Questions and Answers

  • Why buy organic?
  • The OTA lists "10 Good Reasons to Go Organic"
    1. Organic products meet stringent standards
    2. Organic food tastes great!
    3. Organic production reduces health risks
    4. Organic farms respect our water resources
    5. Organic farmers build healthy soil
    6. Organic farmers work in harmony with nature
    7. Organic producers are leaders in innovative research
    8. Organic producers strive to preserve diversity
    9. Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy
    10. Organic abundance – Foods and non-foods alike!
    The OTA expounds on each of these reasons in the article 10 Good Reasons to Go Organic - OTA Website
  • What does it mean to be organic?
  • The USDA's regulations state that in order for crops to be deemed "organic," the following standards need to be met:

    Land will have no prohibited substances applied to it for at least 3 years before the harvest of an organic crop. The use of genetic engineering (included in excluded methods), ionizing radiation and sewage sludge is prohibited. Soil fertility and crop nutrients will be managed through tillage and cultivation practices, crop rotations, and cover crops, supplemented with animal and crop waste materials and allowed synthetic materials.

    Preference will be given to the use of organic seeds and other planting stock, but a farmer may use non-organic seeds and planting stock under specified conditions. Crop pests, weeds, and diseases will be controlled primarily through management practices including physical, mechanical, and biological controls. When these practices are not sufficient, a biological, botanical, or synthetic substance approved for use on the National List may be used.
    Ref: Organic Production and Handling Standards