The Pioneer Award is given each year at the NPA NW annual member meeting.  The region’s definition of “pioneer” is someone who leads the way or sets a good example for others in the industry.  The NPA NW board of directors selects the person to receive the award and welcomes input from members.

2011 - Peter A DeFazio

U.S. Representative Peter A. DeFazio (OR 4^th District), recognized as an organic policy analyst, was a friend of organic farmers long before he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986.  As a young staffer in 1981, DeFazio crafted the first bill on organic and sustainable agriculture.   Since 1987 with help from his Oregon constituents, he has spearheaded grassroots efforts for a national organics policy that promotes and encourages environmentally sustainable, safe, and healthy food production and consumption.

OR- constituents Gavin McComas and Pat Sardell met with Rep. DeFazio in Washington DC at Natural Products Day.  Gavin noted:  “Rep. Peter DeFazio is an enthusiastic and long-term supporter of natural foods and supplements (which he takes regularly).  Sharing our industry concerns with those who represent us in Congress is empowering.  We can make our voices heard!”

DeFazio introduced and led passage of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA).  This groundbreaking legislation set national standards for the production and labeling of organically produced foods.  Twelve years later in 2002 the 1990 Organic Law became USDA policy with the National Organic Program (NOP). 

DeFazio co-founded and co-chairs the bipartisan Congressional Organic Caucus, dedicated to enhancing the availability and understanding of the production/processing of organic agricultural products.  This Caucus monitors federal policies that impact the research and policy needs of organic producers and processors.

His concerns about the impacts GE Salmon would have on consumers and wild salmon populations led him with other House members to write the FDA urging a halt to the approval of genetically engineered (GE) salmon.

DeFazio is working to retain the regulated status of GE alfalfa; he is pushing USDA and FDA to overhaul their flawed regulatory  review process for genetically engineered organisms to prevent cross-contamination of conventional and organic crops and potential economic  harm to organic farmers.

DeFazio and his wife, Myrnie Daut, live in Springfield OR.  We are fortunate to have Peter DeFazio as a national advocate supporting issues to: preserve organics, label/ban GM fish/crops and preserve access to dietary supplements.  He is the first elected official to receive this award.

Congratulations Rep.  Peter DeFazio!

2010- Bob Moore

With a background in electrical and mechanical engineering, Bob Moore’s interest in old stone-grinding flour mills goes back to the 1960s.  At about the same time, his wife Charlee became interested in the nutritional benefits of whole grain foods.  The couple put their passions to work by starting, with their three sons, their first milling operation in Redding CA.

In 1978, the couple moved to Portland to retire.  However, a chance walk past a closed mill site near Oregon City changed everything, when Moore – a middle-aged retiree – launched his second career.

With his mutual loves of healthy eating and old-world technologies, he started Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods, a small family-run business selling stone mill-ground whole grains.  The OR-based company has since grown into a multi-million dollar business that sells more than 400 whole grain products including flours, hot cereals, and organic and gluten-free products.

Earlier in his life, Moore thought the gas station he owned was a great success.  After flourishing for five years, the business went under.  In 1988 his mill was burned down by an arsonist.  “I lost everything,” he said.  “…our entire investment.”  But he learned from his mistakes and kept taking chances, eventually making his mark in American households.

If making Americans healthier is his passion, encouraging good business practices and entrepreneurship is his mandate.  Rather than focus on making money at any cost, he tried to do just the opposite with his own company.  In a refreshing twist to corporate America, Moore’s secret to building a successful business is hard work and luck, while focusing on his employees and customers first and foremost.

Moore’s work is a way of life and his employees are a second family.  In February 2010, employees gathered to help Bob celebrate is 81^st birthday at the company headquarters.  He responded with a gift of his own:  the whole company.  The Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) was unveiled with the company stock’s put in a retirement plan for its 209 employees, who now own the company.

Moore said he’s gotten countless buy-out offers over the years, but he couldn’t envision selling the business to a stranger.  “It’s the only business decision that I could make,” he said.  “I don’t think there’s anybody worthy to run this company but the people who built it.”

Nothing about the company’s new “ownership arrangement” is expected to change Bob’s role.  Looking ahead he plans to do what he has done every day for decades.  “I may have given them the company.”  He said chuckling, “but the boss part is still mine.”

Dedicated to making America healthier, Moore believes Bob’s Red Mill is a small part of the solution.  What a Northwest treasure we have with Boob Moore, recipient of the NPA NW 2010 Pioneer Award.

2009 – Tori Hudson, N.D.

Dr. Tori Hudson, N.D., is celebrating twenty-five years in practice as a naturopathic physician this year.

A 1984 graduate of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, she continues serving there in many capacities, including becoming the first woman full professor of Naturopathic Medicine in the United States, Medical Director and Associate Academic Dean.

In 1990, Dr. Hudson was awarded the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians’ President’s Award for her research in the field of women’s health care, in 1999 Naturopathic Physician of the Year and in 2003, the NCNM Alumni Pioneer Award.

As a NW pioneer, she has applied her experience and expertise in women’s health to utilize nutrition, nutraceuticals, herbs, bio-identical hormones and other therapies to treat all gynecological and primary care conditions.

Currently Dr. Hudson is medical director of A Woman’s Time clinic in Portland OR, clinical professor at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University and Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, program director Institute  of Women’s Health and Integrative Medicine and director of research and education for VITANICA.

Her experience extends into research and education where she has been a guest lecturer at Oregon Health Sciences University, Alta Bates Medical Center, University of North Carolina, Kaiser Permanente, St. Charles Hospital and other medical schools and institutions.

Taking her message to promote women’s health to others, Dr. Hudson has published numerous research papers on women’s health and writes regularly for many profession publications and natural health magazines.  She is a nationally recognized author (Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine second edition, McGraw Hill 2008), speaker, educator, researcher, and clinician.

In addition to her active practice, Dr. Hudson also appears on many local and network radio and TV programs and serves on several editorial boards, advisory panels and as a consultant to the natural products industry.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Tori Hudson for her 25-year career applying her experience and expertise in women’s health care.