Organic food production is still hampered by concerns raised by consumers about the authenticity of organic produce, and although organic produce has secured market recognition in Malaysia. Attempts by the private sector and the government to address the issue however have not been so fruitful to date. This issue has been raised at public seminars, newspaper articles as well as internet chat sites.
Self claimed organic products can similarly retail alongside certified products at up to 300 percent more than conventional produce. The organic producers are burdened by the additional documentation, expenses, fees and control procedures which do not facilitate any additional market margin. NGO and public demands, the Malaysian government published the National Organic Standards (MS1529) in 2001. The Department of Agriculture established an organic certification program, Malaysian Organic Scheme (Skim Organik Malaysia-SOM), for the domestic market in December 2003.
The scope of the certification program, presently limited to crop production, is offered free of charge to farmers. Over 70 farmers have reportedly applied since 2004 but only 17 are certified so far. Certification of imported final products is clearly marked as such on their respective product labels. Importing from all over the world, the Malaysian market are with numerous certification marks, which wholesale and retail staff are not always able to explain correctly.
OAM or Organic Alliance Movement, comprising chief executive officers of major organic importers and wholesalers setup in 2002 has mixed results in establishing a local certification program; one of OAM’s founding objectives. Processors of imported certified bulk items often claim their repacked items are certified organic although their repacking operations are not certified. Processors of multi ingredients from different countries and certification systems face difficulty in the choice of certification body unless they simplify their supply sources.
Organic Alliance Movement or OAM is currently working on domestic organic assurance program, promoting Malaysia common market mark and in alliance with certification bodies in Europe and Asia to offer certification service for organic exporters.

George Siemon, CEO of Organic Valley of Farms, the USA’s largest cooperative of organic farmers said in weak economy, new organic customers will be more cautious. Sales growth has slowed but remains strong because of the loyalty of core organic buyers. They say new consumers are tougher to attract, given that organic can cost 10% to 50% more than non-organic rivals.
Gary Hirshberg, CEO of Stonyfield Farm, a leading organic yogurt maker says “Most of us are seeing slightly slower growth, but we are still seeing growth.” He expects 18% revenue growth this year, up from 16% last year but down from 24% plus in past years. Others also reported slower growth than Wall Street analysts anticipated, including Whole Foods Market and Lifeway Foods.
George Siemon also says existing organic buyers may cut purchases of discretionary items, such as organic ice cream, and to the basic such as organic milk and meat. Siemon earlier targeted 24% growth this year for Organic Valley. Now he is looking for 22% and the co-op had 30% growth last year. The Organic Trade Association said that sales of organic foods and beverages are expected to reach $24 billion this year, and average about 18% annual growth through 2010.
Laurie Demeritt president of market researcher of The Hartman Group says almost 70% of U.S. shoppers bought something organic over a recent three month period. She also says Hartman’s consumer survey earlier this year showed that organic use has been leveling off since 2006, and she also said organic are also seeing increased competition from “locally grown” products, whether they are organic or not.

Eating organic food is good for our body and making delicious organic desserts has an advantage. In every occasion your family and friends will enjoy eating desserts like cakes. So here are some dessert recipe that will delight your family and friends.

Carrot Cake

1 cup grated carrots
½ cup water
¼ cup applesauce
1 package Simply Organic Carrot Cake Baking Mix

Procedure
Preheat oven to 350° F
Grease bottom of 8 or 9 inches round cake pan
Add contents of package into mixing bowl
Add applesauce, water and carrots.
Stir just until mixture is evenly moist.
Pour into cake pan.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until center tests done with a toothpick

The Carrot Cake Baking Mix is a classic brought up to date with robust maple granules and wholesome brown rice flour.

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 tablespoons melted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
1 package softened cream cheese (8 ounces)

Procedure
In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the cream cheese, butter and vanilla
Slowly add in the powdered sugar
Mix until creamy
Can be used immediately or cover and refrigerate until use

Butter Cream Frosting

1/3 cup melted butter
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
2 beaten egg whites (pasteurized)

Procedure
In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the butter and vanilla.
Slowly add in the powdered sugar.
Mix until creamy
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy and bubbly
Add to large mix and beat all together until creamy, usually 2 to 3 minutes on medium high speed
Can be used immediately or cover and refrigerate until use

Representatives of the organic community meet with the US department of Agriculture or USDA Farm Bill Implementation Team to discuss the implementation of organic provisions within the 2008 Farm Bill. The USDA Farm Bill Implementation Team was charged with crafting 70 implementation rules by 90 days after the 18 June enactment of the Bill.
It was arranged by The Organic Trade Association or OTA, was an opportunity to present information on the significance of organic provisions to the team charged with implementing the Farm Bill. Mark Lipson, senior policy analyst for the Organic Farming Research Foundation said “This meeting was very important as we shift from legislative advocacy to the hard work of implementation.” “Our wins in the Farm Bill must be integrated into each agency’s work plan as directed by the USDA leadership, but it won’t happen automatically.”
OTA spokesperson and other participants stressed the importance of National Organic Program funding, organic production and market data, research needs, organic crop insurance provisions, the national cost share certification program, and provisions for organic agriculture in conservation programs. OTA led group include representatives of the Organic Farming Research Foundation or OFRF, National Organic Coalition, Center for Food Safety, National Centre for Appropriate Technology, Rodale Institute, Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Food and Water Watch and Florida Organic Growers.

If you are craving for some Italian organic food or something different, here some recipe you want to consider cooking. This recipe is originated in Valencia, the paella with sausage and shrimp, paella is literally means “frying pan”. The pan used to cook paella is shallow and varies in diameter.

Paella with sausage and shrimp
1/8 cup olive oil
½ pound slice sausage,
½ pound medium count (40 to 50 count) uncooked shrimp
2 cups water
2 tablespoons chicken flavored broth powder
8 to 10 strands of saffron
1 package Simply Organic Garlic Pasta Sauce Mix
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
2 cups instant rice

Procedure
On medium high heat, warm olive oil in a large skillet.
Sauté sausage and shrimp in oil
Add water, broth saffron and garlic pasta sauce mix and stir.
Add tomatoes and rice
Cover with lid and let simmer 15 to 20 minutes on low.

Pasta alla Norma with eggplant and basil
1 eggplant
10 ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced
1 clove garlic
3 oz aged salted ricotta cheese, grated
Virgin olive oil
1 lb. penne pasta
10 basil leaves
Salt and pepper

Procedure

Slice the eggplant and place on a cutting board propped on a slant
Cover with salt and leaves under a weight for one hour until the bitter water seeps out
Cook the garlic in olive oil, and add the tomatoes and salt.
Simmer over medium heat and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduce by 1/3.
Add pinch of pepper and remove from heat and set aside.
Wash the slices of eggplant and dry it.
Fry eggplant in hot olive oil
Place on paper towels to dry then chop
Cook spaghetti in a boiling pot with salted water
Toss in a large skillet half of the tomato sauce, eggplant, a few basil leaves and half of the grated cheese over a brisk flame.
Put the pasta in the serving dish.

These organic recipes will delight you family and friends and it is good for your health.