Stores can now get staff training via the Web courtesy of Nature’s Formulary of Clifton Park, NY. In-person training with educators is still available, but now stores can bolster their knowledge with 15-minute training videos presented by Amber Vitse, director of Ayurveda education and P. K. Davé, president. Retailers can get more information at (800)923-9338, ext. 10.

The Natural Products Association (NPA), headquartered in Washington, D.C., will now require 100% natural fragrances and colorants for home care products starting the first of this month. Products that already have certification will be required to make the change upon recertification. Products applying for new certification must abide by the rule.

In other news, the NPA has added three centers (for consumers, for retailers and for suppliers) with articles, links and tools at www.NPAinfo.org. According to the group, each page has a link to Legislative Alerts & Updates .

Gainesville, FL-based Reserveage Organics made a sustainable business agreement with the indigenous Kuna of Panama. According to Reserveage, this is the “first time the Kuna have agreed to allow a company to use their images to promote a product and work together for their mutual benefit.” Reserveage markets the CocoaWell line of supplements.

In addition, Reserveage Organics was named the gold winner in Best New Company in Best in Biz Awards. These awards honor companies, teams, executives and products for their business success.

A free-access paperless magazine called Nutricula, The Science of Longevity Journal offers information about various health and longevity topics. Scheduled for coverage in 2012 include cardiovascular health, liver care, IBS, obesity, breast cancer, diabetes, stress care and more. The CEO of the publication is Al Foreman, founder and former owner of Tunie’s Super Save Nutrition Center in Coral Springs, FL; the editor in chief and president is Bob Berger, M.S., M.V.Sc., Ph.D. The magazine can be accessed at www.nutriculamagazine.com.

Vancouver, WA-based Biokleen is now nationally represented by Presence Marketing of South Barrington, IL, a marketing brokerage firm.

Bioforce USA of Ghent, NY is again offering scholarships for the AVI (A. Vogel Institute) herbal course on phytotherapy and human health. This course gives retailers the expertise in phytotherapy they need to appropriately help their customers with herbal supplements. The cost per student for the course is $300 and limited half scholarships are available. For more information, contact Eileen Sheets at 800-641-7555, ext. 100 or esheets@BioforceUSA.com.

Effective January 1, the American Dietetic Association changed its name to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, February 2012