The Natural Foods Merchandiser (NFM) recently named Mark Blumenthal its 2008 Natural Legacy, an award bestowed to persons with high levels of experience and dedication to the natural products community. It is bestowed twice a year at the Natural Prod-ucts East and Natural Products West trade shows. An in-depth story on Blumenthal is available in the March 2008 issue of NFM.¹ The full article can be found at www.naturalfoodsmerchandiser.com as well as additional information about NFM and the Natural Legacy Award.

"Mark was selected because he's probably one of the most respected men in the herbal industry," said Marty Traynor Spencer, the editor-in-chief of NFM (e-mail, February 29, 2008)." "He has influenced so many people and done so much for the industry."

Mark Blumenthal is the executive director of the American Botanical Council (ABC), which he founded in 1988. He is also the editor and publisher of HerbalGram, which he started in 1977 as the newsletter Herb News that developed into the journal by 1983. With almost 40 years of expertise in herbs, medicinal plants, and natural products, Blumenthal has written hundreds of articles and book reviews in numerous professional, trade, and consumer publications.

"It truly is an honor for me to be considered a Natural Legacy," said Blumenthal. "For so many decades, our community has worked to provide natural solutions for humanity and the planet, based on traditional values and scientific substantiation. I am grateful to all those with whom I have worked and to those with whom I will work in the future as we proceed in our mission to create health and wellness in many sectors."

Reference

1. Uhland V. Herbal Cowboy. Natural Food Merchandiser. March 2008; 29(3):38,42,44,46, 48,50.