Rediscovering Philanthropy

Every time I turn on my cell phone the word “BREATH” comes on the screen. Even after years of seeing this prompt, I still find myself taking a deep breath, relaxing my shoulders and mentally preparing myself for the call ahead. Sometimes, before I dial, I take a longer moment to sketch out a project, sometimes personal, on my list of things to do. Kudos to the clever programmer who gives me a daily dose of inspiration, on my cell phone even!

In the spirit of these times, I would like to offer a similar suggestion to the readers of this column, particularly those who manage companies with products labeled organic. In the next few years, increased attention will be paid to companies that are active in the organic-products marketplace. For some consumers the certified-organic label will not be enough: How far has your food traveled? How do you manage and reward your human resources? Do the producers of your raw organic materials receive a fair price? What role does philanthropy play in your company’s mission statement? What are you giving back?

Our young industry features a number of sterling individuals who have grown their companies while investing hundreds of thousands, even millions, of dollars in charitable, philanthropic activities. They can identify the organic farmers with whom they have established fair and equitable business relationships. Their employees enjoy profit-sharing and full health benefits. They support the local girls’ soccer team while contributing to national organizations such as the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF), the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and others. And they do it year in and year out. That’s the good news.

However, truth be told, these men and women represent a minority among members of our organic-products industry. A look at some numbers tells a different story. In the context of a $6 billion (or more) organic industry, OTA’s 2002 budget for marketing and promotion is a little over $140,000. OFRF’s 2002 corporate contributions are projected to come in at $190,000, less than 20 percent of our $1 million budget. Half of that comes from contributions by those eight or nine “sterling individuals.” True, many other organizations, both local and national, receive donations from the organic and natural products industry. But how much? We must not be afraid to ask, “Can we sustain our national educational and research program activities on the good will of so few?”

I sense that significant numbers of organics consumers will soon be on your doorstep asking this and other questions. The “Beyond Organic” movement is taking shape. How well are you prepared to answer them? Do you maintain a line item in your annual budget for philanthropic activities? Does your mission statement articulate a set of values that link you to your community?

In this season of giving, particularly during a time of intense personal and professional re-evaluation of our roles in society, I would like to suggest that we all stop and “BREATH(e).” The threads that make up the wonderful organic tapestry we’re weaving are diverse. Some have been neglected. It took a cell phone to get me thinking about giving more back to my community. Silly isn’t it?

Bob Scowcroft is the executive director and

co-founder of the Organic Farming Research Foundation. Contact 831.426.6606 or bob@ofrf.org for more information.