Steve Hoffman 5/6/26 Steve Hoffman 5/6/26

Seedsman Spotlights a New Era of Cultivation Rooted in Knowledge, Craft, and Community

As interest in horticulture, plant genetics, sustainability and self-sufficiency grows, Seedsman highlights modern homegrown cultivation as a meaningful, knowledge-building practice.

BARCELONA, Spain (May 5, 2026) —Seedsman, a global pioneer in cannabis genetics and one of the industry’s most trusted seed retailers, is spotlighting a powerful cultural shift: the rise of modern home cultivation. As more people turn toward gardening and plant care, a new generation of growers is rediscovering cultivation not simply as a means to an end, but as a deeply rewarding, skill-building, and confidence-driving practice.

This growing movement reflects a broader return to horticulture—one rooted in curiosity, craftsmanship, and a desire for more hands-on, meaningful experiences. Across demographics, individuals are embracing DIY growing culture as a way to reconnect with nature, develop new skills, and gain a sense of autonomy in an increasingly fast-paced, digital world.

A New Era of Horticulture and Home Growing
Modern cultivation is being shaped by a convergence of factors: increased access to high-quality genetics, the democratization of grower knowledge, and a cultural shift toward self-sufficiency, sustainability, home-grown produce, and intentional living. Today’s growers are more informed, more experimental, and more engaged than ever before.

Rather than viewing cultivation solely through the lens of output, growers are embracing the full lifecycle of the plant as a process of learning and refinement. From understanding plant genetics and environmental variables to honing organic and other gardening techniques over time, cultivation is becoming a practice that builds technical knowledge, personal confidence, and a deep sense of satisfaction.

“Growing today is about much more than the final result,” said Tom Raikes, founder and CEO of Seedsman and the recently launched Seedsman Community, where growers can interact, network, and learn from each other. “It’s about learning, adapting, and developing a relationship with the plant and other like-minded growers. That process builds knowledge, patience, community, and confidence in a way few other activities can.”

Cultivation as Craft, Knowledge, and Confidence
At the center of this movement is a renewed appreciation for grower craft. Cultivators are increasingly drawn to the nuances of plant genetics, experimenting with different strains and refining their techniques to better understand how plants respond to their care.

This hands-on engagement fosters a deeper connection to both the plant and the process. Growers are not only producing something tangible, but also developing skills that translate into greater self-reliance and a stronger sense of capability.

The rise of modern home cultivation also reflects a desire for more grounded, analog experiences—where time, attention, and care produce visible progress. In this way, cultivation offers a powerful counterbalance to the fragmented nature of modern life.

Enrich Life: Supporting the Modern Grower
Seedsman’s evolving Enrich Life platform reflects and supports this cultural shift. Originally introduced alongside the launch of the Seedsman Community, the platform positions the company as more than a seed retailer—expanding its role into a broader, horticulture-led cultivation brand and resource center focused on knowledge, craft, confidence, and community.

Through Enrich Life, Seedsman is committed to helping growers at every stage deepen their understanding of plant genetics, improve their skills, and connect with a global network of cultivators. The Seedsman Community serves as a living extension of this philosophy, offering grow journals, shared insights, and peer-to-peer exchange that reinforces the idea that cultivation is both an individual and a collective journey.

“We’re seeing a meaningful shift toward growing as a practice that enriches people’s lives in multiple ways,” Raikes added. “Our role is to support that journey—through better genetics, better information, and building a stronger sense of community among growers.”

In this new era, growing is no longer just a hobby or a transaction—it is a practice, one that builds knowledge, sharpens skill, and strengthens confidence over time. As home cultivation continues to expand, Seedsman sees this as part of a larger return to horticulture, where growing becomes not just something people do, but something that meaningfully shapes how they live.

For more information, visit Seedsman.com. Join the Seedsman Community here.

About Seedsman
Seedsman is a global leader in cannabis genetics and seed distribution, founded in 2002 with a mission to preserve, protect, and advance the cannabis gene pool. For more than 20 years, Seedsman has served growers worldwide with one of the industry’s most diverse libraries of authentic genetics, including heirloom, landrace, and breeder-developed strains. Through its Enrich Life philosophy, Seedsman is expanding its heritage into a comprehensive home for horticulture, cultivation culture, and grower education. To learn more visit www.seedsman.com and join the Seedsman Community. Follow Seedsman on Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, and Reddit.

Media Contact: Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042

Steve Hoffman 4/28/26 Steve Hoffman 4/28/26

Colo. Gov. Jared Polis Joins Industry Pioneers to Break Ground on New Feinblum Herb Garden

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (April 27, 2026) — Colorado State University (CSU) marked a major milestone in bringing the Julie and Barney Feinblum Herb Garden to life with a successful groundbreaking ceremony on April 24 at its Fort Collins campus. The event celebrated the launch of a new living classroom rooted in plants, purpose, and Colorado’s legacy of natural products innovation.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis delivered the keynote welcoming remarks before grabbing a shovel to participate in the official groundbreaking. He was joined at the event by James Thompson, Regional Director for U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, alongside CSU faculty, staff, and students. Following an address to the audience by garden benefactor Barney Feinblum, attendees enjoyed a celebratory tour of CSU's famous Annual Flower Trial Gardens, which sit directly adjacent to the future herb garden site.

*From left: Chad Miller (CSU Trial Gardens director), Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Julie Feinblum, Barney Feinblum.*

During his remarks, Governor Polis highlighted the intersection of the state's agricultural heritage and its booming natural products sector.

“This new herb garden is a living laboratory. It will give students really valuable hands-on experience learning about so many applications plants can have to support our health, our well-being, support science and raise awareness,” said Governor Polis. “We are so proud in Colorado of our organic and natural foods industry of which [the Feinblums] were founding icons. I want to thank both of you for this really remarkable gift to the entire state of Colorado. People will come here from all over to see this herb garden.”

Funded by natural foods pioneer Barney Feinblum, former CEO of Celestial Seasonings and Horizon Organic, and his wife, Julie (Jules), this new living classroom will feature a diverse collection of medicinal, culinary, and tea herbs. It is designed to bridge classroom theory with real-world application, giving students hands-on experience with the plants that launched entire industries.

The garden serves as a permanent tribute to Colorado’s status as the “Silicon Valley of natural foods,” tracing its roots back to 1969 when Celestial Seasonings founders Mo Siegel and John Hay began hand-foraging wild herbs in the Rockies.

“Barney’s contributions to advancing natural foods in America are legendary," noted Celestial Seasonings co-founder Mo Siegel in a statement surrounding the dedication. “Imagining and funding an herb garden at CSU is another gift Barney and Jules have given to our state.”

For the Feinblums, the garden represents a way to pass forward what plants have given them: curiosity, purpose, and the confidence to build something meaningful.

“I really believe you can change the world with a few simple plants,” said Feinblum. “That’s why this herb garden at CSU will be a living classroom. Colorado changed our lives, and this is our way of giving back.”

With the site officially dedicated, planting will soon begin, with plans to expand the botanical collections and student impact over time. To learn more or to support the garden’s growth, visit agsci.colostate.edu/hortla/feinblum-herb-garden/.

About Julie & Barney Feinblum
For Barney and Julie Feinblum, the Herb Garden at CSU is both deeply personal and forward-looking. Throughout their lives, plants—and the values they represent—have shaped their family, work and connection to Colorado. Herbs, in particular, played a defining role in Barney’s career in the natural products industry, where, as former CEO of Celestial Seasonings (and also as former CEO of Horizon Organic), he helped lead organizations that changed how Americans think about food, wellness, and the relationship between business and values. By creating a living herb garden for students, the Feinblums hope to pass forward what plants have given them: curiosity, purpose and the confidence to build something meaningful. Their gift reflects a belief that education should be tangible, values-driven, and rooted in the natural world.

About Colorado State University
Colorado State University is Colorado’s land-grant public research university, recognized nationally for excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. Based in Fort Collins with statewide and urban reach through initiatives such as CSU Spur in Denver and CSU Extension offices across Colorado, the university advances solutions in agriculture, food systems, environmental stewardship, and sustainability. CSU is also known for its award- winning educational landscapes, including the internationally recognized Annual Flower Trial Gardens and the CSU Campus Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which together serve as living laboratories supporting horticultural research, hands-on learning, and public engagement. Through nearly 300 academic programs and a deep commitment to access, innovation, and impact, CSU prepares students to lead with science, values, and purpose in Colorado and beyond. Visit the CSU Flower Trial Gardens' website for more information and follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042

Steve Hoffman 4/10/26 Steve Hoffman 4/10/26

Seedsman Evolves Beyond Seed Retail With Launch of New Global Grower Community

Trusted cannabis genetics leader champions the craft and wellbeing of cultivation through grower-to-grower exchange, shared knowledge, and a new interactive community

BARCELONA, Spain (April 9, 2026) —Seedsman , a global pioneer in cannabis genetics and one of the industry’s most trusted seed retailers, today announced the launch of the Seedsman Community . This new interactive platform marks a natural evolution for the company, moving beyond a cannabis seed superstore to become a more rounded home for genetics, grower knowledge and cultivation culture.

The Seedsman Community, which officially went live this past month, is the clearest expression of the company’s new guiding philosophy: Enrich Life. Rather than a brand slogan, Enrich Life reflects a grower-centered way of thinking that recognizes growing offers far more than an end result. The process of cultivation and improving one's knowledge of gardening and horticulture can bring mindfulness, patience, presence, a deeply satisfying routine, and a stronger sense of connection—both to the natural world and to a wider network of gardeners and growers.

A Natural Evolution of Heritage
For more than two decades, Seedsman has helped shape the cannabis industry through its leadership in genetics, including the early introduction of auto-flowering and CBD varieties to market and its longstanding commitment to preserving heirloom, landrace, and breeder-developed strains from around the world.

Today, Seedsman is building on what it has long stood for. The company is dedicated to making the benefits of cultivation tangible by helping people build knowledge, confidence, skill and connection through better genetics, trusted information and shared experiences.

“Seedsman has always been rooted in a profound respect for cannabis genetics and the growers who bring those genetics to life,” said Tom Raikes, Seedsman founder and CEO. “We believe that gardening does so much more than yield a harvest. It supports mental wellbeing, rewards patience, and provides a deeply satisfying connection to the natural world. Our evolution is about fully supporting that journey and bringing home gardeners, small-scale growers and others together to share the art, the science and the everyday joy of cultivation.”

Growing as Craft and Connection
At the heart of the Enrich Life ethos is the understanding that growing is inherently meaningful. It is not only about practical yields; it is about the ritual, the craft, continuous learning, and the undeniable sense of progress that comes with tending to a plant over time.

Seedsman’s evolution champions this culture. By moving beyond a purely retail focus, the company aims to support cultivators at every stage, helping them to deepen their expertise and find mutual encouragement through grower-to-grower exchange.

The Seedsman Community
Serving as living proof of these values in action, the Seedsman Community is a dedicated space where cultivators from around the world can connect, learn, and grow together.

More than just an add-on forum, the community platform is where the Enrich Life philosophy becomes visible. It features detailed grow journals, shared advice, real grower stories, peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, and a celebration of the craft. Designed for serious cultivators as well as those taking their very first steps in gardening, the platform demonstrates that individual learning is always strengthened by shared experience and mutual encouragement.

“The act of nurturing a plant from seed to harvest gives so much back to the grower,” Raikes added. “It teaches mindfulness, establishes a grounding routine, and offers a tremendous sense of accomplishment. We wanted to create a genuine home for that experience. The Seedsman Community matters because when growers exchange their stories, questions, and successes, everyone's craft improves. We are here to fully support that shared growth.”

The launch reinforces Seedsman’s longstanding mission to preserve and advance cannabis genetics while supporting a more inclusive, knowledgeable, and connected community of growers.

For more information, visit Seedsman.com. Join the Seedsman Community here.

About Seedsman
Seedsman is a global leader in cannabis genetics and seed distribution, founded in 2002 with a mission to preserve, protect and advance the cannabis gene pool. For more than 20 years, Seedsman has served growers worldwide with one of the industry’s most diverse libraries of authentic genetics, including heirloom, landrace, and breeder developed strains. Through its Enrich Life philosophy, Seedsman is expanding its heritage into a comprehensive home for horticulture, cultivation culture and grower education. To learn more, visit www.seedsman.com, join the Seedsman Community at https://community.seedsman.com/. Follow Seedsman on Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube and Reddit.

Media Contact: Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042

Steve Hoffman 4/3/26 Steve Hoffman 4/3/26

ArniPatch’s Drug-Free Hydrogel Patch Redefines Natural Recovery

Homeopathic, drug-free, controlled-release patch provides up to 12 hours of targeted recovery support

IRVINE, Calif. (April 2, 2026) — As recovery continues to be an important and essential part of athletic performance and everyday wellness, ArniPatch™, a natural, homeopathic hydrogel patch developed by LaboFlex, Inc., is emerging as a modern alternative to traditional arnica creams and gels.

Designed to support recovery from muscle soreness, stiffness, bruising, and everyday strain, ArniPatch delivers Arnica Montana 1X HPUS (1%) through an advanced hydrogel patch system, providing targeted, mess-free comfort for up to 12 hours.

ArniPatch is entering the market at a time when global demand for drug-free, convenience-driven recovery products continues to rise, particularly among athletes and active consumers seeking alternatives to creams, gels, and pills.

The Evolution of Recovery
While arnica has long been used in creams and gels, these formats can present challenges for active individuals, including inconsistent application, short duration, and potential irritation.

ArniPatch addresses these limitations through a controlled-release delivery system that keeps the active ingredient in place over time.

“Traditional topical formats often require repeated application and can be difficult to use during training or travel,” said Dr. Yoon Bum Ham, PhD and R&D Lead at LaboFlex. “ArniPatch was designed to deliver a more consistent, comfortable recovery experience.”

Hydrogel Technology Meets Natural Recovery
ArniPatch utilizes hydrogel patch technology to provide a cooling, soothing experience during recovery. The flexible, skin-friendly patch is designed for extended wear without the mess, odor, or residue associated with creams.

Key features include:

Drug-free and non-drowsy, offering an option for those experiencing “pill fatigue”
Scent-free and menthol-free, suitable for shared environments
Dermatologist tested and designed for comfort during extended wear
HSA/FSA eligible, supporting convenient wellness purchasing

Reference white papers here.

Designed for Active Lifestyles
Developed by LaboFlex, the U.S. subsidiary of Wooshin Labottach, ArniPatch reflects decades of research into plant-based recovery solutions. The patch is intended for use in everyday recovery scenarios, including post-exercise soreness, bruising, and travel-related stiffness.

Unlike creams that wear off quickly, the patch format allows for continuous contact with the skin, supporting a more consistent recovery experience throughout the day or night.

From Professional Sports to Everyday Movement
Natural, drug-free recovery is becoming central not only to elite athletes, but also to individuals maintaining active lifestyles. ArniPatch’s partnership with Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) reflects this growing focus.

ArniPatch will engage with athletes and fans through upcoming LAFC Fan Fest activations, including:

April 4 vs. Orlando
April 19 vs. San Jose
Aug. 15 vs. San Diego
Oct. 25 vs. Galaxy

About ArniPatch™
ArniPatch™ is a natural, homeopathic hydrogel patch designed to support recovery from muscle pain and stiffness, bruising, sprains, and inflammation. Formulated with Arnica Montana 1X HPUS (1%), ArniPatch delivers targeted, long-lasting comfort for up to 12 hours through advanced hydrogel patch technology that provides cooling and soothing effects. Developed by LaboFlex, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Wooshin Labottach—the first company to develop an arnica hydrogel-type patch—ArniPatch represents a modern evolution of traditional topical arnica formulations. With a focus on proven safety, efficacy, and innovation, LaboFlex’s R&D team develops recovery solutions that combine natural ingredients with advanced delivery systems.

ArniPatch is HSA/FSA eligible, offering a convenient option for consumers managing recovery and wellness expenses. More information can be found on the ArniPatch website and purchased at Walmart and on Amazon.com. Follow ArniPatch on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Media Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042

Steve Hoffman 4/3/26 Steve Hoffman 4/3/26

Ceremony on April 24 to Honor Natural Foods Pioneers with New Herb Garden at CSU

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (March 31, 2026) — Honoring the state's deep roots in the global natural foods movement, Colorado State University (CSU) will officially break ground on the highly anticipated Julie and Barney Feinblum Herb Garden on Friday, April 24, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Located on the CSU main campus in Fort Collins, adjacent to the renowned Annual Flower Trial Garden, this new living classroom will plant the seeds for the next generation of agricultural innovators while celebrating the pioneering Colorado companies that revolutionized how America eats and drinks. The groundbreaking ceremony is open to the media and the public.

Event Details at a Glance:

What: Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Julie and Barney Feinblum Herb Garden
When: Friday, April 24, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. MT
Where: CSU Main Campus (Adjacent to the Trial Garden), Fort Collins, CO
Attendance: Open to the Media and the Public
RSVP: Click here to confirm your attendance

Endowed in perpetuity through a generous gift from longtime natural products industry leader Barney Feinblum and his wife, Julie (aka Jules), the herb garden will feature a diverse collection of medicinal, culinary, and tea herbs. Designed to bridge classroom theory with real-world application in agriculture, wellness, and business, the garden will give students the opportunity to see, touch, and study the plants that launched entire industries.

The garden also serves as a permanent recognition of Colorado's unique role as the "Silicon Valley of natural foods." This rich ecosystem of organic and better-for-you brands traces its roots directly back to the 1970s and the creation of Celestial Seasonings. When founders Mo Siegel and John Hay first began hand-foraging wild herbs in the Rocky Mountains in 1969, they sparked a revolution. Their pioneering vision transformed herbal tea from a niche, local hobby into a mainstream wellness staple.

Joined by Barney Feinblum—who started on the factory floor and eventually rose to President and CEO—the Celestial Seasonings team proved that a company could achieve massive national success without compromising its core values of transparency, environmental stewardship, and health. This foundational success paved the way for countless other natural product innovators to launch and thrive in Colorado.

“Barney's contributions to advancing natural foods in America are legendary. While CEO of Celestial Seasonings, he built our first herb garden. Imagining and funding an herb garden at CSU is another gift Barney and Jules have given to our state. They picked the most appropriate university as well. Congratulations Barney, Jules and CSU,” said Celestial Seasonings Co-founder Mo Siegel.

Added John Hay, “Celestial Seasonings was successful mainly due to certain principles that set it apart from most companies: Truth, Beauty and Goodness, and creating a friendly environment for all employees to work in and feel respected. Truth, with the sayings on every box and tea tag, Beauty with the original artwork on every package, and Goodness in the flavors and healthy herbs that created each unique blend of herb tea. Plus, fortunate timing: the New Age generation was a growing culture in the late 1960’s and 70’s when we introduced herb teas, and it was ripe for accepting new, healthy, creative and totally natural products."

“I really believe you can change the world with a few simple plants,” said Barney Feinblum. “Celestial Seasonings did just that. It taught that you don’t have to compromise your values to be successful. You have to make sales and make a profit, but you can do it with values.”

For the Feinblums, the garden represents a way to pass forward what plants have given them: curiosity, purpose, and the confidence to build something meaningful.

“You don’t change the world when you’re my age," Feinblum added. "You do it when you’re a young person just out of college, when you have energy and enthusiasm and want to make the world a better place. That’s why this herb garden will be a living classroom for students. Colorado changed our lives. We built a good life here, and this is our way of giving back.”

Following the groundbreaking ceremony, the Julie and Barney Feinblum Herb Garden will begin planting, with plans to expand its botanical collections, educational programming, and student impact over time.

For more information about the Julie and Barney Feinblum Herb Garden, or to learn how to support the garden’s growth, visit the CSU College of Agricultural Sciences website.

Media Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042

Steve Hoffman 4/2/26 Steve Hoffman 4/2/26

Organic Outpaces the Market: Global Sales Hit Record Highs as U.S. Crosses $76B

As the global food and beverage industry navigates economic headwinds, inflation, and climate volatility, one sector is not just surviving—it is redefining the modern food system. According to a wave of newly released 2026 market reports from around the globe, organic is not slowing down; it is structurally pulling ahead of the conventional marketplace. For business executives, the message is clear: Consumer demand for health, transparency, and sustainability has fundamentally transformed from a niche preference into a primary economic driver.

This article first appeared in Presence Marketing’s April 2026 newsletter.

By Steven Hoffman

In an era defined by fluctuating supply chains and evolving consumer behaviors, the organic food and beverage industry continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience. A trio of recently published annual market research reports from the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom reveals a sector that is consistently outperforming the broader conventional food market.

Driven by the mainstreaming of "food as medicine," an increased demand for clean ingredients, and a growing commitment to sustainability, global consumers are speaking with their wallets. Yet, as retail sales rise to unprecedented heights, the industry faces structural and supply-side challenges that require strategic foresight from organic food producers.

The Global Perspective: Record Sales Meet Supply Chain Realities
The global organic market has reached yet another milestone. According to The World of Organic Agriculture: Statistics & Emerging Trends 2026, published jointly by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and IFOAM Organics International, global retail sales increased 5 percent year over year to nearly 145.0 billion euros ($156.9 billion) in 2024. This represents an all-time high for the sector, pointing to a robust, volume-driven recovery following periods of price-driven inflation.

According to the FiBL and IFOAM data, the global landscape is dominated by a few key powerhouses, though consumption is growing worldwide:

● The United States remains the largest single market for organic food, accounting for 60.4 billion euros ($65.4 billion) in retail sales

● Germany followed as the second-largest global market, generating 17.0 billion euros ($18.4 billion)

● China secured its position as the third-largest market, recording 15.5 billion euros ($16.8 billion) in organic sales

● France represented the fourth-largest market, with sales reaching 12.2 billion euros ($13.2 billion)

When looking at individual consumer habits, Europe remains the epicenter of organic loyalty. Per capita consumption was highest in Switzerland, where consumers spent an average of 481 euros ($521) on organic products in 2024, up from 468 euros the previous year. Denmark followed closely at 373 euros ($404) per person , an increase from 362 euros in 2023. Austria also ranked among the highest, maintaining a steady per capita consumption of 292 euros ($316) year-over-year. Meanwhile, the United States ranked eighth globally, with a per capita organic consumption of 176 euros ($190) in 2024.

However, the FiBL and IFOAM report reveals a dichotomy between soaring consumer demand and agricultural realities. In 2024, almost 98.9 million hectares (244.4 million acres) of agricultural land were organic, including in-conversion areas. This represented 2.1 percent of the world's total agricultural land. Yet, for the first time in years, organic farmland saw a slight contraction, decreasing by 176,000 hectares (434,904 acres), or 0.2 percent compared to the previous year.

This stabilization in acreage is largely attributed to shifting regulatory landscapes—such as the implementation of the new EU Organic Regulation (EU) 2018/848—as well as market disruptions stemming from the energy crisis, rising input costs, and climate variability that delayed farmer conversions. Extreme weather events have heavily impacted key export sectors, specifically commodities like coffee and cocoa. For executives, this signals a critical mandate: securing resilient, long-term supply chains and investing in farmer transition programs will be essential to meeting future demand.

The distribution of organic farmland highlights the global nature of the supply chain:

● Oceania accounted for the majority of organic land, with 53.2 million hectares (131.4 million acres) (Australia accounts for >99 percent of the total organic agricultural land in the entire Oceania region)

● Europe followed with 19.6 million hectares (48.4 million acres)

● Latin America held 10.3 million hectares (25.4 million acres)

● Asia managed 8.7 million hectares (21.5 million acres)

● North America accounted for 4.3 million hectares (10.6 million acres)

● Africa represented 2.8 million hectares (6.9 million acres)

Despite the slight dip in acreage, the human footprint of the organic movement expanded. The global number of organic producers increased to 4,844,872 in 2024. India reported the highest number of organic producers globally, with 2,363,607 farmers. Uganda followed with 404,246 producers. Ethiopia ranked third, registering 203,258 organic producers.

The U.S. Market Surge: Crossing the $76 Billion Mark
In the United States, organic is not just growing; it is redefining the marketplace. According to the 2026 Organic Market Report published by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) on March 4, 2026, U.S. sales of certified organic products reached a record $76.6 billion in 2025.

The data illustrates a sector that is structurally outpacing conventional food. Total U.S. organic sales grew by 6.8% year-over-year, effectively doubling the 3.4 percent growth rate of the overall marketplace. Organic food sales alone hit $70.1 billion, up 6.9 percent and growing three times faster than the overall food market's sluggish 2.3 percent growth.

As has historically been the case, the produce aisle remains the primary gateway for U.S. consumers entering the organic lifestyle. Organic produce accounted for $22.7 billion in sales, representing roughly 30 percent of total organic food sales. Growth within this category was robust, with berries up 10.5 percent, citrus climbing 18.1 percent, and bananas seeing a 12.6 percent boost.

However, the most striking shift in the American diet is occurring in the protein sector. Organic beef has emerged as the fastest-growing segment in the industry, skyrocketing by an astonishing 44.3 percent. This indicates a profound evolution in consumer priorities, where shoppers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for meat products that align with their ethical, environmental and health values. Organic dairy and eggs also saw impressive gains, growing 12.8 percent to reach $9.6 billion.

The concept of "food as medicine" seems to have firmly transitioned from a fringe trend to mainstream consumer behavior. This is most evident in the organic beverage category, which reached $10.2 billion in sales (up 7.2 percent), driven heavily by demand for functional benefits and clean-ingredient profiles. Furthermore, shelf-stable, value-driven organic goods—such as dried beans, fruits, and vegetables—experienced a 13.6 percent surge, proving that shoppers are finding ways to integrate organic staples into their pantries, even amid economic pressures.

As the OTA notes, consumers are consistently choosing trust over price, relying heavily on the USDA Organic seal. If this current trajectory holds, the U.S. organic sector crossing the $100 billion threshold by 2030 is very much within reach.

Import Dependencies: Closing the Supply-Demand Gap
While the U.S. dominates global consumption, its reliance on international trade highlights a critical vulnerability and an opportunity for industry stakeholders. Because domestic organic acreage remains under 1 percent of total U.S. farmland, domestic supply falls significantly short of demand.

The U.S. tracked $5.7 billion in organic imports in 2024. The volume of organic imports into the United States reached 3.25 million metric tons, an increase of 17.7 percent compared to the previous year. Combined, the imports of organic products into the European Union and the United States reached nearly 5.89 million metric tons in 2024.

According to The World of Organic Agriculture 2026 report published by FiBL and IFOAM Organics International, the top exporters supplying these large western markets were Mexico, with 865,076 metric tons; Ecuador, with 765,605 metric tons; and Canada, with 378,820 metric tons. The commodities driving this international trade network highlight consumer reliance on tropical and feed products:

● Bananas were the most imported organic product, totaling 1,365,512 metric tons

● Oilcakes accounted for 593,753 metric tons of total imports

● Sugar represented 535,699 metric tons of the organic imports

The reliance on imported organic feed crops is particularly stark. For instance, U.S. organic soy supply currently meets only about one-third of domestic demand, requiring substantial imports to support the booming organic livestock and poultry sectors.

Complicating this reliance on imports is a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. As noted in the FiBL and IFOAM report, earlier U.S. trade policies introduced significant volatility into the supply chain, as President Trump’s tariffs “are having a negative effect on agricultural food imports, more so on the organic sector, as it is heavily dependent on imported raw materials."

The legal and economic reality for organic importers shifted dramatically in early 2026 when the Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) did not authorize the President to impose sweeping tariffs, effectively striking down the measures, as reported by SCOTUSblog. However, the relief for the organic supply chain was short-lived. Within hours of the ruling, the administration invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose a new temporary 10 percent across-the-board global tariff, according to an analysis by the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE).

This rapid pivot means the organic sector continues to face elevated taxes on imported raw materials and feed grains. Furthermore, because these new Section 122 tariffs are temporary—set to expire after 150 days—the environment remains unstable. This forces organic businesses to make critical pricing and supply chain decisions against a backdrop of extreme trade policy volatility.

Complicating matters further is the prospect of potential refunds. Because the Court ruled the IEEPA tariffs were collected illegally, importers may be entitled to recoup billions of dollars in costs. But as Justice Brett Kavanaugh noted in his dissent, the process of refunding these tariffs is likely to be a "mess," leaving organic businesses to navigate complex litigation to recover funds, as highlighted by SCOTUSblog.

Ultimately, because the administration quickly replaced the struck-down tariffs with new ones, overall tariff rates remain similar to their previous levels. Organic businesses continue to face high input costs, which will likely still be passed on to consumers at the grocery store. For C-suite executives, investing in domestic transition programs and expanding local infrastructure is no longer just a marketing win; it is a vital survival strategy for supply chain security in an era of unpredictable trade policy.

The U.K. Perspective: Growth Outpaces Non-Organic
The story of organic resilience extends across the Atlantic. According to the Organic Market Report 2026 published by the Soil Association, and reported by Wicked Leeks on March 19, 2026, 83 percent of U.K. households now purchase organic products.

Despite enduring a severe cost-of-living crisis and rampant food inflation, the U.K. organic market's growth has successfully outpaced the non-organic sector. This trend underscores a broader European and global realization: organic is no longer viewed as an expendable luxury by the majority of consumers. Instead, it is increasingly seen as a non-negotiable investment in personal health, animal welfare and environmental stewardship.

Strategic Takeaways
The convergence of data from FiBL, IFOAM, the OTA, and the Soil Association paints a picture of an industry at an inflection point. Organic is no longer simply growing; it is actively restructuring the modern food system. For business leaders in the natural and organic space, several key directives emerge from these 2026 reports:

1. Capitalize on the Protein and Beverage Boom: While produce remains the foundation of organic retail, the aggressive 44.3 percent growth in U.S. organic beef and the $10.2 billion beverage market point to the next major battlegrounds. Innovating in the functional beverage space and expanding organic protein offerings will be critical for capturing premium consumer dollars.

2. Invest in Supply Chain Resilience: The slight 0.2 percent global decrease in organic farmland paired with record-breaking consumer demand is a recipe for future supply shortages. Brands must proactively partner with growers, offer transition incentives, and secure long-term contracts, particularly for high-risk commodities including coffee, cocoa and feed grains.

3. Lean into Transparency: With consumers navigating a crowded landscape of sustainability claims, the rigorous, third-party verification of the USDA Organic and equivalent international seals remains the gold standard. Brands that clearly communicate the holistic benefits of organic—from soil health to clean ingredients—will continue to win on consumer trust.

As the data makes clear, the global organic market has transitioned from an alternative niche to a dominant force. Executives who align their sourcing, product development, and marketing strategies with this reality will be best positioned to lead the industry as it marches toward the $100 billion milestone and beyond.

Steven Hoffman is Managing Director of Compass Natural Marketing, a strategic communications and brand development agency serving the natural and organic products industry. Learn more at www.compassnatural.com.

Steve Hoffman 3/24/26 Steve Hoffman 3/24/26

Nude Foods Market Demonstrates Strong Growth After Shark Tank Appearance

Colorado-based zero-waste grocer proves packaging-free model can compete at scale — while expanding footprint, growing customer base & avoiding 1.5M pieces of plastic

BOULDER, Colo. (March 24, 2026) — Nude Foods Market, the Colorado-based, female-founded grocery company eliminating single-use plastic from everyday shopping, is gaining national traction following its appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank, which aired March 11.

Co-founders Verity Noble and Rachel Irons secured investment commitments from Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec after pitching a bold vision: a grocery store where packaging waste is eliminated and food is delivered in returnable, reusable containers.

“This wasn’t just a pitch for our business — it was a pitch for a better food system,” said Noble. “We’re proving that a grocery store can operate competitively while dramatically reducing waste.”

A Growing Model Addressing a Massive Waste Problem
The company’s rise comes amid increasing awareness of the scale of the U.S. waste crisis. The average American produces approximately 1,704 pounds of trash each year, which is equivalent to tens of millions of garbage trucks annually, much of it driven by single-use packaging.

Nude Foods Market is working to reverse that trend. Since launching, the company has prevented more than 1.5 million pieces of plastic from being created by replacing conventional packaging with returnable glass jars and reusable containers.

Customers shop much as they would in a traditional grocery store, but instead of discarding packaging into landfill, they return it to be cleaned and reused hundreds of times.

Scaling a Zero-Waste Grocery Model
Founded in Boulder in 2020, Nude Foods Market has expanded to a second brick-and-mortar location in Denver, alongside a growing e-commerce and delivery operation serving the Boulder–Denver metro area. Select sustainable home bundle products are also available for nationwide shipping.

The company now carries more than 1,500 hand-selected products, with more than 40% sourced locally from Colorado producers. Nude Foods works directly with these partners to eliminate packaging entirely by providing reusable containers that are returned, cleaned and refilled in a closed-loop system.

“This is where we’re seeing real innovation,” said Irons. “We’re not just removing plastic at the store level — we’re working with producers to eliminate it across the supply chain.”

Local offerings include a wide range of everyday staples, from tortilla chips, granola and fresh bread to broths, prepared foods, personal care items and more, all delivered without single-use packaging.

Designed for Convenience, Built for Regeneration
Nude Foods Market’s model is built on the belief that sustainability must be convenient to scale. The company purchases products in bulk to reduce upstream packaging, prioritizes compostable and recyclable materials when needed, and offsets minimal plastic through recycling partners such as Ridwell.

Operations have also evolved to support growth while minimizing environmental impact. What began as a bike-delivery model has expanded to include electric vehicles for store transport, alongside partnerships with local delivery services to optimize routes and reduce emissions.

Every product is vetted to meet the company’s standards for ingredient quality and sustainable sourcing, with a focus on supporting regenerative agriculture and local food systems.

“Our goal is to create a food system that improves the health of our land, our communities and ourselves,” Irons said.

Strong Performance in a Challenging Retail Landscape
At a time when independent grocers face mounting economic pressures, Nude Foods Market is demonstrating that a low-waste model can also be a high-performing business. The company has built a loyal and growing customer base, supported by a highly differentiated retail experience and strong community engagement.

To date, Nude Foods has raised nearly $600,000 through community crowdfunding, turning customers into investors and advocates for a more sustainable food system.

The company has also been recognized nationally for its innovation, including being named among the Top Independent Grocers in the United States by Progressive Grocer.

A Cultural Shift Toward Plastic-Free Living
Nude Foods Market’s momentum aligns with a broader cultural shift as consumers increasingly question the health and environmental impacts of plastic. A newly released Netflix documentary, The Plastic Detox, exploring the global plastic crisis, has intensified public awareness and positioned the company and its founders as emerging voices in the shift toward packaging-free retail.

“In the beginning, food didn’t come wrapped in plastic — it was grown, shared and consumed within communities,” said Noble. “We’re not inventing something entirely new. We’re bringing food back to a more natural, responsible state, updated for how people live today.”

Looking Ahead
With new investment, national visibility from Shark Tank and growing consumer demand, Nude Foods Market is focused on expanding across Colorado’s Front Range and into new markets.

The company’s mission remains clear: to make zero-waste grocery shopping the new standard, without sacrificing convenience, quality or scale.

About Nude Foods Market
Nude Foods Market is a Colorado-based, female-founded grocery company on a mission to eliminate single-use plastic from everyday shopping. By offering local, organic and regeneratively sourced foods in returnable, reusable packaging, Nude Foods makes zero-waste grocery shopping convenient and accessible. With more than 1,500 products, a growing retail and e-commerce presence, and over 1.5 million pieces of plastic avoided, the company is redefining the future of grocery: transparent, regenerative and designed to nourish both people and the planet. Consumers can shop Nude Foods Market in Boulder and Denver, or order online for local delivery and select nationwide shipping at www.nudefoodsmarket.com. Follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042

Steve Hoffman 2/17/26 Steve Hoffman 2/17/26

Edward & Sons Unveils a Fresh Look, Honoring Nearly 50 Years of Organic Leadership

Visit Edward & Sons at the 45th Annual Natural Products Expo West at Booth #829, North Hall, Level 100, March 4-6, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA

CARPINTERIA, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2026) – Edward & Sons Trading Company Inc. today announced the unveiling of a refreshed brand identity, set to debut at Natural Products Expo West. The update reflects the company’s evolution as a women-owned leader in organic, natural and plant-based convenience foods, modernizing its look while staying true to the values that have guided the company for nearly five decades.

Founded in 1978, Edward & Sons has played a defining role in shaping natural and organic pantry staples in American kitchens, with a focus on organic, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and globally inspired foods. The refreshed brand represents a thoughtful evolution designed to resonate with today’s health-conscious consumers while preserving the trust, integrity, and values that have guided Edward & Sons for nearly five decades.

At the heart of the update is a refreshed presentation and a clearly defined family of brands, highlighting the connection between Edward & Sons®, Native Forest®, and Let’s Do Organic®. The thoughtful evolution honors the company’s longstanding commitment to Convenience Without Compromise® while introducing design enhancements that make its trusted products more accessible and discoverable for today’s shoppers.

“For nearly five decades, Edward & Sons has earned the trust of consumers and retail partners alike,” said Liz Dee, CEO of Edward & Sons. “This refreshed identity is not about changing who we are – it reflects our commitment to showing up with greater clarity and renewed visual vibrancy while strengthening the foundation that supports our next chapter of growth. As a family business, we think in generations, not quarters, and this work ensures Edward & Sons remains an enduring partner for decades to come.”

Category-Defining Innovation, Recognized by the Industry
Edward & Sons’ commitment to innovation continues to earn industry recognition. The brand’s Pad See Ew organic whole grain, gluten free brown rice noodles was named as a NEXTY Award finalist, one of the natural products industry’s most respected honors. The NEXTY Awards recognize the most progressive, innovative, inspiring, and trustworthy products— spotlighting brands that are shaping the future of natural and organic food. The finalist distinction underscores Edward & Sons’ ability to deliver globally inspired flavors while meeting today’s standards for clean ingredients, transparency, and convenience.

Throughout its history, Edward & Sons has been a category leader, introducing products that helped define modern American pantry staples—including Miso Cup, the first instant miso soup, and the first organic coconut milk. The refreshed brand builds on that legacy of innovation, reinforcing Edward & Sons’ leadership in plant-based and organic convenience foods that prioritize quality, taste, ethical sourcing, and accessibility.

Expo West Big Reveal
Edward & Sons will officially debut its refreshed brand identity at the 45th Annual Natural Products Expo West, Booth N829, North Hall Level 100, March 4-6, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif., continuing its long-standing presence there since the inaugural show.

Media are invited to schedule booth visits or meetings in advance by emailing steve@compassnatural.com

About Edward & Sons®
Edward & Sons Trading Company, Inc. is an independently owned, second generation family food business based in Carpinteria, California. Since 1978, Edward & Sons has offered a distinctive portfolio of plant-based, natural, organic, and sustainably sourced grocery brands—including Native Forest®, Let’s Do Organic®, and more. Committed to ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship, Edward & Sons provides nourishing foods that support both local communities and the planet. The company proudly partners with retailers across North America to deliver Convenience Without Compromise®. Edward & Sons products can be found wherever natural foods are sold. To learn more, visit EdwardandSons.com and search the Store Locator or Online Retailers list to find products near you. Follow on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

Media Contact: Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042

Steve Hoffman 2/13/26 Steve Hoffman 2/13/26

ArniPatch™ Announces Partnership With Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Football Club

Natural, drug-free, homeopathic hydrogel patch brings science-forward recovery support to professional athletes and active Angelenos

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 12, 2026) — ArniPatch™, a natural, homeopathic hydrogel patch designed to support muscle recovery, today announced a new partnership with Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC). As a Proud Partner of LAFC, the collaboration brings ArniPatch’s science-forward recovery technology to one of Major League Soccer’s most dynamic teams, reinforcing a shared commitment to performance, innovation, and community.

“Today’s athletes are increasingly focused on recovery as a critical part of performance,” said Tack Soo Nam, Founder of LaboFlex, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Wooshin Labottach, and the company behind ArniPatch. “Our partnership with LAFC reflects a shared belief that recovery should be effective, safe, and accessible not only for professional athletes, but for anyone leading an active lifestyle.”

Bringing Recovery to the Heart of the LAFC Community
The partnership will officially kick off at LAFC x Inter Miami Fan Fest, a season-opening celebration bringing together players, supporters, and partners for an afternoon centered on sport, culture, and community.

The Fan Fest will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 2:00–6:00 p.m. at Christmas Tree Lane Park in Los Angeles. Designed as a high-energy pre-match experience, the event offers fans an opportunity to engage with the LAFC community ahead of the upcoming season.

As part of the event, ArniPatch will host an on-site booth featuring interactive fan experiences, including:

Traditional Korean games
Prizes and giveaways
Free ArniPatch samples for attendees

Additional event details and updates will be shared via ArniPatch’s social channels. Fans are encouraged to follow @arnipatch_us for the latest information as the event approaches.

Building on the momentum of the season-opening Fan Fest, ArniPatch will continue to engage fans through select LAFC Fan Fest activations and match-day touchpoints throughout the 2026 season—bringing professional-grade recovery tools closer to the broader LAFC community, including:

LAFC vs. San Jose — April 19 at BMO Stadium-Christmas Tree Lane Park
LAFC vs. San Diego — August 15 at BMO Stadium-Christmas Tree Lane Park
LAFC vs. Galaxy — October 25 at BMO Stadium-Christmas Tree Lane Park

Performance Recovery, Reinvented
ArniPatch represents a modern evolution of traditional Arnica Montana, delivering homeopathic arnica through a hydrogel patch designed for prolonged comfort and consistent support. Unlike creams or gels that can wear off quickly or irritate the skin, ArniPatch uses a controlled-release hydrogel system that provides relief for up to 8-12 hours.

Developed by LaboFlex’s specialized R&D team, ArniPatch combines:

Arnica Montana 1X HPUS (1%), a natural ingredient traditionally used to support recovery from bruising, swelling, and muscle soreness
Hydrogel patch technology for cooling and soothing effects
Elastic fabric construction for comfort and ease of application
A drug-free, scent-free, low-risk option suitable for athletes and individuals experiencing “pill fatigue”

Designed to support recovery and not just mask pain, ArniPatch helps address the body’s inflammatory response while offering a cleaner, safer topical alternative.

Trusted by Athletes, Designed for Real-World Recovery
ArniPatch is commonly used in scenarios such as post-match recovery, travel stiffness, post-manual therapy care, and ongoing management of high-load areas during training cycles. Its gentle adhesion is intentionally engineered to prioritize skin comfort, making it well-suited for extended wear, though adhesion may vary in high-movement areas.

“ArniPatch’s innovative approach to performance makes them a perfect partner for LAFC. We’re always looking to collaborate with brands that share our ambition to elevate the fan and player experience, and ArniPatch embodies that mindset,” said Terry Tsouratakis, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for the Los Angeles Football Club.

Recovery for the Community
Beyond the pitch, the partnership underscores LAFC’s role as a cultural force in Los Angeles and ArniPatch’s mission to make pro-level recovery tools accessible to everyday athletes, from weekend soccer players and runners to cyclists and gym-goers.

“LAFC brings together sport, culture, and community, and we’re excited to be part of that energy,” said Nam. “ArniPatch is here to support recovery not just for players, but for the fans and active Angelenos who live life in motion.”

ArniPatch is FSA/HSA eligible, offering a convenient option for consumers managing recovery and wellness expenses. More information can be found on the ArniPatch website and purchased at Walmart and on Amazon.com. Follow ArniPatch on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About Los Angeles Football Club
The 2022 MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) has represented the greater Los Angeles area in Major League Soccer since 2018. The two-time Supporters' Shield Champions (2019, 2022) and 2024 U.S. Open Cup Champions, LAFC is dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. LAFC’s ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators of industry with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise, and success in the fields of entertainment, sports, technology, and media. LAFC is invested in the world’s game and Los Angeles, constructing and developing the 22,000-seat BMO Stadium and a top-flight training center on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles. 

Media Contact: Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel: 303.807.1042

Steve Hoffman 2/11/26 Steve Hoffman 2/11/26

Colo. Natural Products Legacy Julie & Barney Feinblum Herb Garden to Take Root at CSU

Inspired by decades of values-driven leadership in the natural foods movement, the garden will celebrate the power of plants and serve as a living classroom for students and the community.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (Feb. 11, 2026) — Colorado State University is proud to announce the creation of the Julie and Barney Feinblum Herb Garden, a new, endowed, living classroom that will celebrate Colorado’s influential role in the natural, organic and herbal products movement while educating future generations of students through hands-on plant science.

Endowed in perpetuity through a gift from longtime natural products industry leader Barney Feinblum and his wife, Julie, the herb garden will honor Colorado’s natural products industry by featuring medicinal, culinary, and tea herbs and serve as a tangible bridge between education, research, history and industry.

“I really believe you can change the world with a few simple plants,” Feinblum said. “Celestial Seasonings did just that.”

Feinblum would know. In fact, he helped shape the natural and organic food movement long before it entered the mainstream. After training as an industrial engineer at Cornell University, he moved to Colorado in the early 1970s, where he earned an MBA in finance and met his future wife, Julie. A dedicated natural products enthusiast, Julie encouraged Barney to take a job at Celestial Seasonings, which at the time was still a small herbal tea startup business. His role grew over the next several years from managing the factory floor to serving as CEO, where he helped build Celestial Seasonings into a national brand.

“What Celestial Seasonings taught me was that you don’t have to compromise your values to be successful,” Feinblum said. “You can make sales and make a profit and still lead with truth, beauty and goodness.”

Those values continued to guide Feinblum’s career when he later became CEO of Horizon Organic, where he helped introduce the first national brand of organic milk in the United States—transforming the dairy industry by proving that consumers would invest in their values.

Building on the Land Grant University Ethos
That same belief—where science, education, business, and values reinforce one another—eventually brought the Feinblums to Colorado State University. There, at the main campus in Fort Collins and the new Denver Spur Campus, they were struck by the university’s world-class facilities, research, and innovation in agriculture and food systems—and by one notable absence.

“I remember thinking, this is the perfect place for an herb garden,” Barney said. “As a land-grant university so deeply connected to agriculture and the environment, it felt like a natural next step.”

This became the seed for the Julie and Barney Feinblum Herb Garden, which will be built adjacent to CSU’s existing “Trial Garden.” Spanning nearly three acres on the university’s main campus in Fort Collins, the Trial Garden evaluates more than 1,000 plant varieties on an annual basis, and is one of Northern Colorado’s top visited destinations.

Recognizing Colorado’s Natural and Herbal Products Legacy
As Colorado’s land-grant university, and a national leader in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and food science, CSU is uniquely positioned to house an herb garden that honors the state’s outsized role in shaping how America eats. The garden will recognize Colorado’s natural products community while giving students the opportunity to see, touch, and study the plants that launched entire industries—from tea and herbal medicine to functional foods.

“You don’t change the world when you’re my age,” Barney Feinblum said. “You do it when you’re young and when you have energy, enthusiasm and a desire to make the world better. That’s why this garden matters. It’s a living classroom.”

For Feinblum, the garden also represents gratitude and giving back. “Colorado changed my life,” he said. “We built a good life here, and we want to give back to the state that gave us so much.”

Looking ahead, Feinblum hopes the garden will grow into one of the nation’s leading herb collections, supported not only by his family but by the broader natural products community. “In the end, values, science, and entrepreneurship can coexist. You can have values and character in business and still change the world. All you need are a few plants.”

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new herb garden at the CSU main campus in Fort Collins are planned for April 2026.

Help This Garden Grow
The Julie and Barney Feinblum Herb Garden will be designed to evolve by expanding its plant collections, educational programming, and student impact over time. While endowed in perpetuity, its long-term vision depends on a broader community of supporters who believe in the power of plants, science, and values-driven leadership.

There are many ways to be part of this living legacy:

Support student learning through experiential education and research
Honor Colorado’s natural products community and its pioneering role in shaping how we eat and live
Help expand one of the nation’s leading university-based herb collections

Whether you are an alumnus, industry leader, grower, researcher, or simply someone who believes that small plants can spark big change, your support helps ensure this garden continues to inspire future generations. Click here to learn more about how to contribute.

Media Contact: Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042

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