Ag summit highlights challenges, benefits of organic farming
In the early 2000s, after years of battling health issues, Manuel became interested in how food could help improve her health. That led her to organic farming. “So in that way, I learned that food was medicine,” Manuel said. She believes organic farming is healthier for people, free of pesticides and other chemicals. This sentiment was at the heart of the two-day summit.
Natural Grocers to Mark 70th Anniversary in August
Organic and natural food retailer Natural Grocers is celebrating 70 years in business with a retro-themed sales event offering savings of up to 60% off more than 500 items, giveaways and the chance to win a Mustang Mach-E Premium. The event will take place Aug. 14-16.
Sprouts Farmers Reports Strong Q2 2025 Financial Results
Sprouts Farmers Market reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2025, with net sales reaching $2.2 billion, a 17% increase from the previous year. The company also saw a 10.2% growth in comparable store sales and a significant rise in diluted earnings per share from $0.94 to $1.35. Sprouts opened 12 new stores, bringing the total to 455, and ended the quarter with $261 million in cash and no debt on its revolving credit facility. The company repurchased 0.5 million shares and generated $410 million in cash from operations. Looking ahead, Sprouts expects continued growth with plans to open at least 35 new stores in 2025 and achieve net sales growth between 14.5% and 16%.
Gap between select organic and conventional produce prices has narrowed in recent years
Producers of organic products usually receive higher prices for their commodities over conventional commodities. This price premium allows organic farmers to recoup costs associated with organic production. However, the price premiums for products such as organic apples, strawberries, and spinach—the top organic products by value of production—have been decreasing since 2015. Food price inflation in 2022 was at its highest since 1979, and consumers experienced higher food prices both for organic and conventional produce. That led to a narrowing of premiums between wholesale prices of organic and conventional produce as conventional prices increased at a higher rate than those for organic produce. The Organic Trade Association reports that organic producers were hesitant during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to further increase prices of their products given the higher price point faced by consumers.
Study links organic food consumption to better cognitive function in older adults
Older adults who eat more organic food tend to have better cognitive performance, according to a new study published in the European Journal of Nutrition. The researchers also found that organic food consumption was associated with a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment among women, but not among men.
