Thanks for getting in touch, Samone, and for your points. You’re right that glyphosate has been prominent in public conversation, recently. We recognize that a number of individuals have concerns about its use in agriculture, regardless of its federal approval for use on non-organic crops and guidelines which limit residue amounts.

Though there are few things about food production that are simple today, we hold ourselves to a goal that’s simply stated: to provide the best baking products possible. For some consumers, that will mean choosing from our certified 100% organic line, where the use of synthetic substances is prohibited as a general rule, including glyphosate.

We’re always paying attention to the concerns of our customers, though. The fact is that we’re doing more than just directing concerned parties to our existing organic line. Some steps we’ve taken in recent years have been to enhance the supply chain for our non-organic White Whole Wheat Flour so that glyphosate is not permitted for use as a pre-harvest application. We’ve also partnered with Clif Bar to provide a $1.5 million endowment for Washington State University’s Bread Lab as it researches organic grain breeding — an area where we see a lot of opportunity to produce hardier varieties that perform well while also reducing vulnerability to pests, disease, weeds, harsh conditions, etc. In doing so, we’re intentionally supporting new and better options for farmers that diminish reliance on synthetic substances which protect crops.

In order to pursue what we see as the interests of our customers, care for our planet, and provide the best product possible, we’re always exploring options to reduce the possibility of wheat’s exposure to synthetic substances like glyphosate and will continue to actively do so.

• Reply