text: Whole Foods Market Celebrates 20 Years as a Certified Organic Grocer; Jason Buechel, Karen Christensen, and Brise Tencer Comment
  AUSTIN, TX - Twenty years ago, history was made for Whole Foods Market. 2023 marks two decades since the natural grocer first attained organic retail certification, establishing a long legacy of supporting organic agriculture.
  “Whole Foods Market is proud to celebrate 20 years as the only certified organic national grocer in the industry and continue our work to help grow and support the organic community,” said Jason Buechel, Chief Executive Officer. “Our Team Members work hard to ensure the organic integrity of our products all the way from the farm to customer selection from our shelves.”
  To date, the chain offers more than 37,000 organic products across its stores. As the company explained in a press release, Whole Foods Market has championed organic since before there was a National Organic Program and requires certification for organic label claims on all products it sells.
  This unwavering belief in the importance of organic agriculture also goes above and beyond the sale of organic products, including playing an active role in helping to develop the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program.
  Furthering these strategies, Whole Foods Market is collaborating with farmers, ranchers, scientists, and industry experts to increase access to the organic market.
  “We have a deep understanding of the environmental benefits sustainable farming methods like organic can bring and continue to work with our community to increase access to the organic market,” said Karen Christensen, Senior Vice President, Merchandising for Perishables and Quality Standards.
  For multiple decades, Whole Foods has supported organic advocacy groups like the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and the Organic Farming and Research Foundation (OFRF), as well as maintained leadership on USDA advisory committees such as the National Organic Standards Board.
  “OFRF is deeply grateful to for the long-term partnership and financial support of Whole Foods; their support of our charitable organization over the last 30 years has directly enabled support of organic farmers across the North America through our on-farm research grants, grower education, and farmer advocacy,” commented Brise Tencer, Executive Director, Organic Farming Research Foundation.
  To learn more about Whole Foods Market’s organic commitment, click here.
  Cheers to 20 years of this organic achievement! For more industry news, keep clicking on that little apple logo.