Episodes
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In this episode of our podcast, Wilson Lau is joined by Kim Dietz and Johanna Phillips from Strengthening Organic Systems LLC to explore the latest USDA regulations aimed at enhancing organic enforcement.
They delve into the critical updates, including broader certification requirements across the organic supply chain, the standardization of import documentation, and the introduction of mandatory fraud prevention strategies.
They emphasize the importance of supply chain integrity, traceability, and the mandatory reporting of fraud, particularly concerning exports to Canada.
Conversation Overview
00:00 Introduction to Strengthening Organic Systems
01:05 Top Three Changes in USDA Strengthening Organic Enforcement Regulations
10:11 Exemptions and Certification Requirements for Different Entities
12:01 Non-Retail Packaging and Labeling Requirements
14:08 Import Certificates and Considerations for Businesses
23:01 Exporting Organic Products and Special Paperwork
25:01 Exporting Organic Products to Canada and Europe
30:39 Conclusion and Contact Information
Learn more: https://nuherbs.com/
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In this episode, Wilson Lau delivers an update on the herbal industry, touching on significant trends like the rise of functional beverages and mushrooms, and the critical focus on sustainability.
He unpacks the challenges posed by climate change, geopolitical events, and new organic regulations impacting the supply chain.
Wilson underscores the importance of staying updated and proactive in the industry, and he commits to providing ongoing insights on these evolving topics.
Conversation Overview
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:45 Top Trends from Expo West
04:12 Industry Trend: Sustainability
06:38 Herbal Supply Chain Challenges
08:00 Geopolitical Impact on Supply Chain
09:55 New Regulations for Organic Herbs
11:23 Conclusion and Future Updates
Learn more: https://nuherbs.com/
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Missing episodes?
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Gummies, tinctures, extracts…alternative delivery methods are want your customers want.
But putting an effective therapeutic dose into such a small format is a challenge for most brands and manufacturers.
In this video, Wilson and Suzanne discuss how to solve for the technical aspects of moving into new delivery systems.
If you company is exploring how to move into other delivery formats, and you are faced with challenge of getting all your key ingredients that new format, you want to watch this:
Conversation Overview
00:16: How hard is it to get a therapeutic does into a supplement?
1:26: Are consumers getting the Doses they need in supplements?
2:38: How do brands and manufacturers get to the right dose?
3:14: Material, taste, and other technical formation considerations
5:58: From bars to powders, all delivery systems have challenges. It’s important to understand them in all aspects of manufacturing.
7:50: You need find manufacturing partners that have technical expertise, but also an understanding of the phyto-components of the herbs and botanicals.
12:15: The next frontier of supplements is large and small animals.
Learn more about our bespoke extracts program: https://go.nuherbs.com/bespoke-extracts-ssw23
Explore our sleep strips: https://nutraditions.com
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In this episode, Alexis Durham, Director of Education at AHPA, talks with Wilson Lau on her unique perspective on #sustainability. They cover:
Our relationship with land, soil, pollinators and people. Quality of life is a requirement for everyone that’s involved in the supply chain. Can we give back to what we take; how do we build more circular processes. Net positive vs. negative. Improving farming practices and sourcing practices. Sustainability is not one size fits all, it’s specific to your business. Creating sustainable principles in all your employee roles. Collective buy-in to change is important to build a healthy team. Start small in order to achieve long-term, “sustainable” results.Learn More About the Sustainability Committee: https://www.ahpa.org/committees
You can also join over 11,254 herbal industry professionals, companies, and practitioners who subscribe to our monthly newsletters. You can select the topics you are interested in. https://go.nuherbs.com/emailpreferences
You can also subscribe to our podcast, Herbal Explorations, for the latest insights and interviews with the world’s leading experts in herbs and botanicals.
iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-herbal-explorations-the-bu-98857263/ iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/herbal-explorations-the-business-of-herbs-and-botanicals/id1632229085 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62PaOPlfMbWRmatQJNcHi2?si=fb6304fff7d5423f Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Herbal-Explorations-The-Business-of-Herbs-and-Botanicals-Podcast/B0B5DZ9NWB Amazon: https://a.co/d/dv4agKG -
In this episode, Wilson talks with Erin Smith, an Ethnobotanist with Bayan Botanicals. They discuss:
Minimizing harm versus doing no harm. Creating solutions versus creating more environmental problems. The use of the earth’s natural resources. Developing better sourcing practices and changing packaging in order to be more environmentally conscious. Upstream and downstream effects of product production. Working directly with indigenous populations and wildcrafters. How wildcrafters provide information herbs that you may not otherwise get. Sustainability requirements should be included in your company's job descriptions. Ask your people to brainstorm ideas on ways to lessen environmental impact. In order to start reducing your footprint, start small. One step at a time is progress.Connect With Nuherbs
If you have questions on this report, reach out to me via Linkedin.
You can also join over 10,932 herbal industry professionals, companies, and practitioners who subscribe to our monthly newsletters. You can select the topics you are interested in. https://go.nuherbs.com/emailpreferences
You can also subscribe to our podcast, Herbal Explorations, for the latest insights and interviews with the world’s leading experts in herbs and botanicals.
iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-herbal-explorations-the-bu-98857263/ iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/herbal-explorations-the-business-of-herbs-and-botanicals/id1632229085 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62PaOPlfMbWRmatQJNcHi2?si=fb6304fff7d5423f Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Herbal-Explorations-The-Business-of-Herbs-and-Botanicals-Podcast/B0B5DZ9NWB Amazon: https://a.co/d/dv4agKG -
As we cross the halfway point of the year, this is my update From The Fields as I fly to visit our partners. Always, I address the hot button issues and give my best advice for managing them as you look forward.
The price of almost all Chinese herbs are up this year due to a variety of factors. On the low end, prices are up 10-15% and at the other extreme, prices are up 300-400%.I suggest reaching out to your herbal partners to better understand how this will impact your company going forward. This is especially important if you have contract pricing expiring as previously made commitments have been fulfilled and you haven’t experienced the price increases to date.
Weather Labor Cash flow and Inflation
The four most important factors in the increase of prices are:There is good news that some of the increases are offset by a stronger dollar and reduction of sea or air freight costs. We won’t discuss inflation because I am sure that you feel it daily and read all about it everywhere, just know that most of the non-herbal inputs have increased in price as well. Listen to the episode to learn more.
Connect With Nuherbs
If you have questions on this report, reach out to me via Linkedin.
You can also join over 10,712 herbal industry professionals, companies, and practitioners who subscribe to our monthly newsletters. You can select the topics you are interested in. https://go.nuherbs.com/emailpreferences
You can also subscribe to our podcast, Herbal Explorations, for the latest insights and interviews with the world’s leading experts in herbs and botanicals.
iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-herbal-explorations-the-bu-98857263/ iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/herbal-explorations-the-business-of-herbs-and-botanicals/id1632229085 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62PaOPlfMbWRmatQJNcHi2?si=fb6304fff7d5423f Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Herbal-Explorations-The-Business-of-Herbs-and-Botanicals-Podcast/B0B5DZ9NWB Amazon: https://a.co/d/dv4agKG -
In this episode, Wilson Lau speaks with Ann Armbrecht, Director at Sustainable Herbs Program. In this episode, Wilson and Ann discuss:
0:42: Companies as a whole have to move beyond a limited definition, and misuse of the term, “sustainability.” 0:58: Companies, and people, should be asking “How do we sustain life?” 1:30: People need to call for sustainable action so we can live in this world. 2:15: Companies need to know their impact. Companies need to identify the worst thing they do, what costs the company the most in terms of reputation, environmental impact, and costs. 3:02: In the herbal industry, most companies don’t know where their herbs come from. That’s dangerous. 3:32: If herbal companies create products that create health, those products are only as good as the health of the environments where the ingredients are grown. 4:10: Companies need to benchmark where they are today, and where they want to be in two or three generations from now. 4:36: If a company understands where their herbal ingredients come from, they’re better able to identify the company’s environmental impact. 5:12: The best thing a company can do in order to address “sustainability” is connect. Disconnection is a social, economic, and spiritual crisis. 7:05: The way to advocate for sustainability is a business case, not a case related to consumer demands. 8:00: Check out the Sustainable Herbs Program, Second Edition for more information.Sustainable Herbs Toolkit: https://sustainableherbsprogram.org/webinar/toolkit-webinar/
Want to listen to episodes? Subscribe to our podcast on
iHeart Radio:
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-herbal-explorations-the-bu-98857263/
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/herbal-explorations-the-business-of-herbs-and-botanicals/id1632229085
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62PaOPlfMbWRmatQJNcHi2?si=fb6304fff7d5423f
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Herbal-Explorations-The-Business-of-Herbs-and-Botanicals-Podcast/B0B5DZ9NWB
Amazon: https://a.co/d/dv4agKG
You can also join over 10,367 herbal industry professionals, companies, and practitioners who subscribe to our monthly newsletters: https://go.nuherbs.com/emailpreferences
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In this episode of Herbal Explorations, Wilson Lau speaks to Bill Chioffi, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at NAMMEX, a company that specializes in medicinal mushroom extracts. In this episode, Wilson and Bill discuss all things sustainability:
0:47: There are many different definitions of sustainability, it varies by sector.
1:07: Sustainability should mean that “We’re giving back more than we’re taking out of any one system.” Sustainability is holistic and it means taking care of the people, animals, plants, and everyone involved in the company’s supply chain.
2:11: One thing that all companies can implement today that will help bring about a better tomorrow is take a more long-term approach to how they build business systems.
2:42: In terms of plant sustainability, pick any one plant in your supply chain and know it from seed to shelf. It builds a roadmap for all the ingredients in a company’s supply chain.
3:13: Supply chain logistics are complex, but if a company understands seed to shelf, it can find places for innovation and opportunity.
4:08: Companies need to dedicate resources towards sustainability within their organizations that aren’t just part of marketing messages.
4:50: Take a look your packaging and product materials, see if there’s a way to move from single use to something that is more eco-conscious.
6:06: In order to successfully advocate for sustainability within your company, be with the materials in their places of origin so you understand all aspects of manufacturing.
7:00: Go the grower, go to the production house. Even if it’s overseas, visit your partners so that you have first hand knowledge of your products’ places of origin.
7:28: What you learn through research and paperwork is quite different than what you learn firsthand.
8:10: And don’t regret to apply the concept of sustainability to how you travel. Mindfully create practices and processes.
Want to listen to episodes? Subscribe to our podcast on iHeart Radio | iTunes | Spotify | Audible | Amazon.
You can also join over 10,354 herbal industry professionals, companies, and practitioners who subscribe to our monthly newsletters: https://go.nuherbs.com/emailpreferences
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Beth Lambert, CEO of Herbalist & Alchemist, joins us to share her journey of discovering the B Corp movement and how it resonated with their commitment to producing quality herbal supplements that prioritize both people and the environment.
The conversation delves into the challenges and benefits of the certification process, including the importance of quantifying sustainability efforts and the continuous drive for improvement.
Beth's passion for sustainability and the company's dedication to being a force for positive change shine through as they continue to explore their path to transformative sustainability.
1:03: The first company to be certified with B Corp
4:00: Overview of B Corp and the certification process
6:53: Changes in B Corp certifications
12:08: Governance Challenges for smaller companies
13:31: Benefits for becoming B Corp certified
15:57: Examples of Zero Waste Standards at Herbalist & Alchemist
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Beth Lambert, CEO of Herbalist and Alchemist, shares their experience and top learnings from the recent move of their business, highlighting their commitment to sustainability throughout the process.
She discusses how they recycled moving materials and repurposed them into park benches, showcasing their everyday practices aligned with their environmental values. Beth emphasizes the importance of core values and goals beyond B Corp certification and how it helps set objectives but should only drive part of the sustainability journey.
Wilson and Beth also touch upon the significance of supporting the next generation in farming and exploring new sustainability initiatives at Herbalist and Alchemist. The conversation concludes with recognizing young farmers' challenges and the need to empower and support them in the industry.
1:26: Herbalist & Alchemists facility move with green intentions
5:07: Being driven for the right reasons, not just for certification
8:54: The power of partnerships and B Corp certification
11:39: Back to basics with climate, soil health, and the power of good stewardship
15:23: Empowering the next generation of farmers to sustain the agriculture business
17:06: Inflation and rising costs of land make challenges for young farmers
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Wilson and Julien delve into the crucial topic of emissions and sustainability in the supply chain in this episode. They explore the challenges of sharing usable data across the entire product supply chain, emphasizing the need for standardization and accounting practices. They mention the importance of using calibrated calculators specific to the industry and having engagement from different departments to track and analyze data. Tools and resources like Impact IQ, an ESG compliance and intelligence tool, are highlighted for companies to engage in transformational sustainability reporting and compliance. Emphasizing the importance of being good stewards across multiple areas, Julien offers complimentary ESG Readiness Assessments to help companies determine their next steps in sustainability and ESG initiatives.
0:19: Getting Data To Talk to Each Other
0:51: Using Carbon Calculators to Understand Carbon Footprint
3:50: Using the correct carbon calculator for the proper industry
4:46: Measuring your ESG Risk to develop a strategy
5:16: Tools and Resources to use in the Sustainability Journey
10:13: Impact IQ tools work together with BCorp scores
11:52: Thinking 20 years ahead in sustainability and financial planning
13:36: Sustainability services and complimentary ESG Readiness Assessments
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In this episode of Herbal Explorations, Wilson welcomes Julien Gervreau, the Sustainability Director of Sensiba San Filippo. With his extensive experience in accounting, agriculture, and a passion for sustainability, Julien shares valuable insights on integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices into businesses.
Julien emphasizes the need for companies to understand the importance of transitioning companies into a more sustainable, zero-carbon emission future. From water scarcity and labor availability, to the impact of extreme weather conditions on crop quality, the conversation underscores the need for adaptive practices and responsible production.
1:20: The critical role accountants play in planning a sustainable future for companies.
4:40: Accounting for the Impact with audited and validated results.
6:22: Increased Scrutiny with Greenwashing and creating a transition plan to cut Carbon Emissions by 2030 and reach NetZero Carbon Emissions by 2050
11:20: Using ROI and a sustainable transition plan to Future-proof our companies and investments
12:59: Water quality, climate change, labor availability, and educating consumers to save agriculture
14:59: The impact of extreme weather events on the wine industry
16:15: Growers need to adopt a plan to maintain yields in our ever-changing climate
17:40: Changes in microclimates may impact the efficacy and profiles of future botanicals like champagne
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Intro/Overview
In this episode, Wilson speaks to David Winston of Herbalist & Alchemist, who is the world’s leading expert on adaptogens. In this episode, they discuss:
0:18: How practitioners can best help their patients understand the use of adaptogens.
1:15: Energetics, primary and secondary uses. Look at each adaptogen, and if it
makes sense for you.
6:11: Treating the person, not the problem.
7:33: Treating people with chronic stress, the rise in interest in adaptogens.
Find the video and full transcript:
If you want to learn more, subscribe to our podcast in iHeart Radio | iTunes | Spotify | Audible | Amazon.
If you’re a practitioner, you can create an account on Nuherbs to shop our herbs and botanicals on our website.
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Intro/Overview
In this episode, Wilson speaks to David Winston of Herbalist & Alchemist, who is the world’s leading expert on adaptogens. In this episode, they discuss:
2:00: The history of adaptogens.
3:00: The historical definition of what an adaptogen is.
4:40: Practitioners still use old definitions of adaptogens.
5:30: We need to define adaptogens correctly. There are only 9.
6:12: Classifying other herbs with adaptogenic properties.
7:46: Using adaptogens in marketing messages.
9:00: The nine plants that are actually adaptogens.
11:12: Herbs and plants that are possible adaptogens, but more research is needed.
12:20: What truly makes a herb or plant an adaptogen.
13:25: How adaptogens also work on a cellular level.
16:55: Secondary sets of adaptogen characteristics.
19:27: TCM, Ayurveda, Unani Tibb, Campo, Jamu, Sidha, Tibetan medicine, physiomedicalism, herbs are used in complex formulas.
20:00: People are complex, and have complex problems, compounding herbs is key.
If you want to learn more, subscribe to our podcast in iHeart Radio | iTunes | Spotify | Audible | Amazon.
If you’re a practitioner, you can create an account on Nuherbs to shop our herbs and botanicals on our website.
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In this episode, Suzanne Shelton, of the Shelton Group, interviews Wilson Lau, on his thoughts about sustainability. In this episode, they discuss:
1:26: Finding the greatest impact: global change or local change
3:42: Shortening the food supply chain.
5:33: The impact of technology on pesticides.
7:57: Eliminating food waste - is it worth the cost?
14:51: Are Synthetic botanicals the future of our food?
16:38: Wildcrafting is becoming a thing of the past.
20:21: The need for a more equitable supply chain.
22:24: Technology can provide a measurable and positive outlook on sustainability.
Find the video and full transcript:
If you want to learn more, subscribe to our podcast in iHeart Radio | iTunes | Spotify | Audible | Amazon.
If you’re a practitioner, you can create an account on Nuherbs to shop our herbs and botanicals on our website.
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In this episode, Suzanne Shelton of the Shelton Group interviews Wilson Lau on his thoughts about sustainability. In this episode, they discuss:
2:04: Five macro themes that impact the future of our food supply chain.
4:09: How do we avoid global famines?
7:10: Proof that climate change is real.
9:48: Extreme weather impacts the cost of business.
14:09: We have to invest in a way that is profitable and sustainable in the long term.
16:18: The impacts disease can have on productivity.
20:10: Have we seen the last pandemic?
Find the video and full transcript:
If you want to learn more, subscribe to our podcast on iHeart Radio | iTunes | Spotify | Audible | Amazon.
If you’re a practitioner, you can create an account on Nuherbs to shop our herbs and botanicals on our website.
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Part two of our interview with Dr. Holly Johnson, the Chief Science Officer of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA). In this episode, Wilson and Holly discuss the following:
1:20: Climate Change is affecting the way we grow and harvest.
2:58: High Temps in the Pacific Northwest decrease the yield of valerian root.
4:12: Be the bestie to your farmer or supplier before it’s too late.
8:35: Growing location affects phytochemical profile.
12:53: Protecting wild populations from decline with CITES.
17:41: Preserve wildcrafting: wildcrafters are underpaid and leaving the industry.
23:59: How do we bring more value to wildcrafters?
Find the video and transcript:
If you want to learn more, subscribe to our podcast on iHeart Radio | iTunes | Spotify | Audible | Amazon.
If you’re a practitioner, you can create an account on Nuherbs to shop our herbs and botanicals on our website.
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In this episode, Wilson speaks to Dr. Holly Johnson, the Chief Science Officer of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA). Last season, Holly and Wilson discussed the importance of AHPA’s Tonnage Study. They are back to start season two with the conversations that happened around sustainability at AHPA’s 10th Botanical Congress. In this episode:
0:52: Climate Change is Real – And It’s Affecting Your Herbal Supply Chain
2:10: How Gen Z and Younger Generations are Combating Climate Change
3:43: The Future - It’s Here Now
4:20: How to Conduct an Environmental Audit of Your Organization
5:48: Looking at Sustainability Through Socioeconomic Lens
9:26: Energy Consumption, Emissions and Examples
11:42: Going Beyond Good Intentions - Finding the Right Partners
14:14: Question: How Do We Really Measure Our Impact?
16:06: From Growth to Cultivation - The Many Factors that Affect Sustainability
Find the video and full transcript: https://nuherbs.com/resources/how-the-herbal-industry-can-start-to-address-climate-change-sustainability-part-1
If you want to learn more, subscribe to our podcast in iHeart Radio | iTunes | Spotify | Audible | Amazon.
If you’re a practitioner, you can create an account on Nuherbs to shop our herbs and botanicals on our website
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In this episode, Wilson speaks to David Winston of Herbalist & Alchemist, who is the world’s leading expert on adaptogens. In this episode, they discuss:
2:00: The history of adaptogens.
3:00: The historical definition of what an adaptogen is.
4:40: Practitioners still use old definitions of adaptogens.
5:30: We need to define adaptogens correctly. There are only 9.
6:12: Classifying other herbs with adaptogenic properties.
7:46: Using adaptogens in marketing messages.
9:00: The nine plants that are actually adaptogens.
11:12: Herbs and plants that are possible adaptogens, but more research is needed.
12:20: What truly makes a herb or plant an adaptogen.
13:25: How adaptogens work on a cellular level.
16:55: Secondary sets of adaptogen characteristics
19:27: TCM, Ayurveda, Unani Tibb, Campo, Jamu, Sidha, Tibetan medicine, physiomedicalism, herbs are used in complex formulas
20:00: People are complex, and have complex problems, compounding herbs is key
22:06: How can practitioners best help their patients understand the use of adaptogens?
28:05: Energetics, primary and secondary uses. Look at each adaptogen, and if it makes sense for you.
29:09: Treating the person, not the problem
33:06: Treating people with chronic stress, the rise in interest in adaptogens
If you want to learn more, subscribe to our podcast in iHeart Radio | iTunes | Spotify | Audible | Amazon. If you’re a practitioner, you can create an account on Nuherbs to shop our herbs and botanicals on our website
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