January 22-28, 2014
www.theplayatimes.com
NATURAL PLAYA
Weekly, Year 01, Number 17, 10,000 Copies,16 Pages
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it can be confusing to consumers when making their choices with these numerous certifications. Purchasing fresh organic produce in Mexico can sometimes be a grey area. Provenance can be unclear and the consumer must trust labeling and the retailer’s awareness of their supply chain. It is true that some farmers may use chemicals when they should not. But more often, contamination comes from the soil where toxic chemicals like DDT or DDD was used decades ago and these chemicals will remain in the soil for decades to come. Chemical cross contamination can also happen between organic and non-organic farms and even in distributors storage rooms. However, on all produce purchased, simply washing can remove about 50 percent of chemical residues.
BULL SHARKS
Research results on Playa's shark population realeased as scientists and divers gather valuable data. PAGE 10
COMMUNITY
M
exico is now estimated to have more than 110,000 organic farmers, considered the greatest number in any country of the world. More than 90% of these growers farm on less than 9 acres and sell their products collectively. However the majority of Mexico’s organic producers grow for the export market out of necessity, as there is a lack of demand for domestic organics in Mexico. Many farmers have expressed their frustration at the lack of domestic demand for their products that stems from minimal consumer education or awareness of the reasons for the higher prices. However, the rise of organic food production in Mexico has been a very
healthy development for both farmers and the people of the Mexican farming communities. In a release, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) said 85% of organic production was destined for export, but that the local organic market had also been growing at a significant rate. Jesús Ortiz Haro, secretary of government organization Impulso Orgánico Mexicano, said the number of organic growers had risen from 33,587 to 169,570 in the last decade, while the organic crop area had increased from 200,000 to 800,000 acres. Consequently, organics have grown into a multi-million dollar industry here in Mexico. Currently there are at least 15 different organic certification agencies operating in Mexico. Understandably
ATHLETE'S APPEAL
Local blind athlete Marcos Velázquez seeks support for the 2013 Edmonton ITU Paratriathlon International Event. PAGE 05
DINING OUT
BY E. FLORES
Chef of the week Chef Xavi Orea introduces his culinary creations at new restauarnt Patanegra now open in Playa. PAGE 13