Dear Sean and all of our friends at Sacramento Natural Foods Co op,

All of us here at Full Belly wish you a verdant, savory, fulfilling and satisfying New Year. The rains of the past few weeks- despite the volume for some, have created an optimistic start for the New Year. Wells are being replenished, Farm soils are being flushed with wonderful clean fresh rainfall, Our cover crops are thriving and helping to sequester both carbon and rainfall- a remarkable gift.

Our long history with all of you has been a treasured journey. Sacramento Natural Foods co-op was one of our first customers as a fledgling Organic Farm more than 40 years ago as you all relentlessly pursued all organic product for your store. At each step of the evolution, your principled positions and direct support has strengthened the Organic Farming Community in the Sacramento Region. You have been willing to support us for the many years of our mutual journey- thank you for that support. We remain committed to protecting and invigorating a healthy Organic Farming Systems.

The fundamental principles remain the same- good and healthy food comes from healthy soil that is stewarded with right intention. With 40 years of rule making and definition, it is clear that Real Organic is far beyond ‘regenerative’ and solves for a larger pattern of rural and consumer health and food system equity. Organic has been a safe harbor for new farmers and principled farms to connect with a market that expects integrity and transparency. We believe deeply that Organic agriculture is based on living healthy soil farmed in a way that builds fertility over time. We believe that animal welfare means access to pasture, fresh air, clean water and sunlight. This is why we are supporting the work of the Real OrganicProject.

I am hoping that Sacramento Natural Foods Coop, your employees, and your patrons all might support the work of the Real Organic Project. We see Real Organic as Real Regenerative- soil based, yet free of harmful chemicals, gmo’s, herbicides, pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Organic from its inception has been based on building soil carbon and soil life.

So, this is a quick note sharing our poster and links for the upcoming one-day pre-conference at EcoFarm. It will rock. Truly great speakers. It should be tight and engaging in a friendly sort of way. Of course, Paul Hawken is awesome. Hugh Kent is the eloquent blueberry farmer from Florida. Steffen Reese is the director of Naturland, the international, farmer-led organic organization based in Germany that certifies 70,000 farms around the world. And Jennifer Taylor, Javier Zamora, Dave Chapman, Dru Rivers, Alan Lewis! And more! Hope you can make it, even if only virtually. Please share the posters with your community. One is formated for Facebook. The conference can be live-streamed as well! Just sign up on the EcoFarm site.

Here is the link to check it out: https://www.realorganicsymposium.org/ecofarm.

We are hoping to have consumers, contentious eaters and friends from the food world attend. Please send this announcement to your extensive list of friends if you might. Presenters include 9 farmer leaders who have been on the front furrows for many years. We hope some of you all can attend.

Thanks so much for your help and support!

All the best for a great 2023,

Paul from Full Belly Farm