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KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, so it's good to have a steady diet of information coming your way. This is especially good advice in the food business, where regulators, watchdogs and advocates are involved in every step of the process, from sourcing through checkout. The fact that supermarkets can succeed among such challenges is a testament to their abilities. Still, it helps to have a ready reference of industry

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, so it's good to have a steady diet of information coming your way. This is especially good advice in the food business, where regulators, watchdogs and advocates are involved in every step of the process, from sourcing through checkout. The fact that supermarkets can succeed among such challenges is a testament to their abilities. Still, it helps to have a ready reference of industry contacts when needed. In the following pages you'll find resources for:

  • Nutrition
  • Government regulations
  • Organic certification
  • Green energy
  • Sustainability

… And more. Entries were chosen based on a variety of criteria, including immediate relevance to business topics covered by SN Whole Health, leadership position in their field of expertise, and the volume of data or number of links to additional resources on a group's website.

PHARMACY & NUTRITION RESOURCES

American Botanical Council

Trade group and information clearinghouse for the herbal medicine and supplement industry.

Mark Blumenthal
Founder & Executive Director
P.O. Box 144345
Austin, TX 78714
512.926.4900

www.herbalgram.org

American Diabetes Association

The leading nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy through local chapters in all 50 states.

Maura Connell, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
1701 North Beauregard St.
Alexandria, VA 22311
703.549.1500

www.diabetes.org

American Dietetic Association

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
1100 15th St. NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20005
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.

Leslie V. Norwalk
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. Main focus includes training and industry advocacy efforts, as well as an active pharmacy committee and program.

Tim Hammonds, President & Chief Executive Officer
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22201
202.452.8444

www.fmi.org

GMDC (Global Market Development Center)

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.

Dennis Heldman, 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-D49
Alexandria, 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 NutritionPolicy 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
Executive Director
3101 Park Center Drive
10th floor
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. SW
Washington, DC 20201
202.619.0257

www.health.gov
www.hhs.gov
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus

U.S. Pharmacopeia

Nearly two centuries old, this organization sets the official standards for prescription and OTC medications, dietary supplements and many 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.

Ray Riutta
Executive Director
Main Office
311 N. Franklin St., Suite 200
Juneau, AK 99801
907.465.5560

www.alaskaseafood.org

American Egg Board

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

Joanne Ivy, 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, Suite 900
Rosemont, IL 60018
847.803.2000, ext. 3205

www.dairyinfo.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
303.694.0305

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
1776 NW 114th St.
Des Moines, IA 50325
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 Operating 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.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org

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
1500 Casho Mill Road
Newark, DE 19714
302.738.7100

www.pma.com

United Fresh Produce Association

A trade association representing growers, shippers, processors, brokers, wholesalers and distributors of produce. United Fresh 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.unitedfresh.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 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 trans fats in restaurants.

Michael Jacobson, Executive Director
1875 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 300
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 identifying pesticides on produce, 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 a Farm Bill provision that could limit state oversight on animal protections.

Wayne Pacelle
President & Chief Executive Officer
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.

Dawn M. Martin
President
8401 Colesville Road, Suite 500
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301.495.9570

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

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
2155 Delaware Ave., Suite 150
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-South Building
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.

Kristy Korb, Certification 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.

La Rhea Pepper, Executive Director
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 institute 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
10.683.1400

www.rodaleinstitute.org
www.newfarm.org/farmlocator/index.php

DATA & RESEARCH FOR PROFIT

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

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

SPINS

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

Tony Olson
Chief Executive Officer
1111 N. Plaza Drive, Suite 715
Schaumburg, IL 60173
847.908.1200

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
88Huntoon 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. Last year the company 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
405 Golfway West Drive
St. Augustine, FL 32095
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
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 more efficient sources of electricity 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