What does organic mean?

Organic agriculture is a production method that emphasizes the use of renewable resrouces and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality.  Organic food products are produced using agriculture management practices that promote eco-systems and prohibit the use of genetically engineered seeds or coprs, long-lasting pesticides, herbicides or fungicides.  Manufacturers also use food processing practices that protect the integrity of the organic product and disallow irradiation, GMO ingredients or synthetic preservatives.

Is organic food safer or more nutritious?

There is growing evidence that organic food is more nutritous that conventional food.  Recent studies indicate that organic foods including oranges, berries, corn and wheat had higher levels of key vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.

Organic foods are spared the application of potentially harmful long-lasting insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers.  Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases.  Now, the EPA considers 60% of all herbicides, 90% of all fungicides and 30% of all insecticides as potentially cancer-causing.

How is organic processing better for the environment?

Organic farming, by definition, does not use environmentally harmful chemicals that may contaminate rain and groundwater.  Organic farming also replenishes and maintains healthy, fertile topsoil with rich biological matter, which does not erode into waterways.

What are good products for consumers to begin trying as organic?

Consumers wishing to experiment with organic produce should start with basic commodity items,  such as apples, pears, oranges, broccoli, berries, cucumbers and tomatoes.  Because these items are in ample supply from organic farmers, consumers will notice the least price difference versus conventional produce; whereas, exotic or specialty produce will command a higher premium if it is difficult to grow organically.

Do organic farmers ever use pesticides?

Organic farmers primary strategty is prevention.  By building healthy soils, healthy plants are better able to resist disease and insects.  When pest populations get out of balance, growers will try various options like insect predators, mating disruption, traps and barriers.  If these fail, the certifier may grant permission to apply botanical or other non-persistent pesticides.  Botanicals are derived from plants and are broken down quickly by oxygen and sunlight.

Do organic foods tase better?

We think so, and thousands of consumers agree.  It's common sense - well balanced soils grow strong, healthy plants that taste great.

Do organic foods generally cost more than conventional foods?

Although some organic food products do cost more, the price of organic foods is increasingly competitive as supply and demand continue to rise.   It is important to remember that prices reflect many of the same costs as conventional items in terms of growing, harvesting, transportation and storage, but organic products must meet stricter regulations in governing all of these steps.  Therefore, the process is often more labor and management intensive.  Organic farmers have an added cost of compliance with organic certification standards and government programs do not subsidize organic farming.