I love organics. What it means to love organics. What organic means.

Transcription

1 I love organics. What it means to love organics. What organic means.

2 Three ways to define: The definition in the dictionary: Relating to, yielding, dealing in,or involving the use of food produced without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers or pesticides. The USDA definition. More meanings behind organics as an agricultural system.

3 The Most Basic Criteria for organic vegetable growers NO SYNTHETIC FERTILIZER NO SYNTHETIC INPUTS OF ANY KIND NO GMO SEED

4 Organic Certification The certification process is based on National Organic Standards created by the National Organic Program. The NOP is a USDA program but the certification itself is carried out by 3 rd party agents. Record showing that the ground is 3 years free of synthetic chemicals Records of the source of all inputs and the timing of all field activities on each crop Initial expense Yearly inspection fee

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7 The thing with GMOs.

8 The Safe Seed Pledge High Mowing Organic Seed Company "Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants. The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms poses great biological risks, as well as economic, political and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately healthy people and communities."

9 Certifiers mostly care about what farmers do NOT do.

10 All the things we DO! Rotate crops to manage pests and fertility way into the future (indefinitely!). Build our soils with green manure crops and compost alive with healthful microbes. Integrate natural ecological happenings such as beneficial insects. Use diversity to manage natural risks and weather. Monitor plant health closely, keeping them less susceptible to pests and disease and more delicious to humans.

11 This brings us to another word: sustainable. Sustainability goes above and beyond the basic certification criteria. Wendell Berry defines sustainable agriculture as: a way of farming that can be continued indefinitely because it conforms to the terms imposed upon it by the nature of places and the nature of people.

12 Sustainability Positive environmental impact Organic as a sustainable agricultural system takes a long view of the world. Sustainable farmers consider the future of our food, soil, water, air, ecologies, communities and even our own human genetic makeup. Scale (industrial farms vs. small farms) Local economy Farmer autonomy

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16 Everyone wins! Better Food!

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20 nongmoproject.org

21 What Does This Label Mean?? Julie Larsen-Nisse Farm

22 National Organic Program (NOP) USDA - Federal regulatory framework governing organic food National Organic Food Protection Act required USDA to come up with standards. National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. Currently 56 U.S. domestic certification agencies accredited by the USDA. (OCIA)

23 Road to Certification Pick a certifying agency OCIA, MOSA.. Different costs- $1,000 and then a % of sales to agency.

24 Mounds of Paperwork. Yikes!! Produce - OCIA requires 2 sets of 12 pages. Livestock OCIA requires another 2 sets of 12 for a total of 48 pages. In addition Field history Receipts Soil Amendments Field Maps Labels Livestock tags, birth records, feed records ETC

25 Then.. Initial Review-what is missing!

26 Inspector Comes- Grrrrrrrrr Take tour of farm. Go over paperwork.

27 Wait

28 Certification Approved Do all over again next year

29 What Can go Wrong!

30 Certified Organic Labeling

31 A Few Other Labels Animal Welfare Approved Certified Humane Certified Naturally Grown

32 Know Your Farmer