5.04.2006 ET

(CSRwire) BRATTLEBORO, Vt.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 4, 2006--Luna Nueva, Costa Rican headquarters of New Chapter, Inc., has received official Biodynamic(R) certification by the Demeter Association, the international accreditation agency for Biodynamic Agriculture.

Neighboring the Children's International Rainforest in the northern volcanic region of Costa Rica, Luna Nueva is New Chapter's 200+ acre organic ginger and turmeric estate.

"While establishing a farm of this kind was challenging, we felt it was essential to the quality of our products and the protection of the environment. Because most commercial ginger is heavily sprayed and fumigated, we needed a superior-quality supply of organic ginger that consistently delivered the optimal phytonutrient benefits," explained Paul Schulick, founder and CEO of New Chapter and author of Ginger: Common Spice and Wonder Drug (Holm Press 1996).

"Biodynamic farming practices have an enthusiastic international following, and we at New Chapter are proud to be a part of this movement. We have already conducted Biodynamic workshops and conferences for Costa Rican organic farmers, and we are one of the first Costa Rican farms to create its own Biodynamic preparations," said Steven Farrell, farm manager. "With this certification, we join the family of Biodynamic farmers who are creating the finest agricultural products while at the same time helping to heal the planet."

Key criteria for Demeter certification: All aspects of certified organic farming are included in the principals of Biodynamic(R) preparations. Demeter was the first organization to offer organic certification, and it is widely respected for its leadership in sustainable farming practices. Certain practices are unique to Biodynamic agriculture as described below.

-- The central idea that the farm is a living organism and that each farm is an individually unique ecosystem

-- This organism's formation is enhanced by the use of herbal preparations and biodynamic sprays which help to reawake the life force in the earth and in the plants

-- Nutrient self-sufficiency and soil husbandry; use of the Biodynamic preparations to build soil health through enlivened compost, and to stimulate plant health.

-- Cultivating the human spirit on the farm and the fact that humans, animals, plants and land all are affected by the cosmos

-- Maintenance of a healthy, diverse ecosystem; an expectation that the farmer supports a broad ecological perspective that includes not only the earth, but the cosmic influences and rhythms of which the earth is a part.

-- Integration of livestock with a requirement that at least 80% of livestock feed be from the farm.

-- No use of genetically engineered plant materials and organisms.

Luna Nueva is also the home of Semillas Sagradas, the Sacred Seeds Sanctuary for endangered medicinal herbs of the neotropics. This farm embodies New Chapter's commitment to habitat and species preservation and sustainable farming.

For more information on New Chapter's Demeter certified Biodynamic(R) farm, please contact:

Sara Newmark
Public Relations Coordinator, New Chapter
(773) 276-2302
snewmark@newchapter.info

About New Chapter, Inc.

New Chapter is a widely respected producer, formulator, packager and distributor of organic probiotic nutrients and herbal formulations selling over 90 products to approximately 3000 retail locations. Its three main categories include Probiotic Nutrients(TM), Supercritical Therapy(R) and MycoMedicinals(R). More information about New Chapter can be found at www.newchapter.info.

About Demeter

The goal of Demeter is to foster and encourage Biodynamic methods and holistic practices of food production and to generate a public understanding of the farm as a living organism in the widest sense.
The hope is to aid in the creation of as many vital Biodynamic farms as possible, while improving the production and availability of their highest quality, healthful food products. Demeter's goal is to nurture the healing of an ailing Earth, and in general, energize a healing form of agriculture. More information about Demeter can be found at www.demeter-usa.org.


Copyright Business Wire 2006

For more information please contact: