What is Organic?

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What is Organic?

Pay attention to definitions!

The term "organic,"for any kind of food item, is defined by the
federal government under the National Organic Program

The Federal Organic Foods Production Act was passed in 1990 to standardize and define organics for the nation. Even though the Act was not fully implemented until 2002, the definition of organic, as defined by various states and certifying agencies, was already fairly consistent.

Organic agricultural products must be grown on land that has not been treated with any prohibited materials for a minimum of three years.

Materials, such as pesticides and fertilizers, that are synthetically created or derived are mostly prohibited. Naturally derived materials, such as fish or plant-based fertilizers, compost, pesticides made from plants, minerals, natural oils, and microorganisms, are generally allowed, but with important exceptions. Genetically engineered materials of any kind are forbidden.

Organic farming is more than a list of do's and don'ts. Organic farming emphasizes soil fertility and soil health. Close attention is paid to crop rotation, cover cropping, and pest/predator relationships.

Organic farming is experimental and dynamic, as farmers attempt to learn new things about the soil, insect behavior, plant health and diseases, and cropping patterns. It is not, as some claim , a return to outmoded farming methods from the past. While organic farmers believe that much can be learned from the past, organic farming is also involved in the most current research in soil microbiology, entomology and plant science.

A key goal in organic farming is to find methods that promote soil health, air and water quality, animal and plant populations, and the health of farmers and farm workers, all while producing the tastiest, healthiest and most attractive produce possible. If this seems like a tall order, it is.

We also seek to positively impact conventional farming. Even if conventional growers do not or cannot switch to organic, they will incorporate organic farming methods that prove to be successful. Please click here to learn more about our company philosophy and on our links for more information about organic farming.