farmland in Pennsylvania
top ten reasons to go organic 4
Going organic is one of the most important choices each of us can make for personal and planetary health.
the dirty dozen 4
The “dirty dozen” are the most commonly and highly contaminated foods with pesticides and chemicals, even after washing and peeling.
organic activism4
Organic farming requires the responsible maintenance
for healthy, fertile soil.
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organic cultivation of mixed vegetables. Capay, California
| Soil must be rested by crop rotation and fed and fortified through natural methods and without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and rodenticides. |
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what does organic
really mean ?
“Organically Grown Food” must meet accepted parameters in order to be labeled as such. Organic farming requires the responsible maintenance for healthy, fertile soil. Soil must be rested by crop rotation and fed and fortified through natural methods and without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and rodenticides.
The following points are
a loose explanation of what
“Certified Organic” means:
1. Certified Organic Production must be in accordance with the standards continuously for at least 36 months.
2. Soil enrichment must be obtained through (a) organic matter that has not been chemically fortified, (b) natural rock products that have not been mined or processed with synthetic chemicals, (c) beneficial bacteria and algae that are not chemically fortified and (d) earthworms.
3. Crop Rotation. Crops and fields must be rotated on an annual basis and refuses the repetition of the same crop for more than one year. Orchard trees, maple trees and crops that take more than one year to mature are exempt.
4. Insect Control. Insects control is only acceptable by means of (a) predatory insects, (b) insect disease cultures, (c) attractants and (d) rotenone, pyrethrum, ryania or sabadilia (certifiably safe herbicides).
5. Weed Control. Weed control can only be pursued by (a) crop rotation, (b) mechanical or hand cultivation techniques or (c) cutting of weed patches.
6. Fungal and Bacterial Control. Fungus and bacteria can only be controlled by products acceptable for soil enrichment (see #2).
7. Rodent Control. Rodents can only be controlled by means of the rodent’s natural enemies, natural repellent techniques or traps.
8. Drying of Food. Drying of food can only be done by means of natural field drying through bin aeration or artificial methods that do not exceed temperatures of 160ºF.
9. Storage. Only diatomaceous earth can be used for fumigation.
10. All food must comply with FDA and State standards.
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erosion caused by nearby wheat fields
| Crops and fields must be rotated on an annual basis and refuses the repetition of the same crop for more than one year.
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Hudson, NY
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