Why Organic?
  

Organics 101

Organic Facts

Definition of Organic
This definition of "organic" was passed by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) at its April 1995 meeting in Orlando, FL.

"Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony."

Organic Certification
For a grower or processor to become certified, they must adhere to strict uniform standards which are verified by either a private or public certifying agency. These standards include:

• The land on which the organic food is grown must be free of prohibited substances for three years prior to certification.

• Farmers and processors must keep detailed records of the farming methods and their materials used in production.

• All of these methods and materials are inspected annually by a third party certifying agent.

• All farmers and handlers are required to maintain written plans detailing their organic management practices.

The Cost Of Organic Food
Organically grown foods typically do cost more than conventionally produced foods because organic production must meet stricter regulations for the growing, harvesting, transporting and storing of food. This forces the process to be more labor-and management-intensive driving up the cost of production. In addition, government programs do not subsidize organic farming. With the indirect costs of conventional farming, including cleanup of polluted waters, replacement of eroded soils, costs of health care for farmers and their workers, the evidence is strong that the cost of organic food production may actually be equal to or even less than conventional food production. For further reading on this issue you can download the PDF file entitled "The True Cost of Organic Produce".

Nutritional Value of Organic Foods
There is no conclusive evidence that organic foods are more nutritious than conventionally grown foods. However, by not using potentially harmful pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, and fertilizers on the food, you are spared the health risks that have been associated with the use of these chemicals.

Organic Acreage
Organic Farming is practiced in approximately 100 countries throughout the world, with nearly 57 million acres now under organic management. North America has more than 3.7 million acres.
-The World of Organic Agriculture 2003-Statistics and Future Prospects, February 2003. http://www.ifoam.org/ or http://www.soel.de/inahlte/publikationen/s/s_74.pdf.

How Many Organic Farms?
According to chairman Anthony Rodale in a talk at the Organic Trade Association's 2003 All Things Organic (Conference and Trade Show in Austin, TX, in May 2003), certified organic U.S. farmers now number approximately 12,200.
-The Rodale Institute, http://www.newfarm.org/news/050103/0528/100,000.shtml.

Consumer Demand and Availability
"Consumer demand rose throughout the 1990s - 20% or more annually - and that pace has continued. Organic products are now available in nearly 20,000 natural foods stores and 73% of conventional grocery stores, and account for approximately 1-2% of total food sales in the United States.
-Catherine Greene and Carolyn Dimitri, in Amber Waves, February 2003, USDA's Economic Research Service, http://www.ers.usda.gov/amberwaves/feb03/findings/organicagriculture.htm

Organic Gardening
One of the most enjoyable ways to become familiar with organic food is to simply grow your own. There is something very special about harvesting fresh organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs that you have grown yourself and what better way to interest children in trying new produce items than to have them help with the growing . You don't need to have a big garden to enjoy this simple pleasure. Some seeds, compost, a few tools and a small outdoor area is all you need to get started. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you share your organic gardening adventure with your child:

Organic Seeds
To have a true organic garden, you will need to begin with organic seeds. Two well-known organic seed companies are Seeds of Change and Sow Organic Seed. The company Appropriate Transfer Technology for Rural Areas (ATTRA) has an excellent listing of where to find organic and untreated seeds.
http://www.seedsofchange.com
http://www.organicseed.com
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/altseed.html#table2 

Your Tools
Most likely, you already have the tools you need in your shed or garage. A shovel, hoe, rake and digging claw should be all you need. A pair of garden gloves can come in handy, but they are not necessary.

Making and Using Compost
Good compost is one of the keys to a successful organic garden. Using organic matter to replenish the nutrients of the soil is critical for keeping your soil productive. It is compost that will give your soil that dark, rich color. Building a compost bin is helpful, but certainly not necessary. All that you need is a pile that is 3 by 3 by 3 feet - one that will have enough mass to decompose without a bin. For a detailed description on actually making and applying compost visit:
http://www.nugget.demon.co.uk/MetaFAQ/organic.html#heap 

Sharing the Bounty
There is nothing like harvest time - picking and eating food from your own back yard! A great way to get others interested and excited about organic gardening is to share your harvest with your good friends and neighbors.

Be Patient
It may take a few years of composting and working your soil to get your garden in optimal shape. Be patient in the interim. Each year you should see stronger yields, larger crops and more flavorful food.

Have Fun
Most importantly, you should have fun with your garden. When you are working the earth, take the time to feel the soil beneath your knees, and enjoy the sun as it warms your shoulders, and don't forget to acknowledge the breeze as it blows across your face. It is these very simple pleasures of nature that every farmer knows are his/her blessings.