What does it mean to “grow organically”?
Ask a handful of people what ‘organic’ means and you will receive an array of answers. Definitions and practices of organic agriculture will differ depending upon whether you are talking to a farmer, gardener or organic certifier. The basis of organic agriculture is to farm/garden in rhythm with nature’s laws in a sustainable manner that provides a healthy eco system for all beings involved. How this philosophy is played out in practice varies greatly from individual to individual, organization to organization. These principles usually include using cover crops, reducing off-farm inputs, maintaining and enhancing ecological harmony and refraining from using chemical fertilizers and chemical pest controls. And, since the implementation of the National Organic Program (NOP) under the USDA, “organic” has become a legal term as defined by the federal government, so only if certified under the NOP may the term “certified organic” be used. USDA NOP regulations define what products and proces
