Down to Earth Organic & Natural

5 stores in Hawai'i : 4 on Oahu and 1 on Maui. 2525 South King St, Honolulu, HI 96826; 201 Hamakua Dr, Kailua, HI 96734; 98-129 Kaonohi St, Aiea, HI 96701; 4460 Kapolei Pkwy, Ste 320, Kapolei, HI 96707; 305 Dairy Rd, Kahului, HI 96732

Website: http://www.downtoearth.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LabelGMOsHawaii

Owner:

General Manager: CEO: Mark Fergusson

Founded in: 1977

Organic Sales: na

Annual Sales: More than $10 million per year

GMO Practices

Manufacturer Communication

Our general manager works directly with each vendor to encourage them to source non-GMO ingredients and encourage them to participate in the Non GMO Project verification process. We also explain that all products containing GMOs will be labeled as such by 2018. Our general manager recently met with Barbara’s and has been instrumental in their sourcing non-GMO ingredients for one of their products.

Product Removal Process

As Down to Earth moves toward its long-term goal of being all organic and GMO-free, it is gradually eliminating, and avoids adding, products that may contain GMOs. The store gives preference to products that are organic or are Non GMO Project Verified. It does not sell single-ingredient GMO foods, including papaya, corn, soy, canola or sugar.

Labeling

Down to Earth prominently displays its GMO policy in all of its stores. In addition, the store educates consumers on the hazards of GMOs through its website, which has a section http://www.downtoearth.org/label-gmos dedicated to GMOs, and a dedicated facebook page. The store also offers lectures and participates in public panel discussions. Down to Earth stores are Non-GMO Project Participating Retailers. Down to Earth’s Chief Organic Officer, Mark Fergusson, submits written and in-person testimony at the legislature in support of GMO labeling. He also speaks at community educational panel discussions on Oahu and Mau in support of GMO labeling and represents the consumer's right to know on TV and radio shows such as the GMO debates earlier this year on PBS TV "Insight," KGU-AM with the Jeff Davis "The Solar Guy," and Hawaii Public Radio's news with Molly Solomon, among others. Trisha "Mama T" Gonsalves, Down to Earth Community Outreach Team Leader is also actively engaged in advocating for GMO labeling through legislative testimony and community presentations.