Organic is this decade’s most common buzzword in the natural foods market.  However, organic farming is far from new. For thousands of years before modern fertilizers and chemicals were used, farmers relied on techniques such as crop rotation, manure fertilizers and other natural forms of pest control. Today, the majority of farming in the U.S. is done conventionally using chemicals for fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides.  The good news is, despite this, the organic industry in the US is growing.

The 2012 Organic Industry Survey was recently released by the Organic Trade Association (O.T.A) showing that due to consumer choice in the U.S., the organic industry grew by 9.5 percent in 2011 to reach over $31 billion in sales.  The growth of this industry is the “fastest growing segment of U.S. agriculture for over a decade,” Christine Bushway, Executive Director and CEO of the O.T.A stated.   “Consumers are increasingly engaged and discerning when they shop, making decisions based on their values and awareness about health.” Their purchasing decisions are attributed to the higher levels of education and awareness concerning organic versus conventional products.

On March 13, Joby Rumiano was interviewed for On the Menu, a one-hour talk show that features food. The episode's theme was "Foods & Flavors that we love, with fascinating stories to match!! " Joby discusses the Rumiano Cheese Co's famous Jack Cheese.

Other features of the episode include Tim Vincent, Vincent Family (4 generations) cranberries, dried & juiced, Bandon OR; Julian Rose, Moonstruck Chocolate Co., Portland OR, fine chocolate bars and chocolate-dipped beans of the rediscovered "Pure Nacional" variety; P.  Allen Smith, America's best known "TV Gardener" talks about his Cookbook Debut, P. Allen Smith's Seasonal Recipes from the Garden.

Hosted by Ann & Peter Haigh, On the Menu features chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers, authors, winemakers, food producers, cookware and kitchen gadget makers and other culinary luminaries.  They also discuss the wide world of food, wine, travel & lifestyle, as well as food trends, new products, where to go, how to get there and special events worth noting.

For the full episode that features Rumiano, listen here.

It's always a pleasure being recognized for our most-prided qualities. In October 2009 issue of Cheese Market News, Rumiano Cheese Company was recognized for our focus on quality and sustainability and their part in our award-winning, long-term success.

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