A Collaborative Initiative Working to Ensure the Sustained Availability of Non-GMO Options

Help change the future of food. The Non-GMO Project is seeking an energetic, detail-oriented, articulate and well-organized “people person” to fill our new Communications Manager position. The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit collaboration of manufacturers, retailers, processors, distributors, farmers, seed companies and consumers committed to providing North Americans with clearly labeled and independently verified non-GMO food and products.

In addition to providing support to the Executive Director, the Communications Manager partners with our Outreach Coordinator to work closely with a wide range of stakeholders toward implementing and expanding North America’s first consensus-based Standard, third-party Product Verification Program, and uniform Seal for products made following best practices of GMO avoidance. This is a position with fantastic opportunity for growth. The organization is just three years old, and has expanded phenomenally in the last year, with accomplishments including a commitment by Whole Foods Market to obtain “Non-GMO Project Verified” status for all of its private label products.

Communications Manager responsibilities include:

• Outreach to stakeholders in the natural products industry (retailers, manufacturers, etc.) via phone, email and at tradeshows, and tracking communications in the Project’s Client Relations Management (CRM) database
• Supporting Executive Director on a dynamic range of projects, including social media communications, event planning, coordination of meetings and travel, etc.
• Maintaining Upland, CA office
• Overseeing Administrative Intern(s)

Applicants should have a passion for sustainability and an understanding of the GMO issue. In addition to aligned values, applicants should have:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A strong sense of order and organization
• Ability to take initiative and work independently, as well as a willingness to follow instructions
• Solid computer literacy, including experience with Microsoft Office and internet research; experience with Adobe Photoshop preferred
• Confidence, poise and enthusiasm
• A bachelor’s degree
• Experience in PR/Marketing preferred

The Non-GMO Project is based in Upland, CA. The Communications Manager will most likely have the opportunity to work from home for a portion of each week, but is also responsible for maintaining the Upland office and overseeing Administrative Interns at that location. This is an independent contractor position; hourly compensation starts at $15, with significant room for growth and potential to become a salaried employee.

Position begins Monday August 2nd. We will be accepting applications through July 22nd and interviewing the week of July 26th. To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to megan@nongmoproject.org. Serious applications only, please. Your cover letter needs to convince us that you care about the GMO issue and have the skills to help us change the future of food!

MEDIA CONTACT:
Marina McLachlan
Essenza Communications, Inc.
303-803-5711
marina@essenzacomm.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Organic and Fair Trade Pioneer CHOICE ORGANIC TEAS Adds Non-GMO Project Verification to its Growing List of Distinctions

Seattle, WA (July 2010) — CHOICE ORGANIC TEAS, the first exclusively organic tea crafter in the United States and the first in the country to introduce Fair Trade Certified™ teas, is now also the first tea company to earn Non-GMO Project Verification. The company’s flagship product line, representing 29 teas, achieved the official verification and will carry the Non-GMO Project Verified seal.  They will also appear in the Non-GMO Project’s Shopping Guide on their website: tinyurl.com/nongmoproducts and in distributor online catalogues.

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization created by leaders in all sectors of the natural and organic products industry from the United States and Canada to offer consumers a consistent non-GMO choice for organic and natural products that are produced without genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technologies. It began as a collaborative effort among independent natural food retailers who wanted to ensure that their customers had an abundant selection of clearly labeled, independently verified non-GMO choices. The project verifies all types of products, including those (like tea) that are not yet produced commercially in GMO form. This allows shoppers to easily identify non-GMO items, and also helps reduce the likelihood of new GMO crops being commercialized. Further information about the project, including a complete list of participants can be found on their website at www.nongmoproject.org.

“We’re proud to be at the forefront of yet another critical issue facing our industry and our customers,” said Ray Lacorte,” Head of Operations for Choice Organic Teas. “With the Non-GMO Project seal now added to our flagship line of products, we hope to further demonstrate to our customers the company’s commitment to producing safe, healthy high-quality teas.”

The Non-GMO Project will be recognizing Choice Organic Teas during the first ever Non-GMO Month this October. According to Executive Director Megan Westgate, “Consumer excitement is definitely growing as the Non-GMO Project seal appears on more and more products. It’s wonderful to have companies like Choice Organic Teas leading the way in providing shoppers with the information and non-GMO options they deserve.”

A brand of Granum, Inc. of Seattle, Choice Organic Teas made its debut in 1989. As North America’s #1 selling exclusively certified organic tea line, Choice Organic Teas has promoted the growth and development of organic agriculture in tea estates worldwide and offers more than seventy-five varieties of teas and herbal infusions available in teabags, tea pyramids, and loose leaf. In 2000, Choice Organic Teas became the first tea crafter in the United States to offer Fair Trade Certified™ tea. Visit www.choiceorganicteas.com for more information.