASHVILLE, TN 37204, (615) 460-9245 338 FREY ST, ASHLAND CITY, TN 37015, (615) 792-9085 2710 OLD LEBANON RD, NASHVILLE, TN 37214, (615) 889-2069 7620 HIGHWAY 70 S, NASHVILLE, TN 37221, (615) 662-1975 330 FRANKLIN RD, BRENTWOOD, TN 37027, (615) 221-9909 1800 GALLERIA BLVD, FRANKLIN, TN 37067, (615) 771-7210 2369 MURFREESBORO PIKE, NASHVILLE, TN 37217, (615) 367-0444 3919 NOLENSVILLE RD, NASHVILLE, TN 37211, (615) 831-3502 393 E MAIN ST, HENDERSONVILLE, TN 37075, (615) 824-0567 2126 ABBOTT MARTIN RD, NASHVILLE, TN 37215, (615) 297-7078 4684 LEBANON RD, HERMITAGE, TN 37076, (615) 889-2285 73 WHITE BRIDGE RD, NASHVILLE, TN 37205, (615) 352-6197 2434 MUSIC VALLEY DR, NASHVILLE, TN 37214, (615) 871-0702 117 WILLIAMSON SQ, FRANKLIN, TN 37064, (615) 791-7445
LIFEFORCE INTERNATIONAL658 ANTIQUE AVE SMYRNA TN 37067 (615) 459-6825
ADVANCE NUTRITION CENTER1769 GALLATIN PIKE N, MADISON, TN 37115, (615) 865-5784 ADVANCED MAGNETICSNASHVILLE, TN, (615) 731-9985
BODY VISION 2000850 HILLWOOD BLVD, NASHVILLE, TN 37209, (615) 356-7546
CALORAD-LIVING WELL DISTRIBUTORS2829 W END AVE, NASHVILLE, TN 37203, (615) 329-8080
CORN CRIB-HEALTH FOOD STORE THE516 W MAIN ST, LEBANON, TN 37087, (615) 444-1143 COUNTRY LIFE WHOLESALE FOOD COOP1917 DIVISION ST, NASHVILLE, TN 37203, (615) 327-3695
DAISY HEALTH PRODUCTS2828 COLUMBINE PL, NASHVILLE, TN 37204, (615) 292-4867
DIABETIC DELITE2716 RIVER BEND DR, NASHVILLE, TN 37214, (615) 884-4885
FOUR SEASONS PRODUCE235 E MAIN ST, HENDERSONVILLE, TN 37075, (615) 264-0099
GET FIT 20005252 HICKORY HOLLOW PKWY, ANTIOCH, TN 37013, (615) 731-7546 1000 TWO MILE PKWY, GOODLETTSVILLE, TN 37072, (615) 851-7546
GOLDEN NEO-LIFE DIAMITE741 WORK DR, NASHVILLE, TN 37207, (615) 876-6882
GOOD LIFE HEALTH FOODS2000 WARFIELD DR, NASHVILLE, TN 37215, (615) 298-5050
GREAT EARTH VITAMIN STORE1800 GALLERIA BLVD, FRANKLIN, TN 37067, (615) 771-0013
GREEN HILLS PRESCRIPTION SHOPPE3900 HILLSBORO PIKE, NASHVILLE, TN 37215, (615) 292-0066
HARDING MALL HEALTH FOODS4050 NOLENSVILLE RD, NASHVILLE, TN 37211, (615) 834-3770
HEALING HANDS MASSAGE THERAPYNASHVILLE, TN, (615) 333-1730 HEALTH CONNECTION5568 NOLENSVILLE RD, NASHVILLE, TN 37211, (615) 832-4266 130 HIGHWAY 76, WHITE HOUSE, TN 37188, (615) 672-9499 900 8TH AVE N, NASHVILLE, TN 37208, (615) 255-9567
HEALTH FOOD STORE THE4050 NOLENSVILLE RD, NASHVILLE, TN 37211, (615) 834-3770
HEALTH KICK811 MEMORIAL BLVD, SPRINGFIELD, TN 37172, (615) 384-7482
HEALTHFULLY YOURS NUTRITION CENTER3956 LEBANON RD, HERMITAGE, TN 37076, (615) 883-3113
HEALTHY HABITS NUTRITION CENTER592 HIGHWAY 46 S, DICKSON, TN 37055, (615) 446-2797
HERB NOOK901 S WATER AVE, GALLATIN, TN 37066, (615) 230-7776
HERB SHOP THE617 S CUMBERLAND ST, LEBANON, TN 37087, (615) 444-0040 2275 MURFREESBORO RD, NASHVILLE, TN, (615) 361-8733 4616 BILLINGSGATE RD, ANTIOCH, TN 37013, (615) 361-8733
HERBAL FITNESS SHOP220 PUBLIC SQ, LAFAYETTE, TN 37083, (615) 666-7210 HERBALIFE DISTRIBUTOR633 ATLANTA DR, HERMITAGE, TN 37076, (615) 883-7716 HERBS AND VITAMIN STORE104 ENGLAND DRIVE , DICKSON, TN 37055, (615) 441-5775
HOWARD'S HEALTH FOOD STORE331 W MAIN ST, GALLATIN, TN 37066, (615) 230-0007
INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL ATHLETICS 1725 COACHMANS CT, NASHVILLE, TN, (615) 376-9287
JUICE PLUSNASHVILLE, TN, (615) 309-0525
KAREMOR INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOROLD HICKORY, TN, (615) 847-5273
LEN ROSSI HEALTH FOOD STORE 1605 FRANKLIN ROAD, BRENTWOOD, TN 37027, (615) 373-9242
NANCY'S HERB & HOME SHOPPE145 WITHERSPOON ST, GALLATIN, TN 37066, (615) 452-8003
NANCY'S NUTRITION CENTER136 PRINCE ST, GALLATIN, TN 37066, (615) 452-8003
NATURAL HORIZONS417 INDEPENDENCE SQ, FRANKLIN, TN 37064, (615) 591-4008
NATURAL PATH/SILVERWINGS193 MERRYLOG LN, KINGSTON SPRINGS, TN 37082, (615) 952-4787
NATURE FIRST420 N MAIN ST, GOODLETTSVILLE, TN 37072, (615) 851-1618
NATURE'S ATTIC2201 MURFREESBORO PIKE, NASHVILLE, TN 37217, (615) 367-3006
NATURE'S SUNSHINE1228 ARDEE AVE, NASHVILLE, TN 37216, (615) 262-4884
NATURE'S SUNSHINE PRODUCTSNASHVILLE, TN, (615) 262-4884 NSANASHVILLE, TN, (615) 309-0525
NU-TREE HEALTH FOOD SHOP407 MAIN ST, FRANKLIN, TN 37064, (615) 794-5307
POWER SOURCE DISTRIBUTORS INC1438 HIGHWAY 96, BURNS, TN 37029, (615) 441-1521
ROSSI' RECORD ROOM1605 FRANKLIN ROAD, BRENTWOOD, TN 37027, (615) 373-9242
SHAKLEE INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTORS1228 ARDEE AVE, NASHVILLE, TN 37216, (615) 262-4884 1808 FOX CHASE DR, GOODLETTSVILLE, TN 37072, (615) 859-9726
SMOOTHIE KING2422 ELLISTON PL, NASHVILLE, TN 37203, (615) 321-4909 STELLAR WORLDWIDE INC1013 WEMBERTON PL, NASHVILLE, TN, (615) 885-7616 STOVALL LYNDA ENTERPRISES109 AINTREE CT, GOODLETTSVILLE, TN 37072, (615) 859-2962
SUNSHINE GROCERY3201 BELMONT BLVD, NASHVILLE, TN 37212, (615) 297-5100
SUNSHINE NUTRITION CENTER2104 BUENA VISTA PIKE, NASHVILLE, TN 37218, (615) 742-1572
TRJ ASSOCIATES INC1800 GALLERIA BLVD, FRANKLIN, TN 37067, (615) 771-1113
UNITED SPECIALTY FOODS2475 BRANSFORD AVE, NASHVILLE, TN 37204, (615) 269-7476
USA SPORTS LABS INC1438 HIGHWAY 96, BURNS, TN 37029, (615) 441-1521

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Certifying Agents Currently Operating in the South
(Listed in alphabetical order)
Indiana Certified Organic (ICO)Cissy Bowman8364 SSR 39Clayton, IN 46118317-539-4317cvof@iquest.net
AR, KY, LA, TN
International Certification Services, Inc. (dba Farm Verified Organic and ICS-US)301 5th Ave., SEMedina, ND 58467Robert Simmons or Christina Dockter701-486-3578www.ics-intl.com
MS
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Harry Schexnayder, Organic Program Coordinator5825 Florida Boulevard, Suite 1023Baton Rouge, LA 80806225-925-8047HSchexnayder@ldaf.state.la.us
LA
Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce P.O. Box 1609Jackson, MS 39205Kevin Riggin601-359-1138www.mdac.state.ms.us
MS
Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) Stephen F. Sears9665 Kline Rd.West Salem, OH 44287-9562419-853-4060organic@oeffa.com
KY
OneCert, Inc. 2811 Tennyson St.Lincoln, NE 68516Sam Welsch402-420-6080www.onecert.net
MS
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture (ODA)Chad Goss2800 N. Lincoln Blvd.Oklahoma City, OK 73105405-522-5898cbgoss@oda.state.ok.us
AR
Oregon Tilth (OTCO) Chris Schreiner470 Lancaster Dr.Salem, OR 97301503-378-0690www.tilth.org

AR, LA
Organic Inspectors’ Perceptions of Risks Faced by Organic Producers
Organic inspectors are the eyes, ears, and nose of the certification agency and are often the only representatives to physically visit the farm. They verify the accuracy of the grower’s Organic System Plan and assess the operation’s compliance with the regulations by conducting an on-site inspection before the operation can be certified. They also conduct the required annual inspections.[7 CFR 205. 403(a)] In the inspection process they become closely acquainted with both grower and operation. Recognizing that unique experience and insight, the IOIA gathered information from organic inspectors regarding the risks they perceived for transitioning and renewing organic producers.
Their answers:
Risks are generally greater for producers who are in the process of transition to organics.
The greatest risks for producers making the transition to organics are recordkeeping, human resource management, budgeting, and coping with the economic transition.
The greatest risks for experienced producers are budgeting, agency and neighbor interactions, access to labor, and management. Market identification and access and record keeping also pose concerns for these producers.
(Born, 2005)

Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) Jeff See6400 Cornhusker, Suite 125Lincoln, NE 68507402-477-2323www.ocia.org
AR
Quality Certification Services (QCS) (Formerly FOG)Jonathan AustinP.O. Box 12311Gainesville, FL 32604352-377-0133www.QCSinfo.org
AR, LA, TN
Stellar Certification Services, Inc. Jim Fullmer25844 Butler RoadJunction City, OR 97448541-998-5691stellar@demeter-usda.org
AR

Self-profile survey of USDA-accredited organic certifiers.
In 2003, The Rodale Institute collaborated with the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) to conduct a self-profile survey of USDA-accredited organic certifiers. This survey was built on the prior work of OFRF, which provided farmers with an annual directory of organic certifiers from 1992 through the start of the start of the National Organic Program in 2002. The 2003 survey data is in searchable database that is available on the New Farm Web page at www.newfarm.org/ocdbt/.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Tennessee Organics
Statistics and State Resources
Certified Organic Operations in Tennessee
Organic Producer Profiles
Tennessee Farm Charactistics
Statistics and State Resources
Tennessee Organic Statistics
According to the USDA 2002 Farm Census (www.ers.usda.gov), Tennessee has 26.38 million acres in total land area, with 44.3% of that land in farm production, and only 4.37 million acres of that in harvestable crop production. According to USDA, there were 85,000 farms in Tennessee in 2004, with only 25% having incomes of more than $10,000. Average farm size was 136 acres.
The state’s largest farms are in western Tennessee, where cotton has historically been the leading crop. Cotton is supplemented, or in some sections supplanted, by corn, soybeans, vegetables, strawberries, grain sorghum (milo), and tobacco. Eastward in the Nashville Basin, livestock dominates, with cattle, hogs, sheep, horses, and poultry being raised there. On some farms, dairying is the chief source of income. Corn, hay, and other crops are grown mainly to feed the livestock, not for cash. However, in the Nashville Basin and on the Highland Rim, tobacco is an important crop. In northwest Tennessee, a Tyson processing plant in Union City has stimulated the growth of poultry production.
The sale of cattle and calves was the leading source of farm income in 1997, generating one-fifth of all sales. Other major sources of income include broilers (young chickens), eggs, dairy products, and hogs. The central part of the Nashville Basin is noted for its horse farms, where the famous Tennessee Walking Horse, which has a distinctively smooth gait, is raised.
There were only 300 acres in certified organic crop production in 2001. This was a significant decrease in organic production in Tennessee from 1997, when USDA reported 1,351 certified organic acres in production. Loss of organic production was attributed to lack of a local certification program when the USDA-NOP was implemented. Two percent of organic production in Tennessee was in mixed vegetables (5 acres); 1 acre was reported to be in herbs and nursery items, and the remaining 98% was in undesignated “Other Cropland.” The majority of the “Other Cropland” is in organic tobacco. (USDA/ERS, 2002. Organic production. www.ers.usda.gov/Data/organic/)
Tennessee Organic Statistics
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is involved in several programs of importance to organic producers.Accredited certifying agent. Tennessee does not operate as a National Organic Program (USDA-NOP) accredited certification agency.USDA-NOP Certification Cost Share Program. Tennessee does disburse monies to certified operations in the state to help them become certified. The monies are disbursed at 75% of certification costs, with a maximum of $500 per certificate.Contact:Dan StrasserTennessee Department of Agriculture615-837-5160Dan.Strasser@state.tn.usTennessee Farmers’ Markets. A directory of farmers’ markets in Tennessee is located on the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Web page at http://picktnproducts.org/food/farmermkt.html.The Tennessee Market News Service provides Tennesseans with information critical to making sound marketing decisions. This service is provided by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture. Trained reporters gather and disseminate complete, accurate, and unbiased agricultural market news. The market news covers current supply, demand, prices, trends, movements, and other information that affects the trade of livestock, grain, and other commodities. For up-to-date information, see http://picktnproducts.org/marketnews/index.html.The Tobacco Growers Trust. Tobacco growers can obtain financial and technical assistance to assist in converting from tobacco to the production of alternative crops. Several tobacco producers have used these funds to assist them in converting to organic fruit and vegetable production.Contact:Tennessee Tobacco Farmers Certifying BoardP.O. Box 40627Ellington Agricultural CenterNashville, TN 37204http://picktnproducts.org/trust/index.html
The Tennessee Organic Growers Association is a membership association of organic and non-organic producers that sponsors an annual conference.Contact:Cindy Delvin, PresidentP.O. Box 121723Nashville, TN 37212615-395-4566chdelvin@aol.com
Tennessee State University, Cooperative Extension3500 John A. Merritt Blvd.Nashville, TN 37209www.tnstate.edu/cep/Pam Rye, Area Small Farm Specialist1030 A Cumberland Heights Rd.Clarksville, TN 37040931-648-5725prye@utk.edu
Tennessee State University Extension and Research Farm. The 124-acre TSU Extension and Research Farm is a teaching and learning laboratory with on-farm test plots in agro-forestry, aquaculture, small ruminant management, vegetable and small fruit production, sustainable agricultural, organic production, pesticide storage and handling, post harvest handling, and water quality. Five acres are dedicated to organic crops (fruits and vegetables), and another 30 acres are dedicated to organic small ruminants (goats). A total of 35 acres are dedicated to organic research and demonstration, though not yet certified. Organic certification is in process. Plans are in place to study green manures, plasticulture, and insect control in vegetable growing. Research and emonstrations will focus on vegetables/small fruits and small ruminants (goats). The goals of the farm are to provide innovative educational programs and leadership for limited-resource clientele and provide Extension applied-research information on alternative agriculture for small farmers. Farm educational programs include a Small Farm Expo, Small Farmer Recognition, a Forestry Field Day, World Igbo Congress Farm Tour, University of Tennessee/ Tennessee State University State Advisory Farm Tour, and UT/TSU State Advisory Farm Tour. The TSU Research and Extension Demonstration Farm sponsored the 2005 Conference of the Tennessee Organic Growers’ Association (TOGA). Farm location: 3101 River Rd., Ashland, TN 37015Finis Stribling, Extension Assistant/Farm Superintendent615-963-1844fstribling@tnstate.eduDr. Roy Bullock, Small Farm Coordinator and IPM615-963-5449FBullock@tnstate.eduwww.tnstate.edu/cep/SpecialistPages/4/1091/HTML/PestMgt.htmDr. An Peischal, Extension Assistant Professor, Livestock/ Small Ruminants615-963-5539615-963-5833 FAXapeischel@tnstate.eduwww.tnstate.edu/cep/goats_and_small_ruminant.htmDr. Richard Winston, Plant and Soil Sciences Specialist615-963-5538rwinston@tnstate.edu
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency provides information on a Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, or “Bobwhite Buffers,” that could increase farm incomes. For more information, see www.state.tn.us/twra.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) provides information on water quality, solid waste disposal, and disposal of conventional inputs. For information on the priorities and programs at TDEC, which are designed to protect and preserve the natural resources for one of the most biologically diverse states in the nation, go to www.state.tn.us/environment.
Slow Food Nashville is a nonprofit organization that supports a biodiverse, sustainable food supply, local producers, heritage food traditions, and rediscovery of the pleasures of the table.Contact:Cindy Wall615-974-9066cindywall@comcast.netwww.slowfoodusa.org and www.slowfood.com

Monday, June 2, 2008

Community Food Co-ops
To find one near you, do an on-line search for food buying cooperatives. A database of health food stores and co-ops in the U.S. can be found at www.greenpeople.org/ search2nd.cfm?type=Food_Coops. Examples of co-ops in the southern region are:
Ozark Natural Foods, Fayetteville, ARwww.ozarknaturalfoods.com/
Good Food Co-op, Lexington, KY www.goodfoods.coop
Sunshine Health Foods, Shreveport and Bossier City, LAwww.sunshinehf.com
Eve’s Market, New Orleans, LA www.evesmarket.com
Rainbow Whole Foods Cooperative Grocery, Jackson, MSwww.rainbowcoop.org
Marketplace Co-op, Nashville, TN www.marketplaceco-op.org
Midtown Food Co-op, Memphis, TN www.midtownfoodcoop.org
Morningside Buying Club, Liberty, TN morningsidefarm.com
Knoxville Community Food Cooperative, Knoxville, TNwww.knoxville.coop
Whole Earth Co-op,.Gatlinburg, TN www.wholeearthgrocery.com

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Resource Links

MP Members' offering Goods & Services:Arugula's Star of Neal Family Farms
Eaton's Creek Organics

Local ResourcesBe sure to check the recourses and/or link pages on the sites belowfor more organizations promoting local and/or organic food
Franklin Farmers' Market
Nashville Farmers' Market
Slow Food Nashville


Food Security Partners of Middle Tennessee

Other resources:

Buy Local Nashville

Nashville Originals

Pick Tn Products

Green People

Local Harvest