OTA ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER AS ORGANIC HARVEST MONTH

GREENFIELD, Mass -- (FNS) The Organic Trade Association will again organize activities and promote September as Organic Harvest Month.

DiMatteo, executive director of the OTA. "Organic Harvest Month is also a great way for consumers to see the variety and premium quality of organic products available today."

September was selected because it is an optimum time for consumers and retailers to take advantage of the natural organic harvest cycle, according to Holly Givens, spokesperson at the OTA. Events and celebrations of all shapes and sizes take place in parks, schools, stores and at restaurants. Gastronomic walking tours, organic country fairs, barn dances, special displays and tastings are just a few of the events mounted in past years during Organic Harvest Month.

"People are more aware of organics and come to retailers seeking them," said Givens. "Retailers can attract customers who are looking for organics if they have them and carry organics on a regular basis."

"Organic Harvest Month is such an important month to educate consumers," said Mark Retzloff, president of the OTA board. "Consumers have begun to realize the importance of a national organic national label, and Organic Harvest Month is a great time to keep this momentum going. Besides, September is such a bountiful month in terms of food production. The quality and spirit of organic farming methods are so evident."

"Organic Harvest Month is a fun time to offer consumers a sample of organic produce," said Givens. "If they haven't tried organics, or haven't tried them in a while, a September sampling event might be one way retailers could introduce their customers to the variety and flavors organics have to offer."