The Organic Farming Philosophy of the NUTRILITE Farms

NUTRILITE is the only global vitamin and mineral brand to grow, harvest and process plants on their own certified organic farms. Wherever NUTRILITE grow the ingredients used in NUTRILITE products, the crops are grown in accordance with nature. NUTRILITE avoids the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. NUTRILITE replenishes the soil, rather than depleting it. NUTRILITE uses natural, environmentally-friendly methods to control weeds, insects, and other harmful predators. A requirement of all the farms supplying botanical materials adhere to the NUTRICERT farm certification program - ensuring that these farms adhere to NUTRILITEs own organic farming philosophy, guided by sustainable, organic principles. The main principles of the NUTRICERT program include: Crop and vegetation diversity, including vertical diversity of herbs, trees, and bushes; and integration of animal husbandry, beneficial insects, and microorganisms. Healthy soil-building practices, such as the use of compost, beneficial soil microorganisms, erosion control, and minimal use of mineral fertilizers. No soil or environmental contamination, such as using genetically modified organisms. The idea is to use integrated pest management and protect the farms from potential sources of contamination from neighboring farms. In-depth quality control standards, including proper documentation of farm inputs, traceability of crop sources, written plans to avoid contamination and control pests, and a quality assurance program for farm products sold. Building a healthy social environment around the farm, providing farm employees with the opportunity for personal development, including education and training. By owning and maintaining control over their own NUTRILITE farms, NUTRILITE can ensure that our supplements contain only high quality ingredients. NUTRILITEs organic farming operations are truly multinational, with over 6,400 acres in California, Washington State, Mexico, and Brazil. Agricultural Research Farm - California - USA NUTRILITEs Agricultural Research Farm in Lakeview, California, is the primary location where NUTRILITE farm researchers work to improve existing NUTRILITE products as well as identify nutrients and active ingredients for new products and the development of organic farming practices. 45 hectares (111 acres) Located on a prehistoric lake bed, which accumulated nutrient-rich sediment, contributing to the fertile topsoil. Primary crops: pomegranates, rosemary, and many test crops. By feeding the soil with compost and by using carefully tested farming practices, NUTRILITE creates a better soil structure - supplying crops with a vast array of nutrients. At NUTRILITEs Agricultural Research Farm in Lakeview, local volunteers from the community help raise organic vegetables for their own use. In addition, the NUTRILITE Agricultural Research Farm organizes programs with local schools, bringing area students to the farm to grow crops as a school project each year. Trout Lake Farm - Washington State - USA Trout Lake Farm is the largest certified organic herb farm in North America. Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the farms irrigation is provided by the White Salmon River, fed by glaciers from the mountains. 283 hectares (700 acres) The Trout Lake valley where the farm is located is all organic - there is no conventional farming in the valley and the surrounding mountains help keep out pollution and contaminants. Primary crops: Echinacea purpurea, St. Johns wort, horseradish, white kidney beans, dandelions, Echinacea angustifolia, Valerian, peppermint, nettles, and many others. At Trout Lake Farm, the temperature, sunlight, and moisture levels change from year to year at different altitudes in the valley, so the farm must be carefully managed to ensure consistent yields of its many crops. The NUTRILITE farm supports many local community projects, including the Trout Lake Fair, the local youth association baseball league, the area arts council, and the local public schools. Rancho El Petacal - Jalisco - Mexico Rancho El Petacal, located in southwestern Mexico, has the ideal growing climate with plenty of sunshine and rainfall - the perfect conditions for growing nutrient-rich plants for existing NUTRILITE products, and for growing test plots for research. All 566 hectares (1,400 acres) are certified 100% organic. The farm is a major source of jobs for the small community of El Petacal. Primary crops: lemons, red grapefruit, mandarin oranges, watercress, parsley, spinach, garlic, alfalfa. NUTRILITEs commitment to sustainability goes beyond the edge of the fields at Rancho El Petacal. NUTRILITEs reforestation programs have helped increase biodiversity and maintain the natural equilibrium of the area. The NUTRILITE farm at Rancho El Petacal runs a Cultural and Education Support Center at the farm. Here NUTRILITE provides basic education on nutrition and ecology as well as help with local projects, such as building a new church in the community. Fazenda Nutriorganica - Ubajara - Brazil Fazenda Nutriorganica is the largest NUTRILITE farm. The farm produces acerola cherries year-round. Over 300 head of cattle on the farm provide natural fertilizer for the crops. All 1,660 hectares (4,100 acres) are certified 100% organic. Acerola cherries provide 100% of our need for the natural ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) used in NUTRILITE products. Primary crops: Acerola cherries, coconuts, passion fruit, guava, and cashews. Most plant pest and disease problems are solved preventively by providing balanced organic nutrients to ensure strong, healthy growth. Fazenda Nutriorganica was formerly a desolate, undeveloped tract of land. It is now a beacon of productive work, learning, and professional and personal development. A reforestation project along the banks of the nearby Jaburu River, organized by NUTRILITE, is now underway. My next article entitled "The NUTRILITE Manufacturing Process Never Compromises on Quality" will show their standards of quality in manufacturing are as much a part of their company culture as their natural farming practices. See you on the Beaches of the World, Kevin McNabb Kevin McNabb is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Toronto-based GlobalHealthMgmt.com, he offers live seminars and Internet training programs on personal development for the Network Marketing industry. Details can be seen at www.KevinMcNabb.com. 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