Congratulations Whole Foods Market – Whole Foods supports Organic Farmers

Flavors are more intense, the colors are brighter, sights and sounds engulf our senses. A feeling of calm surrounds as we walk through the hills of Tuscany. The wine, so simple, explodes of chocolate or cinnamon as it coats our mouth. A sliced tomato with mozzarella and olive oil becomes our favorite meal. Italy intrigues us, it is not immediately clear why, but it does.

Italy is about balance, balance in lifestyle, balance in family, balance in food. Thousands of years of experience has taught moderation, patience and balance. It is evident in the street markets where local farmers sell their daily production of fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meats. The result is a tomato that smells like a tomato and its simple flavor seems to be the best we have ever tasted or eggs with a yolk so intense it tends toward red.


In a surprising move, at least for me, Whole Foods expressed the concept of true enlightened self-interest. Whole Foods has dedicated $10 million in loans for small farmers to promote local agriculture. On the CEO’s blog he defines the scope of the program:

"… wherever we have stores through long-term loans at low rates of interest.

Select Regional and Store Buyers will be empowered to extend these loans to help support smaller scale agricultural entrepreneurs. This money will be used to help local producers of grass fed beef, goat milk dairies, organic pasture based eggs, animal compassionate dairy cows, chickens, turkeys, sheep, pigs, etc.

Some of the money will also be used to help support local vegetable farmers as well.
It is Whole Foods Market's intention to help finance local agriculture all over the United States. We are going to "walk our talk" with financial support for local, small scale agriculture.”

In addition to the financing local Whole Food stores will host farmer’s markets on Sundays. It would seem strange to reference a local initiative when writing about Italy, however I find this program to be innovative. This is a step towards a better and healthier life for our future generations. Yes, a small step in light of the US economy but, it is progress. So from one consumer, thank you.


Tags: Gourmet Foods Whole Foods Texas Italian Recipes Food and Wine Travel Italy