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  Upcoming
Events
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Stirring the Pot with Nell Newman, Els Cooperrider and Guinness McFadden By Julie Logue-Riordan, CCP  Els Cooperrider, Guinness McFadden, Nell Newman
As food professionals, we are expected to know the in’s and out’s of
certified organic and genetically modified foods. This is one of the
most challenging areas we deal with. On June 22nd, Nell Newman (Newman’s
Own Organics), Els Cooperrider (Ukiah Brewing Co.) along with surprise
guest Guinness Mc Fadden, addressed the SFPFS on the joys and challenges
of being certified organic and what genetically modified means to the
future of organics. Michael Straus (Straus PR) moderated the
conversation with Newman, Cooperrider and McFadden.  Nell Newman, Mani Niall Nell Newman entered the organic business as a frustrated fund raiser for a non-profit. She spent a year researching organic options to pitch to the Newman’s Own line, a food company started by her father, Paul Newman. She settled on pretzels, wisely choosing her father’s favorite food. With 13 years involvement in organic food, she now wants to focus on educating people how to eat and, most importantly, about the genetic engineering of food products.
 Els Cooperrider When Cooperrider decided to open a restaurant and microbrewery in Ukiah with her son, organic was the cornerstone of her vision. She wanted the environment, the employees and customers to be better off. “Organic food tastes better”. She also co-founded the Mendocino Organic Network, MON, which certifies organic farmers throughout the county. According to Cooperrider, “Since the USDA has taken over the role as regulator of organic foods, the certification has been watered down. MON has stricter rules for farmers wishing to be certified organic.”  Michael Straus
 Organic wine from Guinness McFadden The area most confusing to the public is in genetic engineering. Currently the USDA, which certifies organic foods in the USA, does not allow any genetically engineered elements in food certified as organic (other than residue). McFadden explained the difference between genetically modified organisms (GMO’S) and hybrids. Hybridization occurs within a species and is a type of genetic manipulation. However, hybridization is essentially sexual reproduction. It is not possible to hybridize an apple and a fish. In the case of GMO’s, genes from such disparate species are co-mingled. Newman and Cooperrider emphasized how important it was to avoid GMO’s because there isn’t enough research to determine the long-term risks. For example, monitoring the pollen counts of GMO’s and studying bees and other pollinator’s response to GMO crops has had very little funding or research.  Micki Weinberg, Frankie Whitman, Sally-Jean Shepard, Kris Balloun, and Brooke Jackson One of the most thought provoking comments of the evening came from Newman, pointing out, “ when you buy certified organic products, a lot of work goes into the certification to prove there is nothing else in it which isn’t organic. Imagine what food labels would look like from farmers of non- organics if they had to keep track of, and list, every single pesticide, fungicide, etc. that goes in to the production of their products. It would be an eye opener”  Food from Eric Tucker, Millennium Restaurant The Cathedral Hill Hotel generously hosted the event. Millennium Restaurant provided a sumptuous crostini bar, complementing McFadden’s wines. Chef Eric Tucker prepared outstanding toppings for the crostini, such as Garlic & Herbed White Bean; Truffled French Lentils; and Tomato & Black Olive Salsa Cruda, along with an array of cookies and fresh berries. Thanks to M. Christine Torrington for photos. .  Guinness McFadden
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List of Recent Events August 2008 Coffee Cupping June 2008 Honey Tasting SIG June 2008 Food Writing Book Club SIG June 2008 Digs Bistro June 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Showdown May 2008 A Visit to Careme 350 May 2008 Cooking Teachers SIG May 2008 San Mateo Members Meet May 2008 South Bay Members Connect April 2008 Wine SIG takes a Beaujolais Cruise April 2008 Demystifying the Food/Wine Dilemma March 2008 Pasta tasting
March 2008
February 2008
June 2007
June 2007
January 2007
January 2006
September 19, 2005
June 22, 2005
May 25, 2005
May 18. 2005
April 28, 2005
February 15, 2005
October 22, 2004
July 12, 2004
May 17, 2004 |
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