209 Sierra College Drive, Suite A, Grass Valley, CA 95945
Website: http://www.briarpatch.coop
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BriarPatchCoOp
Owner:
General Manager: Chris Maher
Founded in: 1979
Organic Sales: About 75% of overall sales are organic. About 95%of produce sales are organic.
Annual Sales: More than $10 million a year.
GMO Practices
Manufacturer Communication
Two years ago the co-op's board decided to not accept any new GMO products. Vendors are informed of the store's policy of purchasing only products that are Non-GMO Project verified, or in process of being verified.
Product Removal Process
The co-op is performing a full grocery audit, going through store shelves one 4-foot section at a time and removing products suspected of containing GMOs. Vendors and manufacturers selling products that contain suspect ingredients are told those products will be discontinued unless the ingredients are replaced. Replacement deadlines are negotiated.
Labeling
BriarPatch Co-op is a Non-GMO Project Participating Retailer. Products are reported in the store’s bimonthly newsletter and coupon books. BriarPatch Co-op donated $5,000 to support Prop 37.
Mellisa Hannum says
As a point of clarification, BriarPatch Co-op is owned by members of its community. Co-ops are owned and democratically controlled by their members. Co-op owners elect a board of directors from within their membership. Chris Maher is BriarPatch’s General Manager.
Patrick says
Thanks so much for that clarification Mellisa and my apologies for that error! I’ve made that correction on our web page for the co-op. Have a great rest of the week!
Pat