National Organics Board Names Consumer Rep

WASHINGTON -- The sales and marketing director of Stahlbush Island Farms, an Oregon-based grower/processor using organic and sustainable farming practices, was named to a five-year term as a consumer/public interest representative to the National Organic Standards Board. Tracy Miedema will be responsible for advocating on behalf of consumers on organic program issues brought before the board, which is responsible for advising the secretary of agriculture regarding organic food standards in the United States. “My goals as a representative of public interest are to strive to provide consumers with the knowledge and tools to be educated organic buyers, and to strengthen access and trust in the organic product market,” said Miedema. She will be one of 15 members of the board, which also includes four producers, two handlers, one retailer, three environmentalists, three consumers, one scientist and one certifying agent.