Earthbound Farm Forms Product Innovation Team

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, CA (June 17, 2010) – Earthbound Farm has established a new product innovation team and hired accomplished organic industry veterans Tracy Miedema, Alec McErlich and Peter LeCompte. This high-powered team will lead the Company's development of new product lines, capitalizing on Earthbound Farm's position as the leading producer of organic produce while also venturing outside of the produce aisle. All positions are newly created.

As Director of Product Innovation, Tracy Miedema will lead the product development strategy at Earthbound Farm. She brings more than a decade of experience in the industry. Most recently, she led both marketing and product development at Stahlbush Island Farms since 2005. Prior to that, she worked at Small Planet Foods/General Mills. She is an active and respected leader in the organic industry currently serving as vice-chair of the National Organic Standards Board (Earthbound Farm's John Foster also serves on the National Organic Standards Board). She earned her MBA from Western Washington University and also served as an adjunct professor of marketing and consumer behavior at the same institution. She will work out of her office in Oregon with frequent trips to Calif.

"I have long admired Earthbound Farms leadership in organic agriculture and their accomplishments innovating in the produce category," said Miedema. "This is a group of people who stand true to their mission and it's a privilege to join the team."

Earthbound Farm's new Director of Farm Supply, Alec McErlich, has more than 30 years experience in research and development in organic vegetables, fruits, grains and alfalfa crops. As the Organic Agriculture Research & Development Manager at Small Planet Foods/General Mills, he spearheaded the organic R&D Program in 1995. Alec's organic experience goes back to 1989 when he led the organic vegetable program for Wattie Frozen Foods in New Zealand. He has also worked with university scientists and organic farmers to discover ways to improve organic farming methods, solve crop production problems, improve quality and lower costs. McErlich earned degrees from Lincoln University in New Zealand and the University of Minnesota. He will be working out of his office in Seattle, traveling frequently to Calif.

"I look forward to contributing to the values and ideals Earthbound Farm brings to the land, growers and the crops we produce," said McErlich. "Working to make healthy, vibrant food available to consumers is something I am committed to. It is satisfying to be part of a company with a demonstrated history of doing just that."

Peter LeCompte will assume the role of Director of Global Sourcing. He comes to Earthbound Farm from General Mills, where he has served as the Sourcing Manager for Organics since 2000. Prior to that, he was with Small Planet Foods/Cascadian Farm for six years. LeCompte's more than 20 years of working with organic growers throughout the world will support the development of new products and help Earthbound Farm bring its organic integrity program to new growers. A graduate of Pomona College in Claremont California, Peter has lived with farmers in Sri Lanka studying the impact of the transition from traditional to Green Revolution agriculture at the village level, studied the sustainability of Amish agriculture, and visited organic farmers on seven continents. LeCompte will be working out of his office in Washington, traveling frequently to Calif.

"I feel excited and fortunate to work with a group so dedicated and experienced in the organic foods industry, from the field to the table," said LeCompte. "Earthbound Farm represents the highest level of organic integrity and food safety in the industry, and I look forward to the opportunity as another 'organic gatekeeper' to help continue building this worthwhile brand."

"I am excited to add these three talented professionals to the Earthbound Farm team," said Earthbound Farm President and CEO Charles Sweat. "We've added some formidable strength to our staff and I expect we'll see some impressive accomplishments as we focus on making greater progress in pursuing our mission to bring the benefits of organic food to as many people as possible."

Source: Earthbound Farm

Caption: Clockwise from left, Peter LeCompte, Alec McErlich and Tracy Miedema