Representative Peter DeFazio: An Organic Champion
Last week, Representative Peter DeFazio announced that he is retiring from the US House of Representatives at the end of his current term. He has tirelessly represented Oregon’s 4th District for 35 years as a feisty advocate for a wide range of topics from affordable health care, wilderness protection, and transportation safety. But for those of us who work in the organic trade, or who are consumers of organic foods, one action stands out above all—Peter DeFazio was willing to introduce, and fight for, the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) in the House of Representative, when no one else would consider doing so.
Snack and Gift Deliciously with Satsuma Mandarins and Date Rolls
No other time of year centers food as gifts quite the way that the winter holidays do. Whether gathering in person or dropping off a treat on a doorstep, there’s delicious and nutritious snacks to share! Lovely on their own, or as part of a decadent gift basket, organic Satsuma mandarins and packaged date rolls both are perfect picks for eaters craving alternatives to cookies and candy!
Explore Northwest-Grown Roots for Seasonal Feasting
The season of cozy eating is upon us, and with it dreams of mashes, soups, roasts and gooey, creamy casseroles. Right on time, an array of delectable roots plied from the fertile soil of the Willamette Valley are primed to join potatoes and carrots to win coveted spots in eaters’ favorite fall fare.
With the Care of a Vintner, Organic Orchards Cider Blended for Incredible Flavor
“Organic Orchards produces an intrinsic cider that you won't experience elsewhere,” shares OGC Buyer Don Mayfield. “The experience of drinking it throughout the season is delightful.”
Field Report: Purple Sprouting Broccoli
Overwintering crops have been planted and are growing steadily in fields across the Northwest. OGC’s Director of Purchasing Mike Neubeck paid a visit to our friends at Farias Farm in Washington to check on the progress of their organic Purple Sprouting Broccoli.
Fill Displays for Fall Feasting!
Use this quick-reference list of must-haves to help make eaters’ meals memorable.
Organically Grown Company Awards Mission Fund Grants to 25 Stakeholder Partners
We’re excited to announce the recipients of OGC’s most recent round of Mission Fund investments. This fall, we’re awarding $160,000 in grants to 25 local nonprofits and businesses as part of our purpose-focused giving program. OGC’s Mission Fund grants are central to our mission to invest in people, practices, and organizations contributing to equitable and sustainable agricultural systems for local and global health. Reinvesting profits across our stakeholder groups is embedded in our trust-owned business model, recognizing that our wellness is interconnected, and their success is ours. We encourage you to visit our blog to learn about the OGC partners and community allies we’re supporting with our latest round of grantmaking.
New This Year & Coming Soon! Cured Winter Squash Varieties
OGC’s friends at Boldly Grown Farm have been experimenting with long-storage organic winter squash varieties, presenting additional opportunities for eating delicious Northwest-grown crops further into the winter.
Northwest Winter Squash Varieties Entice Eaters to Try Something New
Fall and winter eating is punctuated by delicious roasts, soups and hearty salads infused with the flavor and texture of organic winter squash. Whether the star of the meal, or in a supporting role, the options are endless in both the varieties to choose from and how to use them.
While forever-favorites like Acorn, Butternut, Delicata and Spaghetti (and it's petite counterpart) have earned coveted, rotating spots on seasonal menus, there’s a plethora of other squash for eaters to try, too!
Keep The Good (Apple) Times Rolling!
With nearly two months of delicious autumn apple-eating underway, now’s the right time to refresh and revitalize apple displays with eye-catching colors and shapes! Variety is the spice of life and with seasonal feasting right around the corner, shoppers will be looking to apples to serve a multitude of needs. From baking to juicing, fresh eating, and even decorating and tablescaping, be sure to bring in something for everyone.
Radicchio 101: Watch OGC’s Lucas Crawford Break It Down
Oft-misunderstood radicchio has recently been welcomed with open arms by members of the culinary community and select organic growers looking to expand into this niche winter crop. While passionate, this group of radicchio-loyalists represents a small fraction of potential fans, and creating new radicchio customers through varietal education is a large opportunity!
Downloadable Radicchio and Chicory Chart
Bitter is better this fall and winter, and OGC is happy to help get as many heads of colorful, crisp and flavor-packed radicchio and chicories into the hands (and hearts) of more eaters!
Boldly Grown Farm: Really Into Radicchio!
Boldly Grown Farm was built upon a very specific vision and followed a strategy that few first-time farmers take. Amy and Jacob decided early on that they would focus on wholesale relationships rather than try their hand at farmers markets and retail-direct sales. They also made the decision to grow exclusively fall and winter crops.
Grow Mushroom Sales with Mycopia!
Fall holidays frequently mean a tight mushroom market, which can impact availability on standards such as Crimini and White Button. To supplement, look to specialty varieties from Mycopia to help fill any gaps, expand mushroom sets, and increase category sales!
Catch Up on the Latest with OGC’s Ladybug Brand!
A year ago, OGC introduced a fresh new look for Ladybug Brand™, our growing line of certified organic fruits and vegetables grown on farms big and small by farmers in the Northwest and beyond. The Ladybug Brand product line is expanding to include products with year-round availability and the packaging will be evolving in the future as we aim to reduce the use of plastic.
Fall Favorites: Fuyu & Hachiya Persimmons
Most shoppers have a favorite fall fruit. Apples and pears abound, but for the discerning eater, only a persimmon will do.
Celebrating Lucas Crawford
Twenty-five years is an incredible milestone to reach at any company, especially one like OGC that has grown alongside a rapidly changing sector such as the organic produce trade.
Lucas Crawford, OGC Senior Account Representative, shares that among the many things he’s enjoyed during his two-and-a-half decades of service is the rate and scale of change. That has been exciting to participate in. Starting as a warehouser and driver, as the ninth employee at the Portland facility, Lucas has been a part of the company’s evolution and played a role in shaping the business that OGC has become.
Celebrating Transitions: Spring Hill Organic Farm Sprouts Sunrise Organic Farm & Eloisa Organic Farm
The progression from summer to fall recently inspired OGC to reflect on the theme of “transitions.” Supporting the next generation of organic farmers, and finding opportunities to prioritize more growers of color, are two of OGC’s priorities. While not new news to those in the Pacific Northwest’s community of growers and purveyors of organic produce, Jamie Kitzrow and wife Lisa Schwartz’s retirement from farming in 2019 and their subsequent passing of the torch from Spring Hill Farm to Sunrise and Eloisa is a lovely story to share this time of year that touches on both themes.
Download OGC’s NW Winter Squash Chart to See What’s In & What’s Ahead!
Organic Winter Squash season is upon us and delicious cucurbits of all shapes, sizes and flavor profiles are steadily streaming from the fields of our Northwest grower partners. Now through early 2022, the options are plentiful with numerous varieties of squash perfect for every type of retailer to satisfy your customers’ cravings!