Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun, Founder and President of Good Food Organics™, was featured last month as our first Eco-Leader. She received many wonderful questions from our web community and has provided a select number of responses.  Please read on to see if your question was answered and to learn more about Good Food Organics.

Question from Brenna:  Since it is now commonly known that many of our foods are produced with harmful substances or inhumane ways, then why do you think the government doesn't just require all food to be grown/ produced "organically"? With food prices on the rise, and organics being generally more expensive, I feel that many of us have to choose between buying safe food or buying enough food, how do you think that will improve?

Answer: I spent the vast majority of my adult life as an elected official, and I can tell you without fear of contradiction that the government responds to what politicians believe the people want.  Making elected officials know your views about our food supply is important because you become the voice of many who may not speak up.  As for the price of organic food, they will begin to come down as more farms go into organic production, and that will happen as more people demand organics.  Its basic supply and demand.  We must never settle, however, for the false choice of quantity vs. quality.  As Americans, we should insist for ourselves and for the rest of the world that quality, healthy, nutritious food be considered a human right.

Question from Mary: What was the inspiration behind Good Food Organics?

Answer: I was Ambassador in a country that considers diet and nutrition and fitness an integral part of their universal health care system.  (New Zealand)  When I came back home to the US, my original intention was to restore a family farm in Alabama and participate in making healthy food more readily available to Americans. After 9/11 I decided to come home to Illinois, where my immediate family is, and Good Food Organics was born out of my continuing interest in participating in the debate about the future of agriculture.

Question from Jim: What process do you go through to find your Biodynamic producers?  Are there particular challenges that you face when seeking qualified vendors?

Answer: I have been fortunate to find Biodynamic producers through networking with friends around the world.  Again, New Zealand has an active biodynamic agricultural constituency, as does Britain and most of Europe.  So  I reached out to friends and they provided the introductions to our suppliers.

Question from David: Do you plan on expanding the product line of Good Food Organics?  If so, what will you include next and why did you choose coffees, teas and spices as your first product assortment?

Answer: We are very interested in expanding our product line.  We chose tea, coffee and spices simply because of supplier relationships and the fact that they are shelf stable products.  As a small, new company in this gigantic arena, we felt this was the easiest point of entry into the market.

Question from Jennifer: Can you help clarify what Certified Demeter Biodynamic means?

Answer: Demeter is the certifying agency for Biodynamic agricultural products.  It is an international organization, with a US branch.  Its certifications are in addition to the US Dept of Agriculture Organic certification.  Demeter requires  special attention to be  paid to the environment in which food is produced, and places greater emphasis on sustainability than the organic qualification.  I think of biodynamics as a revival of traditional agricultural practices that produces better tasting, purer food than any other method.

Question from Daniel: Where can I find Good Food Organics products other than on your website?

Answer: Our products are on amazon.com, at peapod.com, at freshpicks.com, at Dominicks, at Whole Foods, at Treasure Island, Jimbo’s and King Sooper.

Question from Becki: In what ways do you think your political background can help influence and advance the mission of Ambassador Organics?

Answer: Actually, I have found my background as a lawyer and diplomat have helped more.

Introduction to Carol Moseley Braun and Good Food Organics:
 

In 2005, former Illinois Senator Carol Moseley Braun founded Good Food Organics™, a company dedicated to advancing foods that are certified USDA Organic, Certified Demeter Biodynamic and Certified Fair Trade. Good Food Organics™ follows the triple-bottom-line business approach of financial profitability, environmental sustainability and social ethics, reflecting the economic, social and philosophical commitment to doing well while doing good.  (Ambassador Organics)™ , a brand within the Good Food Organics™ company, offers a wide variety of premium organic teas, coffees and spices sourced from dedicated Biodynamic producers in communities across the globe.

Ambassador Braun's devotion to improved food safety, health and nutrition and her support of Ethanol and Environmental Justice legislation throughout her nearly 30 years in public service underscore her lifelong passion for agricultural practices and awareness, at one time earning her the title of "Ethanol Queen" by Illinois farmers in recognition of her renewable fuel efforts.

A former candidate for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, Ambassador Braun's journey began in Chicago, Illinois as a United States Attorney, where her work on environmental law as well as other policy led rapidly to her tenure as an Illinois State Representative, a Cook County Executive Officer, a United States Senator from Illinois, as well as Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa.