Alliance for Better Food

<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Better_Foods">http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Better_Foods</a></p>

<p>

The <b>Alliance for Better Foods</b> (ABF) was created to promote <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Public_acceptance" title="Public acceptance">public acceptance</a> and to oppose labelling of <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Genetic_engineering" title="Genetic engineering">genetically modified</a> foods. It is run by the Washington office of <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=BSMG_Worldwide" title="BSMG Worldwide">BSMG Worldwide</a>, a full service PR firm whose clients include <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Monsanto" title="Monsanto">Monsanto</a>, the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Chemical_Manufacturers_Association" title="Chemical Manufacturers Association" class="mw-redirect">Chemical Manufacturers Association</a>, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Procter_%26_Gamble" title="Procter & Gamble">Procter & Gamble</a>, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Philip_Morris" title="Philip Morris" class="mw-redirect">Philip Morris</a>, and numerous other large food, chemical and pharmaceutical corporations.<sup id="cite_ref-0" class="reference"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Better_Foods#cite_note-0" title="">[1]</a></sup>

On its website the group states that it "supports <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Biotechnology" title="Biotechnology">biotechnology</a> as a safe way to provide for a more abundant, nutritious and higher quality food supply. The Alliance encourages fact-based discussion about development in plant biotechnology."<sup id="cite_ref-About_1-0" class="reference"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Better_Foods#cite_note-About-1" title="">[2]</a></sup></p>

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<h2>Contents</h2>

<ul>

<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Better_Foods#Affiliations"><span class="tocnumber">1</span> <span class="toctext">Affiliations</span></a></li>

<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Better_Foods#Contact_information"><span class="tocnumber">2</span> <span class="toctext">Contact information</span></a></li>

<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Better_Foods#Resources"><span class="tocnumber">3</span> <span class="toctext">Resources</span></a>

<ul>

<li class="toclevel-2"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Better_Foods#Related_SourceWatch_articles"><span class="tocnumber">3.1</span> <span class="toctext">Related SourceWatch articles</span></a></li>

<li class="toclevel-2"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Better_Foods#References"><span class="tocnumber">3.2</span> <span class="toctext">References</span></a></li>

<li class="toclevel-2"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Better_Foods#External_articles"><span class="tocnumber">3.3</span> <span class="toctext">External articles</span></a></li>

</ul>

</li>

</ul>

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<h2><span class="mw-headline">Affiliations</span></h2>

<p>On its website the alliance cryptically states that its "membership represents diverse agriculture and food-related groups, including farmers, processors, distributors, retailers, scientists, food technologists and professionals in other fields dedicated to improving nutrition, protecting the environment and fighting world hunger."<sup id="cite_ref-About_1-1" class="reference"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Better_Foods#cite_note-About-1" title="">[2]</a></sup></p>

<p>

However, in 1999 the group was more open about its supporters with its website stating that its primary public sponsor was the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Grocery_Manufacturers_of_America" title="Grocery Manufacturers of America" class="mw-redirect">Grocery Manufacturers of America</a>, accompanied by trade associations representing virtually every segment of the food industry (except the organic foods sector):</p>

<ul>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Agricultural_Retailers_Association&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Agricultural Retailers Association (page does not exist)">Agricultural Retailers Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=American_Agri-Women&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="American Agri-Women (page does not exist)">American Agri-Women</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=American_Bakers_Association&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="American Bakers Association (page does not exist)">American Bakers Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=American_College_of_Nutrition&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="American College of Nutrition (page does not exist)">American College of Nutrition</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=American_Dietetic_Association" title="American Dietetic Association">American Dietetic Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=American_Farm_Bureau_Federation" title="American Farm Bureau Federation">American Farm Bureau Federation</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=American_Feed_Industry_Association" title="American Feed Industry Association">American Feed Industry Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=American_Frozen_Food_Institute" title="American Frozen Food Institute">American Frozen Food Institute</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=American_Meat_Institute" title="American Meat Institute">American Meat Institute</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=American_Peanut_Council&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="American Peanut Council (page does not exist)">American Peanut Council</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=American_School_Food_Service_Association&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="American School Food Service Association (page does not exist)">American School Food Service Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=American_Soybean_Association" title="American Soybean Association">American Soybean Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Biscuit_%26_Cracker_Manufacturers%27_Association&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Biscuit & Cracker Manufacturers' Association (page does not exist)">Biscuit & Cracker Manufacturers' Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=California_Farm_Bureau_Federation_Association&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="California Farm Bureau Federation Association (page does not exist)">California Farm Bureau Federation Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Citizens_Against_Government_Waste" title="Citizens Against Government Waste">Citizens Against Government Waste</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Corn_Refiners_Association" title="Corn Refiners Association">Corn Refiners Association</a>, Inc.</li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Food_Distributors_International&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Food Distributors International (page does not exist)">Food Distributors International</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Food_Marketing_Institute" title="Food Marketing Institute">Food Marketing Institute</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Frozen_Potato_Products_Institute&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Frozen Potato Products Institute (page does not exist)">Frozen Potato Products Institute</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Grocery_Manufacturers_of_America" title="Grocery Manufacturers of America" class="mw-redirect">Grocery Manufacturers of America</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Institute_of_Shortening_and_Edible_Oil&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Institute of Shortening and Edible Oil (page does not exist)">Institute of Shortening and Edible Oil</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=International_Dairy_Foods_Association" title="International Dairy Foods Association">International Dairy Foods Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=International_Food_Additives_Council&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="International Food Additives Council (page does not exist)">International Food Additives Council</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=International_Pharmaceutical_Excipients_Council_of_the_Americas&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="International Pharmaceutical Excipients Council of the Americas (page does not exist)">International Pharmaceutical Excipients Council of the Americas</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Monterey_County_Farm_Bureau&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Monterey County Farm Bureau (page does not exist)">Monterey County Farm Bureau</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=National_Association_of_Manufacturers" title="National Association of Manufacturers">National Association of Manufacturers</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=National_Chicken_Council&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="National Chicken Council (page does not exist)">National Chicken Council</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=National_Corn_Growers_Association" title="National Corn Growers Association">National Corn Growers Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=National_Cotton_Council&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="National Cotton Council (page does not exist)">National Cotton Council</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=National_Grain_%26_Feed_Association&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="National Grain & Feed Association (page does not exist)">National Grain & Feed Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=National_Pasta_Association&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="National Pasta Association (page does not exist)">National Pasta Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=National_Restaurant_Association" title="National Restaurant Association">National Restaurant Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=National_Soft_Drink_Association" title="National Soft Drink Association" class="mw-redirect">National Soft Drink Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Pet_Food_Institute" title="Pet Food Institute">Pet Food Institute</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Produce_Marketing_Association&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Produce Marketing Association (page does not exist)">Produce Marketing Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Snack_Food_Association" title="Snack Food Association">Snack Food Association</a></li>

<li>The <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Sugar_Association" title="Sugar Association">Sugar Association</a>, Inc.</li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=U.S._Chamber_of_Commerce" title="U.S. Chamber of Commerce">U.S. Chamber of Commerce</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=U.S._Rice_Producers_Association&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="U.S. Rice Producers Association (page does not exist)">U.S. Rice Producers Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=USA_Rice_Federation&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="USA Rice Federation (page does not exist)">USA Rice Federation</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=United_Soybean_Board" title="United Soybean Board">United Soybean Board</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=United_Fresh_Fruit_%26_Vegetable_Association&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association (page does not exist)">United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=United_States_Council_for_International_Business" title="United States Council for International Business">United States Council for International Business</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Western_Growers_Association&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Western Growers Association (page does not exist)">Western Growers Association</a></li>

</ul>

<h2><span class="mw-headline">Contact information</span></h2>

<p>Alliance for Better Foods

700 13th Street, NW Suite 800

Washington, DC 20005

Phone: 202-783-4573

Fax: 202-783-4574

Web: <a href="http://www.betterfoods.org" class="external free" title="http://www.betterfoods.org" rel="nofollow">http://www.betterfoods.org</a>

<h2><span class="mw-headline">Resources</span></h2>

<h3><span class="mw-headline">Related SourceWatch articles</span></h3>

<ul>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Front_groups" title="Front groups">Front groups</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Industry-funded_organizations" title="Industry-funded organizations">Industry-funded organizations</a></li>

</ul>

<h3><span class="mw-headline">References</span></h3>

<li id="cite_note-0"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Better_Foods#cite_ref-0" title="">↑</a> Karen Charman, "<a href="http://www.prwatch.org/prwissues/1999Q4/forcing.html" class="external text" title="http://www.prwatch.org/prwissues/1999Q4/forcing.html" rel="nofollow">Force Feeding Genetically Modified Foods</a>," <i>PR Watch</i>, 4th Quarter 1999.</li>

<li id="cite_note-About-1">↑ <sup><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Better_Foods#cite_ref-About_1-0" title="">2.0</a></sup> <sup><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Better_Foods#cite_ref-About_1-1" title="">2.1</a></sup> <a href="http://www.betterfoods.org/Overview/aboutABF.htm" class="external text" title="http://www.betterfoods.org/Overview/aboutABF.htm" rel="nofollow">"About the Alliance"</a>, accessed March 2008.</li>

</ol>

<h3><span class="mw-headline">External articles</span></h3>

<ul>

<li>Holly Bailey, "<a href="http://www.opensecrets.org/alerts/v5/alertv5_34.asp" class="external text" title="http://www.opensecrets.org/alerts/v5/alertv5_34.asp" rel="nofollow">Brave New Farm: The Battle Over Genetically-Altered Food</a>, Money In Politics Alert, November 15, 1999.</li>

</ul>

<div id="mw-normal-catlinks"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Special:Categories" title="Special:Categories">Categories</a>: <span dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Category:Front_groups_portal" title="Category:Front groups portal">Front groups portal</a></span> | <span dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Category:Food_industry" title="Category:Food industry">Food industry</a></span> | <span dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Category:Genetic_engineering" title="Category:Genetic engineering">Genetic engineering</a></span> | <span dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Category:United_States" title="Category:United States">United States</a></span></div>

</div>

<span style=" font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'New York';"><b>Buying democracy </b>In 2002, Dow contributed nearly US$400,000 to the Alliance for Better Foods’ US$5 million<b> advertising blitz to defeat Oregon’s Proposition 27, a ballot initiative to label genetically modified foods</b>.<a name="ednref83" title="ednref83" id="ednref83" href="http://www.panna.org/campaigns/caia/corpProfilesDow.dv.html#edn83">[83]</a> Opponents outspent supporters 61 to 1.<a name="ednref84" title="ednref84" id="ednref84" href="http://www.panna.org/campaigns/caia/corpProfilesDow.dv.html#edn84">[84]</a></span>

<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming">http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming</a>

 </p>

<h1 id="firstHeading" class="firstHeading">Alliance for Food and Farming</h1>

<p>

The <b>Alliance for Food and Farming</b> acts as a <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Front_group" title="Front group" class="mw-redirect">front group</a> for the fruit and vegetable industry, claiming the safety of numerous pesticides.<sup id="cite_ref-0" class="reference"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_note-0" title="">[1]</a></sup> According to its website, the group "was formed in 1989 and currently has a membership of approximately 50 agricultural groups representing a wide range of organizations including commodity boards, major farm groups and individual grower/shippers." <sup id="cite_ref-1" class="reference"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_note-1" title="">[2]</a></sup> It was registered as a non-profit in 1997 and does not disclose its member organizations. In July 2010, the Alliance for Food and Farming held a webinar and released a paper aiming to "debunk" the Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen" list of the most pesticide-laden fruits and vegetables that should be purchased as organic whenever possible.

 </p>

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<h2>Contents</h2>

<ul>

<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#Grant_Awarded_to_Defend_Pesticides_Use_on_Food_Crops"><span class="tocnumber">1</span> <span class="toctext">Grant Awarded to Defend Pesticides Use on Food Crops</span></a></li>

<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#Attack_on__the_Environmental_Working_Group.27s_.22Shoppers_Guide_to_Pesticides_in_Produce.22"><span class="tocnumber">2</span> <span class="toctext">Attack on the Environmental Working Group's "Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce"</span></a></li>

<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#Board_of_Directors"><span class="tocnumber">3</span> <span class="toctext">Board of Directors</span></a></li>

<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#Contact"><span class="tocnumber">4</span> <span class="toctext">Contact</span></a></li>

<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#Articles_and_resources"><span class="tocnumber">5</span> <span class="toctext">Articles and resources</span></a>

<ul>

<li class="toclevel-2"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#Related_SourceWatch_articles"><span class="tocnumber">5.1</span> <span class="toctext">Related SourceWatch articles</span></a></li>

<li class="toclevel-2"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#References"><span class="tocnumber">5.2</span> <span class="toctext">References</span></a></li>

<li class="toclevel-2"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#External_resources"><span class="tocnumber">5.3</span> <span class="toctext">External resources</span></a></li>

<li class="toclevel-2"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#External_articles"><span class="tocnumber">5.4</span> <span class="toctext">External articles</span></a></li>

</ul>

</li>

</ul>

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<h2><span class="mw-headline">Grant Awarded to Defend Pesticides Use on Food Crops</span></h2>

<p>In September 2010, the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=California_Department_of_Food_and_Agriculture" title="California Department of Food and Agriculture">California Department of Food and Agriculture</a> (CDFA) announced a grant of $180,000 to the Alliance for Food and Farming for a project titled "Correcting Misconceptions about Pesticide Residues."<sup id="cite_ref-2" class="reference"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_note-2" title="">[3]</a></sup> The CDFA press release describes the project as follows:

"The project seeks to correct the misconception that some fresh produce items contain excessive amounts of pesticide residues. Claims by activist groups about unsafe levels of pesticides have been widely reported in the media for many years, but have largely gone uncontested. Continued media coverage of this misleading information is damaging to producers of California specialty crops and may also have a negative impact on public health. Utilizing sound science backed by a team of nutrition and toxicological experts, the Alliance for Food and Farming will seek to provide the media, the public and various target audiences with information about the safety of fresh fruits and vegetables. The goal is to generate more balanced media reporting and change public perception about the safety of produce when it comes to pesticide residues."

The grant money awarded was through the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Specialty_Crop_Block_Grant_Program&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (page does not exist)">Specialty Crop Block Grant Program</a> for 2010, a program authorized in the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Farm_bill" title="Farm bill" class="mw-redirect">farm bill</a>. ("Specialty crops" refers to fruits, nuts, and vegetables.)

<h2><span class="mw-headline">Attack on the Environmental Working Group's "Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce"</span></h2>

<p>In June 2012, AFF renewed its attack of the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Environmental_Working_Group" title="Environmental Working Group">Environmental Working Group</a>'s "Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce," or 'Dirty Dozen' List which lists the types of produce known to have the greatest amount of pesticide residues as well as those with the lowest. The list has been credited with helping increase sales of organic produce. The list has existed for ten years during which is had educated consumers about the relative levels of pesticide residues on commonly-purchased fruits and vegetables. AFF called on EWG to cease publishing their 'Dirty Dozen' List after analysis by a panel of scientists and nutrition experts show that EWG's list is negatively affecting consumption.<sup id="cite_ref-3" class="reference"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_note-3" title="">[4]</a></sup>

In June 2012 the AFF released a "<a href="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com/sites/default/files/AFF-ScaredFatRpt_Final.pdf" class="external text" title="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com/sites/default/files/AFF-ScaredFatRpt_Final.pdf" rel="nofollow">Scared Fat</a>" report which found that consumers are less likely to trust pesticides after reading or hearing EWG findings. Analysis conducted by an "expert panal" found that almost 10 percent of low-income consumers stated that they would reduce consumption of fruits and vegetables after hearing “Dirty Dozen” list messaging taken directly from EWG statements. The AFF called EWG's list "publicity fueled mis-information and scary messaging." The AFF said that the study confirmed their suspicions about the EWG's impact on consumers and their only regret is that they "should have done it sooner." They used the study to defend the creation of their website <a href="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com" class="external text" title="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com" rel="nofollow">Safe Fruits and Veggies</a>, with claims that consumers need to hear the other side of the story. <sup id="cite_ref-4" class="reference"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_note-4" title="">[5]</a></sup>

AFA's showcases a "12 Reasons Not to Use the 'Dirty Dozen' List" on their website, <a href="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com/" class="external text" title="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com/" rel="nofollow">Safe Fruits and Veggies</a>. The AFA used their own 2012 research to back up claims such as, "After hearing EWG statements about the "Dirty Dozen" list, almost 10 percent of low income consumers stated that they would reduce their consumption of fruits and vegetables." <sup id="cite_ref-5" class="reference"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_note-5" title="">[6]</a></sup>

In an AFF blog post titled, "<a href="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com/node/96" class="external text" title="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com/node/96" rel="nofollow">I Don't Ask For Much, The Truth Will Do Just Fine</a>, the AFF calls the EWG contradictory, finds discrepancies in the 'Dirty Dozen' list and asks the EWG why they refer to AFF as a "“pro-pesticide front group." <span style=" background-color: #FFF200;">The EWG has reported that The California Department of Food and Agriculture is sending the alliance $180,000 in federal funds to finance its plan to combat pesticide industry critics. </span><sup id="cite_ref-6" class="reference"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_note-6" title=""><span style=" background-color: #FFF200;">[7]</span></a></sup></p>

<p>

In June 2011, The AFA issued a <a href="http://www.foodandfarming.info/docs.asp?id=74" class="external text" title="http://www.foodandfarming.info/docs.asp?id=74" rel="nofollow">press release</a> attacking the EWG and their "Dirty Dozen" list. The AFF called the list misleading to consumers and urged them not to use it when making purchasing decisions. AFA claims EWG develops its list through "manipulation of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Data Program results and the Federal Food and Drug Administration’s pesticide sampling data. In an attempt to debunk the validity of work done by the EGA, the AFA released a new calculator tool on their website. "The calculator is based on a scientific analysis which shows that even a small child could eat hundreds or even thousands of servings of a fruit or vegetable without any impact at all from pesticide residues," says the <a href="http://www.foodandfarming.info/docs.asp?id=74" class="external text" title="http://www.foodandfarming.info/docs.asp?id=74" rel="nofollow">release</a>. <sup id="cite_ref-7" class="reference"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_note-7" title="">[8]</a></sup>

In July of 2010, AFF launched an attack of the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Environmental_Working_Group" title="Environmental Working Group">Environmental Working Group</a>'s "Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce," AFF began its attack by claiming that EWG's Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides was scaring consumers by making them afraid of pesticides, thus inhibiting peoples' consumption of fruits and vegetables. AFF started a three-year campaign to dissuade consumers from buying produce containing less pesticide residues, whether organic or not.<sup id="cite_ref-8" class="reference"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_note-8" title="">[9]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-9" class="reference"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_note-9" title="">[10]</a></sup> As part of this campaign, AFF published an "Expert Panel Report" written by <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Penny_Fenner-Crisp" title="Penny Fenner-Crisp">Penny Fenner-Crisp</a>, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Carl_L.Keen" title="Carl L. Keen">Carl L. Keen</a>, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Jason_R.Richardson" title="Jason R. Richardson">Jason R. Richardson</a>, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Rudy_Richardson" title="Rudy Richardson" class="mw-redirect">Rudy Richardson</a>, and <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Karl_K._Rozman" title="Karl K. Rozman">Karl K. Rozman</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-10" class="reference"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_note-10" title="">[11]</a></sup>

<h2><span class="mw-headline">Board of Directors</span></h2>

<p>Although a list of members are not available, lists of the Board of Directors from 2006-2008 make clear a number of the most prominent member organizations within the Alliance. Below are the Board of Directors for 2008 unless otherwise noted.</p>

<ul>

<li>President: <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Richard_Peterson&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Richard Peterson (page does not exist)">Richard Peterson</a>, Executive Director of <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=California_Dried_Plum_Board&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="California Dried Plum Board (page does not exist)">California Dried Plum Board</a></li>

<li>Vice Chair: <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Matt_McInerney&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Matt McInerney (page does not exist)">Matt McInerney</a>, Executive Vice President of <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Western_Growers&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Western Growers (page does not exist)">Western Growers</a></li>

<li>Secretary/Treasurer: Jim Howard, Director of Communications at <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=California_Table_Grape_Commission&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="California Table Grape Commission (page does not exist)">California Table Grape Commission</a></li>

</ul>

<p>Directors:</p>

<ul>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Rick_Tomlinson&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Rick Tomlinson (page does not exist)">Rick Tomlinson</a>, Director of Government Affairs for <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=California_Strawberry_Commission" title="California Strawberry Commission">California Strawberry Commission</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Ed_Beckman&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Ed Beckman (page does not exist)">Ed Beckman</a>, President of <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=California_Tomato_Farmers&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="California Tomato Farmers (page does not exist)">California Tomato Farmers</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Barry_Bedwell&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Barry Bedwell (page does not exist)">Barry Bedwell</a>, President of <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=California_Grape_and_Tree_Fruit_League&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="California Grape and Tree Fruit League (page does not exist)">California Grape and Tree Fruit League</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Bruce_Knobeloch&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Bruce Knobeloch (page does not exist)">Bruce Knobeloch</a>, Chief Operating Officer of <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=River_Ranch_Fresh_Foods&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="River Ranch Fresh Foods (page does not exist)">River Ranch Fresh Foods</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Mark_Murai&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Mark Murai (page does not exist)">Mark Murai</a>, President of <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=California_Strawberry_Commission" title="California Strawberry Commission">California Strawberry Commission</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Kathleen_Nave&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Kathleen Nave (page does not exist)">Kathleen Nave</a>, President of <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=California_Table_Grape_Commission&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="California Table Grape Commission (page does not exist)">California Table Grape Commission</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Sheri_Mierau&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Sheri Mierau (page does not exist)">Sheri Mierau</a>, President of <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=California_Tree_Fruit_Agreement&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="California Tree Fruit Agreement (page does not exist)">California Tree Fruit Agreement</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Rosanna_Westmoreland&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Rosanna Westmoreland (page does not exist)">Rosanna Westmoreland</a>, Division Manager CommNews for the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=California_Farm_Bureau_Federation&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="California Farm Bureau Federation (page does not exist)">California Farm Bureau Federation</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Claire_Smith&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Claire Smith (page does not exist)">Claire Smith</a>, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Sunkist_Growers&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Sunkist Growers (page does not exist)">Sunkist Growers</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Terry_Stark&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Terry Stark (page does not exist)">Terry Stark</a>, Executive Director of <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=California_Association_of_Pest_Control_Advisers" title="California Association of Pest Control Advisers">California Association of Pest Control Advisers</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Dave_Kranz&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Dave Kranz (page does not exist)">Dave Kranz</a>, Manager of Media Services for the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=California_Farm_Bureau_Federation&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="California Farm Bureau Federation (page does not exist)">California Farm Bureau Federation</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Renee_Pinel&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Renee Pinel (page does not exist)">Renee Pinel</a>, President & CEO of Western Plant Health Association</li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Bryan_Silbermann&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Bryan Silbermann (page does not exist)">Bryan Silbermann</a>, President & CEO of the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Produce_Marketing_Association&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Produce Marketing Association (page does not exist)">Produce Marketing Association</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Bob_Whitaker&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Bob Whitaker (page does not exist)">Bob Whitaker</a>, Chief Science Officer of the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Produce_Marketing_Association&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Produce Marketing Association (page does not exist)">Produce Marketing Association</a></li>

</ul>

<p>Previous Directors:</p>

<ul>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Blair_Richardson&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Blair Richardson (page does not exist)">Blair Richardson</a>, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=California_Tree_Fruit_Agreement&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="California Tree Fruit Agreement (page does not exist)">California Tree Fruit Agreement</a> (2006)</li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Ann_Schmidt-Fogarty&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Ann Schmidt-Fogarty (page does not exist)">Ann Schmidt-Fogarty</a>, formerly with the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=California_Farm_Bureau_Federation&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="California Farm Bureau Federation (page does not exist)">California Farm Bureau Federation</a> (2006)</li>

<li><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Lorna_Christie&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Lorna Christie (page does not exist)">Lorna Christie</a>, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Produce_Marketing_Association&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Produce Marketing Association (page does not exist)">Produce Marketing Association</a> (2007)</li>

</ul>

<h2><span class="mw-headline">Contact</span></h2>

<ul>

<li>Alliance for Food and Farming</li>

<li>585 Auto Center Dr</li>

<li>Watsonville, CA 95076-3764</li>

<li>Website: <a href="http://www.foodandfarming.info" class="external free" title="http://www.foodandfarming.info" rel="nofollow">http://www.foodandfarming.info</a></li>

<li>Phone: (831) 786-1666</li>

</ul>

<h2><span class="mw-headline">Articles and resources</span></h2>

<h3><span class="mw-headline">Related SourceWatch articles</span></h3>

<h3><span class="mw-headline">References</span></h3>

<li id="cite_note-0"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_ref-0" title="">↑</a> Environmental Working Group Public Affairs <a href="http://www.ewg.org/Chemical_Ag%3A_Shut_Up_And_Eat_Your_Pesticides" class="external text" title="http://www.ewg.org/Chemical_Ag%3A_Shut_Up_And_Eat_Your_Pesticides" rel="nofollow">Chemical Agriculture Group Says, Shut Up and Eat Your Pesticides</a>, July 15, 2010</li>

<li id="cite_note-1"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_ref-1" title="">↑</a> <a href="http://www.foodandfarming.info/" class="external text" title="http://www.foodandfarming.info/" rel="nofollow">Website Accessed July 1, 2010.</a></li>

<li id="cite_note-2"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_ref-2" title="">↑</a> <a href="http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/exec/pdfs/grantrecipients2010.pdf" class="external text" title="http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/exec/pdfs/grantrecipients2010.pdf" rel="nofollow">California Department of Food and Agriculture 2010 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program – Farm Bill</a>, California Department of Food and Agriculture, September 2010.</li>

<li id="cite_note-3"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_ref-3" title="">↑</a> <a href="http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120619006645/en/Farmer-Group-Calls-EWG-Cease-Publishing-%E2%80%98Dirty" class="external text" title="http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120619006645/en/Farmer-Group-Calls-EWG-Cease-Publishing-%E2%80%98Dirty" rel="nofollow">Farmer Group Calls On EWG To Cease Publishing ‘Dirty Dozen’ List</a>, <a href="http://www.businesswire.com" class="external text" title="http://www.businesswire.com" rel="nofollow">Business Wire</a>, June 19, 2011</li>

<li id="cite_note-4"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_ref-4" title="">↑</a> <a href="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com/blog/alliance-releases-new-scared-fat-report-we-should-have-done-it-sooner" class="external text" title="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com/blog/alliance-releases-new-scared-fat-report-we-should-have-done-it-sooner" rel="nofollow">Alliance Releases New "Scared Fat" Report - We Should Have Done It Sooner</a>, <a href="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com" class="external text" title="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com" rel="nofollow">Safe Fruits and Veggies</a>, June 19, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-5"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_ref-5" title="">↑</a> <a href="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com/" class="external text" title="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com/" rel="nofollow">Safe Fruits and Veggies</a>, accessed June 27, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-6"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_ref-6" title="">↑</a> <a href="http://www.ewg.org/agmag/2010/09/taxpayers-funding-pro-pesticide-pr-campaign/" class="external text" title="http://www.ewg.org/agmag/2010/09/taxpayers-funding-pro-pesticide-pr-campaign/" rel="nofollow">Taxpayers Funding Pro-Pesticide PR Campaign</a>, <a href="http://www.ewg.org" class="external text" title="http://www.ewg.org" rel="nofollow">EWG</a>, June 27, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-7"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_ref-7" title="">↑</a> <a href="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com/" class="external text" title="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com/" rel="nofollow">Safe Fruits and Veggies</a>, accessed June 27, 2012</li>

<li id="cite_note-8"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_ref-8" title="">↑</a> Jill Richardson,<a href="http://www.alternet.org/health/147448/meet_the_food_industry_front_groups_that_push_for_carcinogens_in_your_food/?page=entire" class="external text" title="http://www.alternet.org/health/147448/meet_the_food_industry_front_groups_that_push_for_carcinogens_in_your_food/?page=entire" rel="nofollow">Meet the Food Industry Front Groups That Push for Carcinogens in Your Food</a> Alternet, July 6, 2010</li>

<li id="cite_note-9"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_ref-9" title="">↑</a> Rachel Cernansky <a href="http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/pesticide-lobby-blames-organics-for-americans-not-eating-more-veggies.html" class="external text" title="http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/pesticide-lobby-blames-organics-for-americans-not-eating-more-veggies.html" rel="nofollow">Pesticide Lobby Blames Organics for Americans Not Eating More Veggies</a>, PlanetGreen.com July 17, 2010</li>

<li id="cite_note-10"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_for_Food_and_Farming#cite_ref-10" title="">↑</a> <a href="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com/pdf/ExpertPanelReport.pdf" class="external text" title="http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com/pdf/ExpertPanelReport.pdf" rel="nofollow">Expert Panel Report: A Review of the Science on the potential Health Effects of Pesticide Residues on Food and Related Statements Made by Interest Groups</a>, Alliance for Food and Farming, 2010.</li>

</ol>

<h3><span class="mw-headline">External resources</span></h3>

<ul>

<li><a href="http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/exec/pdfs/grantrecipients2010.pdf" class="external text" title="http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/exec/pdfs/grantrecipients2010.pdf" rel="nofollow">California Department of Food and Agriculture 2010 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program – Farm Bill</a>, California Department of Food and Agriculture, September 2010.</li>

</ul>

<h3><span class="mw-headline">External articles</span></h3>

<ul>

<li><a href="http://www.ewg.org/release/pesticide-industry-to-use-tax-dollars-to-attack-critics" class="external text" title="http://www.ewg.org/release/pesticide-industry-to-use-tax-dollars-to-attack-critics" rel="nofollow"><span style=" background-color: #FFF200;">Pesticide Industry to Use Tax Dollars to Attack Critics</span></a><span style=" background-color: #FFF200;">, Environmental Working Group, September 21, 2010.</span></li>

</ul>

<div id="mw-normal-catlinks"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Special:Categories" title="Special:Categories">Categories</a>: <span dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Category:Front_groups_portal" title="Category:Front groups portal">Front groups portal</a></span> | <span dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Category:Food_industry" title="Category:Food industry">Food industry</a></span> | <span dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Category:Industry-funded_organizations" title="Category:Industry-funded organizations">Industry-funded organizations</a></span> | <span dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Category:United_States" title="Category:United States">United States</a></span></div>

</div>

Alliance for Better Food

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