Green Cat's World: What's Organic

WHAT IS ORGANIC?

First, in order to know for sure if the produce is really organic it needs to be certified or you need to know the farmer. To get certified is expensive so some small farmers can’t afford it. “Organic farmers use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems. The primary goal is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people.” California Certified Organic Farmers

They start with a healthy soil rich in nutrients created from compost and natural fertilizers. They use cover crops to prevent erosion during off season that also enrich the soil (nitrogen fixers etc). This is tilled into the earth to provide nutrients. Crop rotationis used to keep from depleting the soil and companion planting to maximize plant health. Some plants do better when planted with others. Compost is used as an alternative to petroleum based fertilizers. They collect seeds and protect biodiversity by growing heirloom varieties which tend to be stronger and more nutritious than hybrids or in-bred varieties. They attract beneficial insects, frogs etc They model themselves off of natural ecosystems so they are sustainable and have little impact on the environment.

The EPA says that non organic Agriculture is responsible for 70% of the countries pollution to rivers and streams (chemicals, erosion, animal waste runoff).

Organic not only looks and tastes better but it’s good for you. You won’t find moth or fish DNA in your tomatoes and they will actually be red and juicy like the good old days. Whenever you buy genetically modified, factory farmed food your money goes to support food conglomerates that have unethical business practices world wide. You will be healthier buying and eating locally grown organic produce and so will the planet. You will also be supporting food justice as opposed to the unjust, exploiting practices of factory farming.

Registered organic is done through California department of Food and Agriculture. No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fumigants or miticides, may have been applied in the 3 years prior. They can have no synthetic fertilizers. The state inspects thse farms only on a random basis or if there is suspicion or complaint of non-compliance. Certified organic must be registered AND certified by a 3^rd party,non-governmental org. CCOFis one such organizaiont. It’s symbol is the green and white sunflower logo.

So is organic better for you? Of course it is because the farmers are taking care of the soil in a way that helps plants assimilate nutrients. These get passed on to us. Organic produce always looks and tastes better than those malnourished things full of toxins in the grocery store. Do the taste test for yourself and you'll see what I mean. If you've ever grown your own anything you'll already know how good things taste when they are healthy and fresh out of the garden.

www.CCOF.org California certified organic farmers

www.eco-farm.org ecological farming association

WWW.sustainableagriculture.net national campaign for sustainable ag