Magazines and Newsletters for Organic Marketers
- The most accessible and up-to-date marketing
information often comes in the form of serial publications — producer magazines
and newsletters, e-zines, trade magazines and scholarly journals. Each type of
publication is targeted at a slightly different audience. A well-researched
marketing plan benefits from reviewing as many of these tools, audiences and
technologies as possible. This section focuses on serial publications aimed at
producers, farm direct marketers and those involved with organic-specific
retail sales.
1. Acres U.S.A. - The Magazine of Organic and
Sustainable Agriculture.
Acres U.S.A.
Print; monthly. Available by paid subscription.
Contact: P.O. Box 91299, Austin TX 78709-1299; 800-355-5313 (toll free);
512-892-4400 (TX); fax 512-892-4448; e-mail orders@acresusa.com
Homepage: http://www.acresusa.com/magazines/magazine.htm
(accessed 2/5/08)
Description: Articles cover alternative crop marketing, government
regulations, organic certification and marketing and value-added processing. Reader
Toolbox includes archived articles to download for reprinting.
2. AgMRC Action Newsletter.
Agricultural Marketing Resource Center.
Electronic; quarterly. Current and archived issues (2003-2007) available free
online.
URL: http://www.agmrc.org/agmrc/agmrcnewsletter.htm
(accessed 2/15/08)
Description: The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center is an
electronic, national resource for producers interested in value-added
agriculture. Newsletters cover current topics in production, marketing trends,
funding sources and and "future events."
3. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture.
Note: See: Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, below.
4. American Small Farm.
American Small Farm.
Print; monthly. Available by paid subscription.
Contact: 560 Sunbury Road, Suite #6, Delaware OH 43015; 740-363-2395 (OH); fax
740-369-9526; e-mail martismith@smallfarm.com
Homepage: http://www.smallfarm.com/
(accessed 2/5/08)
Description: "Whether you farm one acre or 10,000 acres, American Small
Farm’s goal is to help you profit from your operation." [Web site] Cover art
and Table of Contents available free online for current and past issues, 2003-
2008.
5. BioFach Newsletter.
NurnbergMesse GmbH (Germany).
Electronic; every 2 weeks. Available free online or by e-mail subscription.
Homepage: http://www.biofach.de/en/newsletter/
(accessed 2/5/08)
Description: Online newsletter of the trade fair, BioFach... covers
international "trends, new developments and facts concerning the ecological
market." [Web site] Available in English, Spanish or German. Three month
newsletter archive also available online.
6. California Certified Organic
Farmers Magazine.
CCOF.
Print and electronic; quarterly. Print edition available with paid membership;
archived issues (2002-2007) available free online.
Contact: 831-423-2263 (CA); fax 831-423-4528; e-mail ccof@ccof.org
Homepage: http://www.ccof.org/magazine.php
(accessed 2/5/08)
Description: "The magazine educates all facets of the organic
marketplace from farmers to processors and consumers. The CCOF magazine keeps
you informed on regulatory changes and hot topics in organic." [Web site]
7. Choices: The Magazine of Food, Farm and
Resource Issues.
American Agricultural Economics Association.
Electronic; quarterly. Current and archived issues available free online.
Contact: Coordinating Editor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Texas A and
M University, College Station TX 77843-2124; 979-845-1706 (TX); fax
979-862-8679; e-mail choices@ag.tamu.edu
Homepage: http://www.choicesmagazine.org/
(accessed 2/5/08)
Description: "Choices is an online peer-reviewed magazine published by
the AAEA for readers interested in the policy and management of agriculture,
the food industry, natural resources, rural communities, and the environment."
[Web site] E-mail notification indicating release of the latest issue is
available.
8. The Community Farm.
The Community Farm.
Print and electronic; quarterly. Both versions available by paid subscription;
e-mail delivery comes as a text attachment.
Contact: Editors, 3480 Potter Road, Bear Lake MI 49614; 231-889-3216 (MI).
Homepage: http://csafarms.org/csaresources.asp
(accessed 2/5/08)
Description: "Each Issue of the newsletter features articles of special
interest to CSA or other farmers, farm members and others. Recent examples
include advice for forming a core group, holistic management and drip
irrigation." [Web site] Selected back issues available free online.
9. Farmers’ Markets Today.
Scissortail Productions LLC.
Print of electronic; 6/year. Both versions (including e-mail delivery) free to
qualified farmers and farm market managers; by paid subscription for others.
Contact: 120 West 4th Street, Cedar Falls IA 50613-2864; 800-959-3276 (toll
free); 319-277-3599 (IA); fax 319-277-3783; e-mail info@scissortailproductionsllc.com
Homepage: http://www.scissortailproductionsllc.com/FMTHome.htm
(accessed 2/15/08)
Description: Articles provide information for successful planning,
implementing and selling of farm produce direct to consumers.
10. FAS Worldwide.
USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).
Electronic; quarterly. Current and archived issues available free online.
Homepage: http://www.fas.usda.gov/info/fasworldwide/maghome.htm
(accessed 2/5/08)
Description: FAS market/trade reports from agricultural marketing
specialists at embassies and consulates around the world. A listing of
international "Trade Events" in included with each issue. This online
publication supersedes AgExporter, the monthly print magazine published
by FAS through December 2004. Archived issues of both magazines available
online at Web site.
11. GreenMoney Journal.
GreenMoney Journal.
Print and electronic; bi-monthly. Print edition available by paid subscription;
current and archived electronic issues available free online.
Contact: 800-849-8751 (toll-free, subscriptions); 505-988-7423 (NM); e-mail info@greenmoneyjournal.com
Homepage: http://www.greenmoneyjournal.com/
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: "The GreenMoney Journal encourages and promotes the
awareness of socially and environmentally responsible business, investing and
consumer resources in publications and online." [From Mission Statement]
Occasional articles feature organic food and farming issues from the
responsible consumer and investment perspective.
12. Growing for Market: News and Ideas for
Market Gardeners.
GFM.
Print and electronic; monthly. Both versions available by paid subscription.
Contact: POBox 3747, Lawrence KS 66046; 800-307-8949 (toll free); 785-748-0605
(KS); fax 785-748-0609; e-mail http://www.growingformarket.com/static/contact
Homepage: http://www.growingformarket.com/
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: Producer-oriented publication, "features practical articles
about food and flower growing, selling at farmers markets, Community Supported
Agriculture, and selling to restaurants, supermarkets, and florists." [Web
site] Each issue includes brief monthly organic produce price report. Online
book store and RSS feed at the Web site. Access to online article archive
(2003-2008) available to full-access members.
13. The Inspectors’ Report.
Independent Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA).
Print and electronic; quarterly. Most current issue available to members only;
archived issues (2001-2007) available free online.
Contact: PO Box 6, Broadus MT 50317-0006; 406-436-2031 (MT); e-mail ioia@ioia.net
Homepage: http://www.ioia.net/ (accessed
2/11/08)
Description: Newsletter "offers Training News, in-depth articles on the
Organic Sector, a regular column on genetic engineering in agriculture, and
much more." [Web site]
14. LOHAS E-Weekly News.
LOHAS.
Electronic; weekly. Available by paid subscription.
Contact: 303-222-8283 (CO); fax 303-222-8250; e-mail admin@lohas.com (news service subscriptions).
Homepage: http://www.lohas.com/ (accessed
2/11/08)
Description: Searchable Weekly News article archive free online. LOHAS
Journal: Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability is now published annually.
15. National Farm to School E-Newsletter.
Center for Food and Justice; Urban and Environmental Policy Institute at Occidental College.
Electronic; monthly. Current and archived issues available free online.
URL: http://www.farmtoschool.org/newsletter.php
(accessed 2/15/08)
Description: This newsletter highlights pivotal policies, news,
publications and events related to bringing local fresh ingredients from farms
to schools.
16. Natural Food Network Magazine.
One World Media.
Electronic; 8/year. Print edition available free to qualified professionals;
current and archived electronic issues (2005-2007) available free online.
Contact: 650-286-4165 (CA, subscriptions).
Homepage: http://www.naturalfoodnet.com/
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: Publication includes news, features, opinion pieces, and
analysis of the natural food supply industry. Also available: Weekly News
Alert and Web site news service, supplier directory and research products
for purchase.
17. Natural Foods Merchandiser.
Penton Media.
Print and electronic; monthly. Print edition available free to qualified
professionals; current and archived issues available free online or via NFM’s
free Digital Subscription
Contact: 303-998-9126 (CO); fax 303-998-9020; e-mail http://www.newhope.com/more_info_form.cfm
Homepage: http://www.naturalfoodsmerchandiser.com/
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: U.S. retail trade source covering natural and organic
products - consumer surveys, regulatory issues, marketing practices, new
products, etc. Site also includes searchable Online Directory, retailer
forums/blogs, NFM eNewsletter subscription information and archive,
events calendar and RSS feed.
18. Natural Grocery Buyer.
New Hope Natural Media.
Print and electronic; quarterly.
Homepage: http://www.newhope.com/naturalcategorybuyer/ngb_backs_toc.cfm
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: Ceased publication in 2005. Full text back issues
(2002-2004) are available online.
19. Natural Products Industry Insider.
Virgo Publishing, Inc.
Print and electronic; monthly. Print edition available by paid subscription;
current and archived articles available free online.
Contact: 480-990-1101 ext. 1285 (AZ); fax 602-567-6855; e-mail cs@vpico.com
Homepage: http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: U.S. wholesale/retail trade source coverage includes
nutritional supplements, ingredients, private labels, food and personal care
issues. News items, features and columns available online at Web site. Other
resources; Buyers’ guide, blog, events calendar and RSS feed.
20. The New Farm: Farmer-to-Farmer Know-How From
The Rodale Institute.
Rodale Institute.
Electronic; monthly. Current and archived issues available free online.
Homepage: http://www.newfarm.org/
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: In addition to being an online magazine featuring success
stories with expert resources for crop and livestock production, direct
marketing, local food systems, etc., this resource includes organic price
reports (OPR and Grassroots OPX), New Farm forums, Resource Directory, Farm
Locator, Certifier Directory and classifieds. E-mail notification (New
Farm Newsletter, also archived) of the latest news and features is
available.
21. New Nutrition Business.
New Nutrition Business.
Print and electronic; 11/year. Both versions available by paid subscription.
Contact: e-mail info@new-nutrition.com
Homepage: http://www.new-nutrition.com/
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: UK publication covers global food and nutrition business
including companies, brands, products, ingredients, markets and regulations.
Searchable database of archived articles (1998-2008); selected issues available
free online. Free e-mail alerts available.
22. Nutrition Business Journal.
Penton Media.
Print and electronic; monthly. Both versions available by paid subscription.
Contact: 303-998-9399 (CO); fax 303-385-0046; e-mail info@nutritionbusiness.com
Homepage: http://www.nutritionbusiness.com
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: U.S.-based journal provides data and analysis of nutrition
industry segments: dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbs and
botanicals, sports nutrition, specialty supplements); natural and organic
foods; functional foods; and natural and organic personal care and household
products. Free weekly e-mail updates, NBJ blog, and archived issue index
(1996-2007) and issue table of contents available free online. Full text
articles, research data and reports available for puchase.
23. OCIA Communicator.
Organic Crop Improvement Association International.
Print and electronic; quarterly. Both versions available with paid membership;
current and archived issues available free online.
Contact: 402-477-2323 (NE); fax 402-477-4325; e-mail info@ocia.org
Homepage: http://www.ocia.org/Communications/Communicator/Communicator.aspx
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: Organic certification agency newsletter includes articles
about current research and regulatory issues as well as organizational news.
24. OFARM Quarterly.
Organic Farmers’ Agency for Relationship Marketing (OFARM).
Print and electronic; quarterly. Print edition available with paid membership;
current and archived issues available free online.
Contact: OFARM Executive Director; 920-825-1369 (WI); e-mail jbobbe@centurytel.net
Homepage: http://www.ofarm.org/newsletters.html
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: OFARM strives to "coordinate the efforts of producer
marketing groups to benefit and sustain organic producers." [Mission Statement]
Information focuses on market, pricing and regulatory information for U.S. organic grain farmers.
25. OMRI Materials Review.
Organic Materials Review Institute.
Print and electronic; quarterly. Both versions available by paid subscription.
Contact: Box 11558, Eugene OR 97440-3758; 541-343-7600 (OR); fax 541-343-8971;
e-mail info@omri.org
Homepage: http://www.omri.org/OMRI_subscribe_info.html
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: Newsletter focusing on the latest organic news, including
guidance on new standards and materials. Subscription also includes: OMRI
Products List (directory of products for use in organic agriculture and
food processing); OMRI Generic Materials List (catalog of over 900
materials and whether they may be used in organic agriculture and food
processing); and OMRI Products List Changes and Updates (quarterly).
26. The Organic and Non-GMO Report.
Writing Solutions, Inc.
Print and electronic; monthly. Both versions available by paid subscription.
Contact: Ken Roseboro, PO Box 436, Fairfield IA 52556; 800-854-0586 (toll
free); 641-472-1491 (IA); e-mail ken@non-gmoreport.com
Homepage: http://www.non-gmoreport.com/
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: "Information to help you capitalize on markets for organic
and non-genetically modified products." [Web site] Selected past articles and
Web links directory available free online. Site also provides information about
directories: The 2007 Non-GMO Sourcebook and A Guide to Experts in
GMO Testing, Identity Preservation, and Non-GMO Certification.
27. Organic and Wellness News.
Premergo International.
Print and electronic; 2/year. Both versions available by paid subscription.
Contact: 1-613-526-6207 (Canada); fax 1-613-526-0480 (Canada); e-mail info@organic-and-wellness-news.com
Homepage: http://www.organic-and-wellness-news.com/
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: Newsletter focuses on entrepreneurial networking: "direct
contact with producers, transformers, traders of organic food and beverages,
natural cosmetics and health products, organic textiles and other goods."[Web
site] Selected articles from current and past issues available free online.
Access to electronic newsletter and all news posted on the Web site is free
with required log on.
28. Organic Business News: The Voice of the
Organic Food Industry.
Hotline Publishing.
Print; monthly. Available by paid subscription.
Contact: POBox 1203, Plymouth FL 32768-1203; 407-886-8782 (FL); fax 407-886-8326;
e-mail obn@hotlineprinting.com
Homepage: http://hotlineprinting.com/obn/home.html
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: Trade magazine that covers the "latest national and state
government regulatory news, economic trends, and special reports on niche
markets within the organic food industry." [Web site] Site also offers free
news service, links directory and the free e-mail Organic Business News E-zine,
subscription, information: organicmail@hotlineprinting.com
29. Organic Bytes.
Organic Consumers Association.
Electronic; bi-monthly. Current and archived editions (2002-2008) available
free online; e-mail subscription also available.
Contact: 218-226-4164 (MN); fax 218-353-7652.
Homepage: http://www.organicconsumers.org/organicbytes.htm
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: "Environmental, consumer and health news tidbits with an
edge!" [Web site]
30. Organic Processing Magazine: Strategies for
Best Practices in Food, Fiber and Personal Care.
The Target Group, Inc.
Print and electronic; quarterly. Both versions available by paid subscription.
Contact: 310-745-0941 (CA); fax 310-745-0997; e-mail info@organicprocessing.com
Homepage: http://www.organicprocessing.com/
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: "Business-to-business publication for the organic food,
fiber and personal care industries..." [Web site] Full text archived issues
(2003-2007) free online.
31. The Organic Report.
Organic Trade Association (OTA).
Print; quarterly. Available with paid membership.
Contact: 413-774-7511 (MA); fax 413-774-6432; e-mail info@ota.com
URL: http://www.ota.com/membership/benefits.html
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: "Member news magazine of the Organic Trade Association."
[Web site]
32. The Organic Standard.
Grolink AB.
Print and electronic; monthly. Both versions available by paid subscription.
Contact: Torfolk, 684 95 Hoje Sweden; +46-563-723 45 (Sweden); fax +46-563-720
66; e-mail office@organicstandard.com
Homepage: http://www.organicstandard.com/
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: "The Organic Standard is an international monthly journal
that enables individuals and organisations to keep up-to-date on developments
concerning worldwide standards and certification issues in the organic sector."
[Web site] Table of contents, first pages and selected articles available free
online.
33. Peas N’ News.
Farmers Market Coalition.
Electronic; seasonal. Current and archived issues available free online.
URL: http://www.farmersmarketcoalition.org/newsletter/
(accessed 2/15/08)
Description: Seasonal electronic newsletter covers progress, public
policy changes, and potential funding sources for farmers markets. Began
publication in 2007.
34. The Provender Journal.
Provender Alliance.
Print and electronic; bi-monthly. Both versions available with paid membership.
Archived issues (2006-2007) free online.
Contact: 888-352-7431; 503-859-3600 (OR); fax 503-859-3608; e-mail info@provender.org
Homepage: http://www.provender.org/journal.htm
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description : "News and information about the Northwest’s Natural Foods
Network and those who make it work." [Web site]
35. Rural Cooperatives Magazine.
USDA, Rural Business Cooperative Service.
Print and electronic; bi-monthly. Print edition available by paid subscription
through Government Printing Office (GPO); current and archived electronic
issues available free online.
Homepage: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/pub/openmag.htm
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: Publication carries a wide variety of articles about the
nation’s farm and utility cooperatives, with the goal of expanding
understanding and use of the co-op business model. Archived issues (1998-2007)
available free online. New issue e-mail notification available.
36. Small Farm News.
University of California, Small Farm Center.
Print and electronic; quarterly. Current and archived issues available free
online (contributions encouraged).
Contact: One Shields Avenue, Davis CA 95616; 530-752-8136 (CA); e-mail sfcenter@ucdavis.edu
Homepage: http://www.sfc.ucdavis.edu/pubs/SFNews/news.html
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: Features farmer and farm advisor profiles, research
articles, farm-related print and web site resources, news items, and a calendar
of state, national, and international events. Archived issues (1997-2007) free
online.
37. Small Farm Today.
Missouri Farm Publishing, Inc.
Print; 6/year. Available by paid subscription.
Contact: 3903 West Ridge Trail Road, Clark MO 65243-9525; 800-633-2535 (toll
free); 573-687-3525 (MO); fax 573-687-3148; e-mail smallfarm@socket.net
Homepage: http://www.smallfarmtoday.com
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: "How-to magazine of alternative and traditional crops,
livestock, and direct marketing." [Web site] Publisher also sponsors an annual
National Small Farm Trade Show and Conference.
38. Smart Marketing.
Cornell University, Department of Applied Economics and Management.
Electronic; monthly. Current and archived issues available free online.
Homepage: http://aem.cornell.edu/special_programs/hortmgt/smart_marketing/index.htm
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: Extension newsletter.
39. The Stockman Grass Farmer: The Grazier’s
Edge.
Mississippi Valley Publishing Corp.
Print; monthly. Available by paid subscription.
Contact: PO Box 2300, Ridgeland MS 39158-9911; 800-748-9808 (toll free);
601-853-1861 (MS); fax 601-853-8087; e-mail SGF@StockmanGrassFarmer.com
Homepage: http://www.stockmangrassfarmer.com/sgf/
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: Publication "devoted solely to the art and science of
making a profit from grassland agriculture... The Stockman Grass Farmer
serves as an information network for grassland farmers sharing the latest in
intensive grazing technology and pasture management." [Web site] Selected
archived articles and blog free online. Also at this site: books, CDs and audio
tapes for purchase.
40. Wellness Foods Magazine. Note:
See: Food Processing Magazine, above.
41. What’s News in Organic.
Organic Trade Association (OTA).
Electronic; 3-4/year. Current and archived issues (1999-2007) available free
online.
URL: http://www.ota.com/news/whatsnews.html
(accessed 2/11/08)
Description: Flier geared primarily for members of the press.
42. Whole Foods Magazine.
WFC, Inc.
Print; 13/year. Available by paid subscription.
Contact: 4041G Hadley Road, Suite 101, South Plainfield NJ 07080; 908-769-1160 (NJ); fax 908-769-1171; e-mail info@wfcinc.com
Homepage: http://www.wfcinc.com/ (accessed
2/11/08)
Description: "Informing and educating natural products retailers on
dietary supplements, herbs, HBC, homeopathy, foods." [Web site] Subscription
includes three supplements: Industry’s "Who’s Who of Manufacturers;" an annual Retailer
Survey; and the Source Directory. Current issue’s table of contents
and selected content available online.
43. Women’s Agricultural Network Newsletter.
Women’s Agricultural Network Newsletter.
Electronic; quarterly. Current and archived (1997-2007) electronic issues
available free online.
Contact: WAgN, 617 Comstock Road Suite 5, Berlin VT 05602; 802-223-2389 (VT);
fax 802-223-6500; e-mail wagn@zoo.uvm.edu
URL: http://www.uvm.edu/~wagn/newsletter.html
(accessed 2/15/08)
Description: Vermont-based organization provides business, marketing and
training information for anyone interested in on-the-job learning.
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