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IDEA EXCHANGE

Health and wellness is one of the fastest-growing categories in today's conventional supermarket. Almost every aisle and section has felt some sort of impact. It is also one of the more diverse, with a significant number of small manufacturers. Likewise, products are particularly prone to a degree of government or industry oversight. And due to the science- and spiritual-based nature of these products,

Health and wellness is one of the fastest-growing categories in today's conventional supermarket. Almost every aisle and section has felt some sort of impact. It is also one of the more diverse, with a significant number of small manufacturers. Likewise, products are particularly prone to a degree of government or industry oversight. And due to the science- and spiritual-based nature of these products, there is also a higher-than-average need for education - both consumer and retailer. The following list of information and regulatory sources is designed to serve as a guidepost for store operators: Thinking about having stores organically certified? Check under "Organic Certification/Standards." Want to cut in a gluten-free section or run a heart health promotion? Scroll down through "Pharmacy & Nutrition Resources." Animal rights groups protesting the lack of cage-free eggs in stores? Look under "Food Activism."

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The largest association of dietitians and nutrition professionals in the United States.

Ronald S. Moen, Chief Executive Officer

120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000

Chicago, IL 60606

800.877.1600

www.eatright.org

American Heart Association

A nonprofit that seeks to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and stroke through research, education and marketing efforts.

M. Cass Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer

7272 Greenville Ave.

Dallas, TX 75231

214.373.6300

www.americanheart.org

American Pharmacists Association

The largest professional association of pharmacists in the United States. Website includes searchable journals for APhA members, as well as media advisories and government affairs updates.

James Appleby, Vice President of Professional Education & Industry Relations

2215 Constitution Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20037

202.628.4410

www.aphanet.org

American Public Health Association

Oldest and largest association of public health professionals in the world, representing 50,000 members from 50 different public health fields.

Georges C. Benjamin, Executive Director

800 I St. NW

Washington, DC 20001

202.777.2742

www.apha.org

Celiac Sprue Association

A nonprofit dedicated to helping gluten-intolerant individuals through research and education. Website contains information about gluten-free foods, as well as recipes and other resources.

Mary Schluckebier, Executive Director

P.O. Box 31700

Omaha, NE 68131

402.558.0600

www.csaceliacs.org

Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services

The division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services tasked with assuring health care security, choices and program awareness among Medicare and Medicaid recipients.

Mark B. McClellan, Administrator

7500 Security Blvd.

Baltimore, MD 21244

410.786.3000

www.cms.hhs.gov

FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration division responsible for approving and regulating prescription and OTC pharmaceuticals.

Steven Galson, Director

5600 Fishers Lane

Rockville, MD 20852

301.827.4570

www.fda.gov

www.fda.gov/cder

FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration division responsible for approving, regulating, labeling and overseeing recalls of food, cosmetics and supplements.

Robert E. Brackett, Director

Industry Affairs Office

5100 Paint Branch Parkway

College Park, MD 20740

301.436.2600

www.fda.gov

www.cfsan.fda.gov

Food Marketing Institute

Trade group for food retailers and wholesalers. Research, training and industry advocacy efforts include food safety and nutrition projects, as well as an active pharmacy committee and program.

Tim Hammonds, President & Chief Executive Officer

655 15th St. NW

Washington, DC 20005

202.452.8444

www.fmi.org

GMDC (General Merchandise Distributors Council)

Trade, conference and educational group for the general merchandise and health & beauty care products industries.

Dave McConnell Jr., President & Chief Executive Officer

1275 Lake Plaza Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

719.576.4260

www.gmdc.org

Institute of Food Technologists

A nonprofit scientific society with 22,000 members working in food science, food technology and related fields.

Margaret Lawson, President

525 W. Van Buren, Suite 1000

Chicago, IL 60607

312.782.8424

www.ift.org

National Association of Chain Drug Stores

Trade association representing the suppliers and retailers of the pharmacy industry. Website includes resources such as the new Chain Drug Industry Guide.

Edith A. Rosato, Senior Vice President, Pharmacy Affairs

413 North Lee St.P.O. Box 1417-D49Alexandria, VA 22313

703.549.3001

www.nacds.org

National Community Pharmacists Association

Trade group representing independent pharmacy owners, managers and employees. Offers several continuing education programs.

Bruce Roberts, Executive Vice President

100 Daingerfield Road

Alexandria, VA 22314

703.683.8200

www.ncpanet.org

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

The National Institutes of Health division tasked with educating patients, health care professionals and the general public about digestive diseases and food allergies. Website includes an encyclopedic reference guide, U.S. statistics and links to patient organizations.

Griffin P. Rodgers, Director

2 Information Way Bethesda, MD 20892

800.891.5389

digestive.niddk.nih.gov

USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

The U.S. Department of Agriculture division responsible for coordinating federal nutrition education efforts, often by developing tools such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid.com.

Eric Hentges, Director

3101 Park Center Drive, Suite 1034

Alexandria, VA 22302

703.305.7600

www.usda.gov/cnpp

www.mypyramid.gov

www.nutrition.gov

www.nal.usda.gov/fnic

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Federal agency that oversees the Food and Drug Administration and administers Medicare, Medicaid and numerous other public health programs. Department affiliated websites include a wealth of links to health news, professional databases and authoritative features on medical topics.

Mike Leavitt, Secretary

200 Independence Ave. SWWashington, DC 20201202.619.0257

www.health.gov

www.hhs.gov

www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus

U.S. Pharmacopeia

The official public standards-setting authority for prescription and OTC medicines, dietary supplements, and other health care products manufactured and sold in the United States.

Roger L. Williams, Executive Vice President

& Chief Executive Officer

12601 Twinbrook Parkway Rockville, MD 20852

301.881.0666

www.usp.org

FRESH FOOD TRADE GROUPS AND MARKETING RESOURCES

Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute

A partnership between Alaska's seafood industry and state government that organizes collaborative marketing programs with retailers and food-service operations throughout the United States.

Larry Andrews, Retail Marketing Director

Marketing Office

150 Nickerson St., Suite 310 Seattle, WA 98109

206.352.8920

www.alaskaseafood.org

American Egg Board

Trade group that develops marketing and education campaigns to build demand for eggs and egg products.

Joanne C. Ivy, Senior Vice President, Industry & Market Development

1460 Renaissance Drive

Park Ridge, IL 60068

847.296.7043

www.aeb.org

Dairy Management Inc.

American dairy checkoff program geared toward building demand for dairy producers. Subsidiaries include the National Dairy Council and the American Dairy Association.

Tom Gallagher,

Chief Executive Officer

10255 West Higgins Road

Rosemont, IL 60018

800.853.2479

www.dairyinfo.com

www.ilovecheese.com

www.nationaldairycouncil.org

www.gotmilk.com

International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association

Trade group for dairy, deli and bakery owners and operators. Website includes resources on issues such as trans fats, food allergen labeling, and other nutritional trends.

Carol Christison,

Executive Director

P.O. Box 5528

Madison, WI 53705

608.310.5000

www.iddba.org

International Dairy Foods Association

Organization representing the nation's dairy processing and manufacturing industries and their suppliers.

Connie Tipton, President & Chief Executive Officer

1250 H St. NW, Suite 900

Washington, DC 20005

202.737.4332

www.idfa.org

National Cattlemen's Beef Association

Checkoff sponsored program conducts research and develops marketing programs for the U.S. beef industry.

Randy Irion, Director of Retail Marketing

9110 East Nichols Ave., Suite 300

Centennial, CO 80112

312.467.5520

www.beef.org

www.beefretail.org

National Chicken Council

Chicken industry trade and lobbying group whose promotional efforts include the annual "September is National Chicken Month."

George B. Watts, President

1015 15th St. NW, Suite 930

Washington, DC 20005

202.296.2622

www.nationalchickencouncil.com

www.eatchicken.com

National Fisheries Institute

Trade and lobbying group for the seafood industry. Website offers consumption statistics, a variety of links to related industry groups, recipes and tips on seafood's role in good nutrition.

John Connelly, President

7918 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 700

McLean, VA 22102 703.752.8880

www.aboutseafood.com

www.eatshrimp.com

National Pork Board

Checkoff sponsored organization that creates and executes promotion, research and consumer education programs to boost domestic demand for pork.

Karen Boillot, Director of Retail Marketing

P.O. Box 9114

Des Moines, A 50306

515.223.2600

www.pork.org

www.theotherwhitemeat.com

Organic Trade Association

Trade association and lobbying group for organic product suppliers, farmers and retailers. OTA hosts the All Things Organic trade show, and its "Organic Pages" website contains extensive, searchable databases of national organics growers and product suppliers. "The Organic Report" is OTA's consumer oriented site focused on the benefits of organic foods.

David Gagnon,

Chief Operations Officer

P.O. Box 547

Greenfield, MA 01302

413.774.7511

www.ota.com

www.theorganicpages.com

www.theorganicreport.org

Produce for Better Health Foundation

A nonprofit foundation that utilizes a variety of marketing, education and public-private partnership efforts to encourage fruit and vegetable consumption.

Elizabeth Pivonka, President

5341 Limestone Road

Wilmington, DE 19808

302.235.2329

www.pbhfoundation.org

www.5aday.com

Produce Marketing Association

A global trade association representing growers and marketers of fresh fruits, vegetables and related products. PMA offers a variety of educational resources for members, as well as discounts on consulting, market research and scan data for its members.

Bryan Silbermann, President

500 Casho Mill Road

Newark, DE 19711

302.738.7100

www.pma.com

United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association

A trade association representing growers, shippers, processors, brokers, wholesalers and distributors of produce. UFFVA offers a variety of continuing education programs and scholarships for its members.

Tom Stenzel, President

1901 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 1100

Washington, DC 20006

202.303.3400

www.uffva.org

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service

The U.S. Department of Agriculture division responsible for marketing U.S. agricultural products, including produce, dairy, meats and organic foods through the National Organic Program.

Lloyd C. Day, Administrator

1400 Independence Ave. SW

Washington, DC 20250

202.720.5115

www.ams.usda.gov

Whole Grains Council

An alliance of groups promoting the increased consumption of whole grains through consumer education, marketing and programs such as the Whole Grain Stamp.

Cynthia Harriman, Director of Food & Nutrition Strategies

Oldways Preservation Trust

266 Beacon St.

Boston, MA 02116

617.421.5500

www.wholegrainscouncil.org

FOOD ACTIVISM

Center for Food Safety

Environmental advocacy group that lobbies and litigates against several agriculture practices, including genetically modified crops, bovine growth hormones and food irradiation.

Andrew Kimbrell, Executive Director

660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Suite 302

Washington, DC 20003

202.547.9359

www.centerforfoodsafety.org

Center for Science in the Public Interest

A consumer advocacy group focused primarily on nutrition. Currently waging legal campaigns against sodium content in packaged foods and against trans fats in restaurants.

Michael Jacobson, Executive Director

1875 Connecticut Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20009

202.332.9110

www.cspinet.org

Consumers Union

Nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports magazine. The group is currently running campaigns on food safety risks, affordable prescription drugs and analyses of environmental labeling programs.

Gene Kimmelman, Chris Meyer, Senior Directors

101 Truman Ave.

Yonkers, NY 10703

914.378.2000

www.consumersunion.org

Environmental Defense Fund

Environmental group that is currently promoting ecologically friendly seafood choices through its "Oceans Alive" campaign.

Fred Krupp, President

257 Park Ave. South

New York, NY 10010

212.505.2100

www.environmentaldefense.org

oceansalive.org/eat.cfm

Environmental Working Group

An environmental group that has focused recent media and PR campaigns on benzene in soft drinks, mercury in tuna and carcinogens in cosmetics.

Ken Cook, President

1436 U St. NW, Suite 100

Washington, DC 20009

202.667.6982

www.ewg.org

Humane Society of the United States

This organization, which is not affiliated with state humane societies or animal shelters, is currently targeting retail chains and suppliers with protest campaigns against factory farming.

Paul Shapiro, Director,

Factory Farming Campaign

2100 L St. NW

Washington, DC 20037

202.452.1100

www.hsus.org

Marine Stewardship Council

International nonprofit dedicated to sustainable fisheries management. Group offers an accreditation and labeling program to certify qualifying seafood groups.

Jim Humphreys,

Regional Director, Americas

2110 N. Pacific St., Suite 102

Seattle, WA 98103

206.691.0188

www.msc.org

Oldways Preservation Trust

A think tank and advocacy organization promoting healthy eating, sustainable farming and traditional food preparation. The group most recently facilitated the development of the Whole Grains Council.

K. Dun Gifford, Founder & President

266 Beacon St.

Boston, MA 02116

617.421.5500

www.oldwayspt.org

Organic Consumers Association

Advocacy group that lobbies against genetically modified crops and any relaxation of organic standards, among other issues.

Ronnie Cummins, Executive Director

6771 South Silver Hill Drive

Finland, MN 55603

218.226.4164

www.organicconsumers.org

SeaWeb

An environmental advocacy group focused on oceanic issues. Major initiatives include several education campaigns regarding ecologically friendly seafood.

Vikki Spruill, President

1731 Connecticut Ave. NW, 4th Floor

Washington, DC 20009

202.483.9570

www.seaweb.org

www.seafoodchoices.org

Slow Food USA

A nonprofit organization promoting the benefits of consuming locally raised produce, independently produced foods, and heritage livestock and poultry.

Erika Lesser, Executive Director

20 Jay St., Suite 313

Brooklyn, NY 11201

718.260.8000

www.slowfoodusa.org

www.heritagefoodsusa.org

ORGANIC CERTIFICATION, STANDARDS

California Certified Organic Farmers

National organic certifier of farmers, processors, producers, private-label brands, retail operations and livestock. Website includes an extensive searchable database of organic farmers and producers.

Peggy Miars, Executive Director

1115 Mission St.

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

831.423.2263

www.ccof.org

www.ccof.org/directories.php

National Organic Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture division responsible for developing and enforcing rules associated with the USDA Organic seal as well as accrediting organic certification agencies.

Mark Bradley, Associate Deputy Administrator

1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 4008-S

Washington, DC 20250

202.720.3252

www.ams.usda.gov/nop

Oregon Tilth

An international organic certifier and research organization that advocates sustainable agriculture and lobbies for independent farmers.

John Foster, Executive Director

470 Lancaster Drive NE

Salem, OR 97301

503.378.0690

www.tilth.org

Organic Crop Improvement Association

An international organic certifier with offices in the United States, Canada, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru.

Jeff See, Executive Director

6400 Cornhusker Highway, Suite 125

Lincoln, NE 68507

402.477.2323

www.ocia.org

Quality Assurance International

An organic certifier for farmers, manufacturers, restaurants and retailers.

Ellen P. Holton, Director of Marketing & New Business Development

9191 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 510

San Diego, CA 92122

858.792.3531

www.qai-inc.com

Scientific Certification Systems

Third-party certifier of environmental, organic and food safety achievements.

Stanley Rhodes, President & Chief Executive Officer

2200 Powell St., Suite 725

Emeryville, CA 94608

510.452.8000

www.scscertified.com

LOCAL, ORGANIC, FAIR TRADE & HUMANELY RAISED PRODUCTS

Humane Farm Animal Care

A certification and labeling program that prohibits the use of growth hormones and antibiotics when raising egg, dairy, meat and poultry products, among other standards.

Adele Douglass, Executive Director

P.O. Box 727

Herndon, VA 20172

703.435.3883

www.certifiedhumane.org

International Fair Trade Association

An international organization promoting the growth of fair trade products. English website includes a large database of worldwide suppliers searchable by region, product or service type.

Stefan Durwael, Director

Prijssestraat 24

4101 CR Culemborg

The Netherlands

+31 (0) 345.53.59.14

www.ifat.org

Local Harvest

Website offers a database of over 9,000 independent, local farms in the United States, searchable by ZIP code and/or product.

Guillermo Payet, Founder

220 21st Ave.

Santa Cruz, CA 95062

831.475.8150

www.localharvest.org

Organic Exchange

A nonprofit organization that facilitates business-to-business contact between buyers and sellers of organic commodities. The group's first major project has been increasing the global cultivation, supply and use of organic cotton.

Rebecca Calahan Klein, President

5332 College Ave., Suite 203

Oakland, CA 94618

510.597.9949

www.organicexchange.org

Organic Farming Research Foundation

A nonprofit information clearinghouse for organic farmers and manufacturers. OFRF publishes detailed, national surveys of organic farmers, offering insight into the state of local and regional supplies.

Bob Scowcroft, Executive Director

P.O. Box 440

Santa Cruz, CA 95061

831.426.6606

www.ofrf.org

www.organicaginfo.org

TransFair USA

Nonprofit third-party certifier of fair trade products and commodities. Website offers resources linking consumers to businesses offering fair trade goods, as well as B2B tools to help businesses source these products.

Paul Rice, President & Chief Executive Officer

1611 Telegraph Ave., Suite 900

Oakland, CA 94612

510.663.5260

www.transfairusa.org

The Rodale Institute

A nonprofit research institution dedicated to organic and sustainable farming. Rodale's newfarm.org website offers a limited organic price index, as well as searchable databases of organic farmers.

John Haberern, President

611 Siegfriedale Road

Kutztown, PA 19530

610.683.1400

www.rodaleinstitute.org

www.newfarm.org/farmlocator/index.php

DATA & RESEARCH FOR PROFIT

The Hartman Group

A market research and consulting group focused on health and wellness industries, including natural and organic products.

Harvey Hartman, Founder, Chairman

& Chief Executive Officer

1621 114th Ave. SE, Suite 105

Bellevue, WA 98004

425.452.0818

www.hartman-group.com

The Natural Marketing Institute

A market research and consulting group focused on the natural and organic product industries.

Maryellen Molyneaux, President & Managing Partner

272 Ruth Road

Harleysville, PA 19438

215.513.7300

www.nmisolutions.com

SPINS

The leading specialist provider of data and market research for the natural product industry. Offers retail partner programs in exchange for data sharing.

Jeffrey T. Nibler, President

118 2nd St., 3rd Floor

San Francisco, CA 94105

415.957.4400

www.spins.com

NATURAL AND ORGANIC DISTRIBUTORS

Kehe Food Distributors

Midwestern regional distributor of natural, organic and specialty foods.

Jerald Kehe, President & Chief Executive Officer

900 N. Schmidt Road

Romeoville, IL 60446

815.886.3700

Millbrook Distribution Services

National distributor of natural, ethnic and specialty food, as well as health and beauty care products.

Bob Sigel, President & Chief Executive Officer

P.O. Box 35

88 Huntoon Memorial Highway

Leicester, MA 01524

508.892.8171

www.millbrookds.com

Tree of Life

National distributor of natural, organic, specialty and ethnic foods and supplements. The company recently launched a proprietary tool called "Smart Assortment," which combines data from a variety of sources to determine optimal planograms store by store.

Richard Lane, President & Chief Executive Officer

P.O. Box 9000

St. Augustine, FL 32085

904.940.2100

www.treeoflife.com

United Natural Foods

The largest national distributor of natural and organic foods, as well as nutritional supplements and natural HBC items. Subsidiaries include produce distributor Albert's Organics and the Hershey Import Company.

Michael Funk, President & Chief Executive Officer

P.O. Box 999

260 Lake Road

Dayville, CT 06241

860.779.2800

www.unfi.com

www.albertsorganics.com

GREEN COMMERCIAL ENERGY

Green Power Partnership

This U.S. Environmental Protection Agency division facilitates the purchase of renewable energy for commercial, industrial and public sector organizations.

Blaine Collison, Program Director

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Mail Code 6202J

Washington, DC 20460

202.343.9004

www.epa.gov/greenpower

World Resources Institute

An environmental think tank whose current efforts include projects on biofuels, the development of emissions trading markets and the Green Power Market Development Group.

Jonathan Lash, President

10 G St., NE, Suite 800

Washington, DC 20002

202.729.7600

www.wri.org

www.thegreenpowergroup.org