Tropical Wholefoods are importing raisins this Spring again from the Shomali Plains just north of Kabul in Afghanistan. Adam Brett and Richard Friend have been working with US Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) Mercy Corps since 2006 on developing a good raisin supply out of Afghanistan into the UK. Part of the brief is to improve the farmer drying of raisins (through introduction of a mat based system). The washing and further grading and de-stalking of the raisins is another stage. Getting Fairtrade Certification for the grape farmers is another goal. It’s been a tricky one to manage because the insecurity in the region rules out any FLO inspectors going to Afghanistan. However, Adam has been working closely with the Fairtrade Foundation and Mercy Corps to try to develop a way in which FLO certification can be available to farmers groups in fragile and precarious states like Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Considerable progress has been made.

The raisins are delicious and sweet, and will be available as bulk and in Tropical Wholefoods retail packs of 200g x 6.

Tropical Wholefoods (Fullwell Mill Ltd) is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

We are very pleased that Tropical Wholefoods Fairtrade Apricot Kernels were the winner of the Green Familia Gold Leaf TGF Rated Awards for Food and Drink for 2009. This is a reader voted award. Results were announced on December 31st so a great end to 2009 for the kernels. Says Kate Sebag, director of Tropical Wholefoods: the tamari and chilli kernels are proving extremely popular – and now are available in sharing/catering tubs 500g from our website shop.

Tropical Wholefoods (Fullwell Mill Ltd) is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Apart from running The Barn Vegan Guest I am also co-chair of the New Forest Transition group.  Currently I am managing a year long project promoting local food – The New Forest Food Challenge. 

We have a ning social network site for the project and it’s been selected as a Finalist for the Hantsweb Awards locally.  There’s an award for the site best liked by the public and it would be wonderful if we could win – it would help to get both local food and Transition on the agenda.  It only takes a second to vote and if the EJ network could get behind us I am sure we’ll be in with a shot.

You can also join the Food Challenge – you don’t have to live in the New Forest!  Visit the site

To vote just click here or follow the link on the home page of the site.

Many thanks – Richard Barnett

The Barn Vegan Guest House is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Living an organic way of life has shown an increase in popularity in recent times, as more and more people are realizing the plus sides of good living. There are many gift hampers available now which are made with the best in organic and natural ingredients and they are a perfect alternative to traditional gifts.

It is often seen as a popular belief that all forms of organic products or even the ingredients which are taken from these organic products are much safer to consume than the chemical alternatives. This is believed because while the chemical counterparts have particular characteristics which may cause damage, the herbal components are linked with safety.

Organic goods are also used because of their ability to avoid all kinds of side effects. This is often why organic gifts are high in demand. More often in recent times, after organic food goods have gathered enormous popularity. So it is a great idea to offer friends and family organic gifts.

They have immense health pluses and they are recommended highly by the medical profession for giving a healing and relaxing effect. They also work against problems like respiratory conditions and allergies. For that reason it is quite clear why giving organic gifts have increased in popularity over time.

Organic gifts like gift baskets are produced from different kinds of organic food of which a highly significant component are nuts. Different varieties of nuts like raw pistachios, walnuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts and macadamia nuts are included in these gift packs and are enjoyed by a wide range of consumers.

While it is true that consuming too much chocolate may affect health, consumption within controlled proportions is considered to have a positive effect to the heart and the rest of the body apart from increasing mental levels as well. Hence chocolates and different types of chocolates like chocolate cakes, chocolate chips, alternative chocolate delicacies, milk chocolate nuts etc are ingredients that form a part of organic gifts. Brews like organic tea are also rather common.

It is seen that the most favoured in the tea variety are green tea, red bush tea, coffee etc. All these ingredients taken in appropriate proportions are shown to have beneficial effects on the wellbeing of the body. Sometimes seafood items are also included in these organic gift baskets. Fish can act as a preventive against all types of diseases and therefore aid in maintaining a healthy body. Quite often organic wine is also included in this basket.

Buying Organic gifts is a healthier and more environmentally friendly way to give a gift. Why not send organic gift hampers or food hampers to your friends in the future?

Ethical Junction members enjoy a 10% discount at ‘The Organic Gift Hamper Company’. Please enter code EJM9 at checkout.

You can now follow us on twitter (username: organichampers)

For further information please visit our website www.theorganicgifthampercompany.co.uk or call 01253 701518.

The Organic Gift Hamper Company is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Lessons on Health and Longevity from Pre-History to Modern Day

Natural healing methods from around the world promote health and wellbeing.

Are you sneezing from a cold or coughing from the flu? Do you have tummy aches or joint pains? If so, herbalist John E. Smith is coming to your rescue. Join John E. Smith as he shares the vast body of knowledge he has gathered from other cultures about food, herbs, health, and healing. Smith has traveled the world studying how other societies use food and herbs as medicine. In Food, Herbs, Health & Healing, he examines various natural healing systems and then distils his findings into a common sense approach to health and wellbeing. Smith offers a colorful cast of characters in this healthful, wholesome, and sensible book: foods, herbs, herbalists, and alchemists. He discusses the origins and healing properties of plants, and then shows us how to safely use ancient remedies to relieve dozens of common ailments. Food, Herbs, Health & Healing is a practice-proven method to achieve better health . . . naturally.

Publisher’s website: http://www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/FoodHerbsHealthandHealing.html

ISBN: 978-1-60860-653-5

On the 12th October, Climate Friendly Food will officially launch the UK’s most comprehensive carbon footprint calculator for farmers and growers, along with the world’s first low carbon participatory certification scheme. This is an exciting landmark for the development of carbon calculators and the low carbon food market.

To celebrate this launch, Climate Friendly Food have organised a week-long series of events. Starting in Dartington, near Totnes, Mukti Mitchell and Jonathan Smith will cycle 130 miles to Bristol, stopping at organic farms on the way.

Climate Friendly Food is committed to minimising its carbon footprint, so we’re using sustainable travel to promote low carbon food. We will also be eating climate friendly food as we attach great importance to putting principles in to practice.

You are very welcome to join us at one of the events listed overleaf. All events are free to attend, but as space is limited you will need to reserve a place as soon as possible. We will ask for donations towards tea and cakes on the day.

To book your place, please contact Jenny Hall by e-mail jenny@climatefriendlyfood.org.uk or by phone on 01744 894284. We look forward to meeting you at one of the events.

Food and drink should be among life’s pleasures, and at the Organic Gift Hamper Company we’re passionate about bringing you the best that Mother Nature has to offer.

Our luxury gift hampers contain the very best in organic food and drink, carefully selected and sourced from around the world and delivered to your door for you to enjoy. Each lovingly-packaged hamper is packed with mouth-watering ingredients that create an unforgettable culinary experience.

This is organic produce as you’ve never seen it, and whether the hamper you choose is a surprise for a loved one, a gift for a business associate, or an indulgence for yourself, you’ll notice the difference immediately.

A world away from the clichés of nettle wine and elderflower jam, you’ll discover fine organic Chiantis and Riojas, decadent chocolate truffles and tempting Kalamata olives – to name but a few of the many delights that await.

Our wide range of hampers includes special collections to mark important occasions, and nationally-themed hampers to help you create delicious international dishes. For a more individual gift, our bespoke design service allows you to create a hamper for someone special, based on their personal tastes. It’s an ideal way to create a thoughtful, unique gift that shows you really care.

Remember, organic food and drink isn’t just good for you – it’s great for the planet too. We’re passionate about food that respects the planet, encourages good farming practice, and keeps soil pollution to a minimum for the benefit of future generations.

A commitment to natural goodness, a passion for fine food, and a firm belief that luxury doesn’t have to come at the expense of the earth – these are the guiding principles of the Organic Gift Hamper Company.

For delivery by Christmas, please order your hampers no later than Monday 21st December 2009.

Please visit our website to start shopping:
www.theorganicgifthampercompany.co.uk

The UK’s
latest Veggie Lifestyle Magazine Off The Hoof (www.offthehoof.co.uk) has responded
immediately to Croydon’s 999 emergency health call that went out on
recently, by announcing their first ever Eco Veggie Fayre at The Fairfield
Halls Croydon on November 1^st 09

‘The Eco
Veggie Fayres are a brand new concept in family entertainment’, says show
organiser and magazine editor Tim Barford. ‘They are full of Kids
activities, entertainment, films, talks and workshops as well as loads of food
and products – but everything is eco friendly and veggie friendly, with a
fair trade influence too. It’s got to be one of the best ways of finding
out how to improve the health of ourselves, our kids and our planet, whilst
still having a cracking day out. And its excellent value too – only £3
for adults and £1 for Kids!’

The Eco Veggie
Fayres (www.ecoveggiefayre.co.uk
) will be touring several regional venues including Reading
(Dec 19^th 09) and Brighton (March 20^th 2010) before
heading to Bristol
for a 2 day spectacular at the end of May (29th and 30^th 2010). But
event host Tony Bishop – Weston from Off The Hoof, himself a Croydon resident,
is thrilled that the Veggie Fayres are starting in Croydon.

‘Its just
what we need to help focus the local community in bringing through a designated
veggie day in Croydon’ says Tony, ‘a huge get together with a party
spirit. We need to act together to provide healthy and sustainable choices for
the generations to come.’

Croydon has
recently been named London’s
most unhealthy borough and with obesity rates on the rise it’s time to
act – and act now. A number of health experts such as local nutritionist
Yvonne Bishop – Weston, and healthy food producers (including Heather
Mill’s latest acquisition Redwoods) are gathering their resources
together to try and push through a Veggie Day once a week to be adopted by
Croydon Council in an attempt to encourage a lot more fruit and veg consumption
and less intake of meat and dairy throughout the borough.

The Meat Free day idea has already been adopted in Ghent
(Belgium) and is backed worldwide by hi profile celebrities such as Paul
McCartney and Joanna Lumley (www.supportmfm.org). The organisers of the Eco Veggie Fayres
intend to join the push forward the Veggie Day idea to all the councils they
visit, starting with Reading, Brighton and Bristol after their opening campaign
in Croydon.

Having been tarnished with the title of “London’s unhealthiest borough” Croydon’s
campaigners and health professionals are joining forces to make Croydon an
easier place to live, work and be healthier in.

Leading UK Nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston from Foods for Life Consultancy
has a clinic at Oasis Natural Health Store in Croydon’s High Street. Yvonne 
says “We are hoping to build long lasting partnerships with organisations
such as Croydon Bid and The Croydon Food Group as well as other health
professionals and media organisations such as Passion for the Planet Radio,
Lifescape Magazine and Ethical Junction. The aim is to target the residents and
workers in Croydon and educate them about practical health choices and
providers of food so that there are more healthy choices on the menu for people
to choose.”

Foods for Life are working on a number of projects;

THE CHOP AWARDS – Croydon Healthier
Office Project – Foods for Life will make annual awards for the office team who
make the biggest measurable changes to their facilities and health of their
team. There will also be awards for the healthiest options on restaurant and
cafe menus to make it easier for people in Croydon to make healthier choices.

FOODS FOR LIFE / FAD FOR LIFE -A  five
a day promotion. A series of talks and workshops for parents and their children
to explain the importance of eating more fruit and vegetables and the impact on
their health.

CROYDON FOOD FESTIVAL  -
Foods for Life will be getting involved with The Croydon Food Festival working
with others to increase the emphasis on healthier vegetarian food choices.

CROYDON ECO VEGGIE FAYRE  -
Organised by Yaoh Foods, Veggievision and Off the Hoof magazine an ethical
festival of health and sustainability at Fairfield Halls will feature a
vegetarian cookery demo area presenting easy, practical healthy 5 a day
recipes, a talks area with a 5 a day workshop on healthy eating for kids. There
will be many opportunities to try new foods and products from over 80
exhibitors in Fairfields Arnhiem Hall

World Vegan Day at The Fairfield Cafe The Fairfield Cafe
will celebrate 65 years of Vegan Living on World Vegan Day 1st November with a
Vegan Sunday Lunch Menu and 65th Birthday Party food with a focus on 5 fruit
and vegetables a day.

Environmental Film Festival 
- Organisers of The Croydon Eco Veggie Fayre are looking for a partner
to sponsor
an afternoon of ethical film screenings at The Fairfield Halls such as
the
ground breaking, eye opening  ‘Age of Stupid’ that was premiered
in London’s Leicester
square earlier this year or ‘End of the Line’ the expose of what the
world’s governments have allowed to happen to our oceans. Food Matters
and A Delicate Balance that shine a light on the callous profit
motivated global health and industry and the effects on our planet.

“We can’t just sit back and watch our children follow our footsteps into
early graves or more likely long term debilitating chronic illnesses that lead
to slow and painfull death.We have to act now to create a brighter future for
them, their health and the health of the planet” warns Yvonne
Bishop-Weston

www.habitataid.co.uk

Habitat Aid is launching a small range of bee friendly non-native trees
to complement the native trees and nectar plants we are already selling.
These trees are recommended by the
British Beekeepers’ Association, except for one specifically for
bumblebees.

This
is part of the continuing expansion of our product line
in support of charities working to protect and promote biodiversity in
the UK. We are donating half of our profit from the sale of these trees to the Laboratory of Apiculture and
Social Insects at the University of Sussex. This is an important cause, and as
a beekeeper myself particularly close to my
heart. 

You can
find the trees at http://www.habitataid.co.uk/acatalog/exotic_trees.html and more information from the contact details
below. 
Nick Mann
Habitat Aid
Phone: 01749 812775
Fax: 01749 812971
 
www.habitataid.co.uk