CSA - Community Supported Agriculture
FIVE EXAMPLES
of Field Amendments and Items that are Organic:
01
GENETIC MATERIAL
(seed, transplants or trees)
Heirloom and hybrid seeds are both permitted in organic farming systems. GMOs are not permitted, nor are seeds treated with non-organic fungicides or pesticides.
02
FERTILIZERS
(items used to feed crops and soil)
Organic examples include cover crops, green waste compost, processed chicken feathers, processed fish and seaweed products, gypsum and sulfur.
03
HERBICIDES
(items used to control weeds)
There are not many effective organic herbicides. Hand weeding and maintaining clean fields are the most effective methods. There are some plant oils, natural acids and more +
04
PESTICIDES
(items used to control pests)
There are some effective soaps, predatory insects, plant-based extracts and bacteria used to organically control insect pests. Rodents, mammals more +
05
FUNGICIDES
(items used to control fungi)
Sulfur dust and copper are organic materials that are permitted organic materials.
What We Offer
Organic standards have made significant improvements by reducing the volume of chemicals used in farming systems, which has significantly improved the impact of farming on the environment and improved the working conditions of the many employees who are exposed on a daily basis to a farm’s practices (let us not forget the trace elements of materials those employees are no longer bringing home to their young families).
However, the current organic standards do not guarantee a level of sustainability, biodiversity or food justice. Organic standards across the board do not require consistent pay or working conditions, nor does organic certification eliminate the reality that dishonest farmers and/or middlemen exist and are financially rewarded for cheating.
The certified organic seal has its benefits, but it does not certify that the food you are eating was grown with methods you expect. The only way for you to do this is to know your farmer and trust the level of transparency they are providing you. Think beyond organic.