Organic Agriculture
What is organic?
Organic agriculture embodies an ecological approach to farming that does
not rely on or permit toxic, synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers,
genetically modified organisms, antibiotics, sewage sludge, or irradiation.
Instead of using these harmful products and practices, organic agriculture
utilizes techniques such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and composting
to produce healthy soil, prevent pest and disease problems, and grow healthy
food and fiber.
Hungry for more?
National Organic Standards- History of the USDA organic standards; what is permitted; labeling; the importance of organic integrity
Health benefits- Organic agriculture’s advantages for farmworkers and consumers
Environmental benefits- Organic agriculture’s contribution to stopping climate change and ensuring ecological health
Buying organic products (on a budget!)- How to buy local, organic products; what to do about non-certified farms; buying from a co-op or buying club; considering fair trade
Grow your own organic food- Soil testing; organic gardening products; community gardens and farms
Beyond Pesticides and Organic Agriculture
Beyond Pesticides is a member of the National
Organic Coalition (NOC). The coalition’s materials give up-to-date
information on organic agricultural policy in the U.S., including Farm
Bill recommendations and discussions..
Beyond Pesticides
supports organic agriculture as effecting good land stewardship and a
reduction in hazardous chemical exposures for workers on the farm. The
pesticide reform movement, citing pesticide problems associated with chemical
agriculture, from groundwater contamination and runoff to drift, views
organic as the solution to a serious public health and environmental threat.