Make this Valentine’s Day Sweeter with Organic Flowers and Chocolate

News Release                            

For more information, contact: Holly Givens (413) 774-7511 x18
 

Make this Valentine’s Day Sweeter with

Organic Flowers and Chocolate

GREENFIELD, Mass. (October 3, 2005) – Red roses and chocolate are the quintessential presents for loved ones on Valentine's Day, but the conventional production of these gifts is anything but sweet for the environment and the workers who produce them.  This holiday, consumers have more choices available to send a true gift of love by purchasing organic versions of these classics, honoring both the environment and their beloved.

"In addition to organic practices being better for the environment and those who grow and produce flowers and chocolate, the organic versions of these treats are some of the highest quality available," says Katherine DiMatteo, executive director for the Organic Trade Association.  "According to many, organic flowers are more fragrant and last longer than their conventional counterparts, and the organic chocolates being produced today are some of the finest tasting in the world."

To raise conventional flawless flowers, they are grown in massive greenhouses that utilize large quantities of pesticides.  Organic flowers are grown without the use of toxic and persistent chemicals.  That's better for the surrounding environment and farm workers, as well as the end recipients who can thoroughly enjoy the wonderful scents of an organic bouquet.

Organic cocoa is cultivated on plots under a shade canopy that preserves critical elements of the native tropical forests. Biologists have determined that this environmentally sound method of farming helps to maintain bio-diversity and protect the winter habitat of millions of migratory songbirds. Conversely, conventional cocoa is second only to conventional cotton in its use of pesticides, according to the Pesticide Action Network (www.panna.org).

Organic chocolate producers are true artisans, creating their chocolates with the finest of care to ensure the optimum quality product with a rich indulgent taste.  Organic ingredients must be certified, and no ingredients can be genetically modified. Now consumers can give a kiss to the Earth along with a kiss to their loved ones by purchasing organic flowers and chocolate.  It's a good way to treat the special person in your life and honor the planet, the way Mother Nature intended.

Editor’s note: Following is a list of Organic Trade Association members that sell/grow organic flowers and produce organic chocolate. Click here for organic roses and chocolate photo.

Flower producers listed below offer one or more of fresh flowers, dried flowers or edible flowers. Chocolate purveyors offer one or more of candy, hot cocoa, or chocolate sauce. Organic chocolates and flowers may also be found at many natural products retailers. Also learn about these businesses The Organic Pages Online Directory at: www.theorganicpages.com.
  
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is a membership-based business association whose mission is to encourage global sustainability through promoting and protecting the growth of diverse organic trade. OTA's approximately 1,500 members include growers, shippers, retailers, processors, certifiers, farmer associations, brokers, consultants and others. For further info, visit OTA's web site at www.ota.com.

Sources for Organic Chocolate:

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