Organic or Not Organic?
Sunny Slope Farm supports the production of “organic” foods as a healthier alternative for people and a more sustainable alternative for the environment.
The main features of organic foods are:
-- they are produced without using potentially dangerous chemicals like insecticides and herbicides, which leave measurable residues on conventional industrially-produced foods.
-- they are produced by using “natural” fertility agents and techniques, including “natural” soil amendments, composts, manures, and cover crops.
Organic production techniques, especially small-scale, result in safer foods, healthier soil, no release of poisons into groundwater and air, and measurably higher nutrient composition. They also reduce the dependence of food production on petroleum and petroleum-intensive chemicals and fertilizers.
-- they are produced without using potentially dangerous chemicals like insecticides and herbicides, which leave measurable residues on conventional industrially-produced foods.
-- they are produced by using “natural” fertility agents and techniques, including “natural” soil amendments, composts, manures, and cover crops.
Organic production techniques, especially small-scale, result in safer foods, healthier soil, no release of poisons into groundwater and air, and measurably higher nutrient composition. They also reduce the dependence of food production on petroleum and petroleum-intensive chemicals and fertilizers.
In recent years, the label “Organic” has legally come to mean “certified by the USDA.” This means, in practice, following a fairly rigid set of rules and standards, and paying large annual certifying and inspection fees. It unfortunately does not require or guarantee that food was raised sustainably (without large energy inputs from petroleum), or that all inputs be certified as organic (regulations allow the use of manures from non-organic farms, which may contain antibiotics and other chemicals). It also does not mean small-scale local food production; most “organic” food is actually produced on large factory farms (with their attendant problems for the environment, and for animal and human health). And finally, it does not require that meats, milk or eggs be produced humanely -- ie. on pasture. In fact, much “certified organic” food is actually raised in factory-style confinement facilities.
Sunny Slope Farm is not "certified Organic" (USDA). However, like many small local producers across the country, we do subscribe to the original “organic” philosophy (ie. before USDA certification):
Sunny Slope Farm is not "certified Organic" (USDA). However, like many small local producers across the country, we do subscribe to the original “organic” philosophy (ie. before USDA certification):
-- in avoiding pesticides, antibiotics or hormones in our production
-- in the use of composts, manures, and cover crops for as much of our soil fertility as possible, and only using minimal amounts of gentler artificial fertilizers where needed
-- in incorporating soil amendments which improve the biological health and fertility of our soil
-- in providing pasture and natural foraging as the primary living environment for all of our animals
-- in raising healthier meats and eggs, through shifting to reliance on grass rather than grain in their production.
-- in marketing fresh foods only, at the peak of their quality and nutrition
-- in the use of composts, manures, and cover crops for as much of our soil fertility as possible, and only using minimal amounts of gentler artificial fertilizers where needed
-- in incorporating soil amendments which improve the biological health and fertility of our soil
-- in providing pasture and natural foraging as the primary living environment for all of our animals
-- in raising healthier meats and eggs, through shifting to reliance on grass rather than grain in their production.
-- in marketing fresh foods only, at the peak of their quality and nutrition
You as the customer will notice the difference, not only in food quality, but also in the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your food is healthier, free of chemicals, and produced wholesomely and humanely.
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