Boston Organics Blog | Fresh. Organic. Delivered. (83)

This past Tuesday, June 11^th, we attended the MA Right to Know GMO labeling rally and public hearing at the State House in Boston. The hearing was held by the Joint Committee on Public Health on 21 different health related bills, 5 of which were on the labeling and safety of GMO’s.

The five GMO labeling bills cover a range of labeling issues and requirements. Many of the bills require that “clear and conspicuous” language be placed on the front and back of the product packaging. Specifically, the words “Genetically Engineered,” “Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering,” or “May be Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering” must be on packaging of GMO products.

Supporters from as far as Iowa, Connecticut, and Western Mass gathered on the State House steps Tuesday morning. Advocates, business people, Frankencorns, mothers, parents, doctors, scientists, students, environmentalists, and farmers came together to show their support and fill the hearing with heartfelt testimonies. Their testimonies, each unique and important, all built up to one important message. The people of Massachusetts have the right to know what is in their food, and they have the right to make their own decisions based on that information. Click here to read the testimony submitted by Jeff Barry, Founder and President of Boston Organics.

The Massachusetts hearing comes at a very important time; both Connecticut and Maine passed GMO labeling bills this past week. Connecticut was the first state to pass such a bill into law, while Maine a few days later moved their bill through the House and Senate. These recent bills both carry clauses that halt them from implementation unless surrounding states adopt similar bills. This puts added importance behind the 5 bills in question in Massachusetts and will hopefully be a call to action for lawmakers.

All in all, the feeling in the hearing room was positive towards GMO labeling. The committee officials listened with open minds, asked thoughtful follow-up questions, and seemed generally interested in the stories from the public before them.

Attending the public hearing was a powerful, interesting, and insightful experience into the makings of Massachusetts food law. It was great to see so many people come out and share their experiences with GMO’s and push for proper labeling and legislation.

Here are a few ways you can help motivate Capitol Hill:

Sign the petition for the labeling of GMOs at MoveOn.org.

Email your U.S. Senators and Representative in support of labeling.

Topics: Food Politics, Organic Grocery Delivery Boston, Non GMO

Our Dogma Box includes produce sourced as close to Boston as possible throughout the year. Similar to a CSA, this box is filled with the best organic produce from local and regional farms.

This week brings lots o’ local greens from Atlas Farm, plus fresh mint, zucchini, Vidalia onions, bunched beets, and more. Delicious plums, peaches, and pears are continuing to come in, while pluots are just on the horizon. Also in this week’s newsletter are details about the upcoming GMO labeling hearing in Massachusetts as well as our 4th of July delivery schedule. Check out the newsletter!

Topics: Newsletter

Congratulations to all of our Boston Organics customers who participated in the 1st Round of our Summer Rewards program! Throughout the month of May, each delivery you received and each referral you sent our way counted as entries towards our first round of prizes.

Topics: Boston Organics Community, Contests, Community Events

On June 11th at the State House, the Joint Committee on Public Health has scheduled a hearing entitled “Food Safety, Nutrition and Labeling,” where three bills will be discussed related to the mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods (“GMOs”).

Topics: Jeff’s Corner, Organic Grocery Delivery Boston, Non GMO

Our Dogma Box includes produce sourced as close to Boston as possible throughout the year. Similar to a CSA, this box is filled with the best organic produce from local and regional farms.

Topics: Local Dogma Box

The 4th of July is coming up quickly! We won’t be delivering on Thursday, July 4th or Friday, July 5th, so we’re compressing our deliveries into the first half of the week.

Topics: Holiday

It’s hard to believe that one year ago we were celebrating our 10th anniversary here at our warehouse! Thanks to our farmers, vendors, friends, family, and our wonderful customers for making our 11th year the best one yet!

This week brings a wide variety of local organic greens, including kale, chard, collard greens, and turnip greens from Atlas, as well as bunched spinach from Red Fire Farm. We’re happy to announce that asparagus is back from Pedersen Farms of NY! Other local highlights are local alfalfa sprouts and a mix of herbs from Happy Valley Organics. Stone fruits are coming along nicely with yellow peaches, donut peaches, plums, apricots, and yellow nectarines. Check out the newsletter!

Our Dogma Box includes produce sourced as close to Boston as possible throughout the year. Similar to a CSA, this box is filled with the best organic produce from local and regional farms.

Topics: Local Dogma Box

Happy Memorial Day! Local veggies are coming in strong this week with red leaf lettuce, kale, collards, and mint from western Massachusetts. Also, get ready for tasty white nectarines, yellow peaches, and donut peaches. Check out the newsletter!