A chef's inspiration often begins early; here, Michel reflects on his childhood and the roots of his career.

You’d think it would be good news that consumer demand for organic foods in the US is growing in leaps and bounds. But according to a report from Organic Monitor, the demand for organic foods so far exceeds the supply of available raw materials in this country that most sectors of the organic food industry in the US are suffering shortages that are actually starting to stunt market growth.

Forget the business speak; to put it bluntly, we’re blowing it. Why aren’t American farmers stepping up to the plate to meet the demand for more organic food?