LAKEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In
September, Organic Harvest Month, Natural Grocers customers raised $94,500 for the Organic Farmers
Association, an organization that represents organic U.S. farmers via grants, research and organic farming policy matters in
Washington, D.C. Natural Grocers shoppers across 19 states made in-store contributions and
exceeded a $50,000 target goal by 88 percent, further proving shoppers are voting with their
dollars to support organic farmers and the creation of more organic farmland in the U.S.
"Organic Farmers Association feels so fortunate to have fostered a partnership with Natural Grocers in preserving
opportunities for certified organic family farmers," said Kate Mendenhall, director of the Organic
Farmers Association. "This fundraising effort will greatly elevate the national voice of certified organic
farmers—ensuring that their policy priorities are heard in Washington and they receive the
policy and regulatory support they need to focus on farming good, healthy food."
The funds raised will also help provide scholarships to organic farmers to travel to Washington,
D.C., where they will receive training for effectively communicating the challenges they see on their farms and those of
their fellow organic farmers to our federal representatives and senators. Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity
to personally meet with their local elected officials.
"Our relationship with the Organic Farmers Association is an extension of Natural Grocers' commitment to providing consumers
with access to high-quality natural and organic foods at affordable prices. When you purchase organic food, you're supporting
local, organic farmers and fostering a healthier environment," said Kemper Isely, Co-President of
Natural Grocers. "We are proud to partner with the Organic Farmers Association to help amplify the voice of certified organic
farmers."
The United States includes over 18,500 certified organic farmers, and 96 percent of them are
small businesses. "Increasing the numbers of real organic farmers entering the halls of Washington makes a large impact and helps keep the needs of real farmers at the center of sustainable food
and agriculture policy," said Mendenhall.
About Organic Farmers Association
The Organic Farmers Association, sponsored by Rodale Institute, is a national membership collective of certified organic farmers
that provides a strong and unified voice for those who make their livelihood on the land. In addition to developing and
advocating for policies that benefit domestic organic producers, the Organic Farmers Association aims to strengthen and support
the capacity of organic farmers and farm organizations while encouraging collaboration among state, regional and national organic
farmer groups. Learn more at OrganicFarmersAssociation.org
About Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC; NaturalGrocers.com) is an expanding specialty retailer of organic and natural groceries, body care and dietary
supplements. The company offers a flexible, neighborhood-store format, affordable prices and free, science-based nutrition
education programs to help customers make informed health and nutrition choices. Founded in Colorado in 1955, Natural Grocers has more than 3,500 employees and operates 149 stores in 19 states.
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