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Organic Thoughts
Support the Environment
Organic production systems support natural ecosystems by using long-term
farming solutions. This restores, maintains, and enhances ecological
harmony, and positively effects the health of the environment.
Support Our Future Needs
Organic farming embraces the principle that agriculture must meet the
needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.
Build a Biologically Diverse, Healthy Ecosystem
Organic agriculture respects diversity within the environment, including
protection of wildlife by including forage crops in rotation and by
retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas.
Help Protect Our Water Resources
The elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen-leaching fertilizers,
done in combination with organic soil building practices, contributes
to the overall quality of our lakes, rivers, estuaries, ground and drinking
waters.
Increase Productivity of the Land
Organic agriculture builds productive nutrient-rich soil that resists
topsoil erosion, which has been linked to the agricultural practice
of chemical-intensive, mono-crop farming.
Help Protect Our Health
Organic production systems limit inputs of toxic and persistent chemicals
into the environment. Choosing organic foods positively impacts our
own health, the health of our children, the health of farm workers,
and the health of future generations.
Help Small Farms
Although more large-scale farms are making the conversion to organic
practices, most organic farms are small, independently-owned and operated
family farms.
Support a True Economy
Buying organic is a direct investment in the long-term future of our
planet. The choices we make now can free us from costly pesticide-related
environmental clean-ups in the future.
Save Energy
Organic farmers are less reliant on non-renewable fossil fuels due to
the integration of practices such as natural insect control, cover crop
systems and rotation planting, and the avoidance of synthetic fertilizers,
which require a high energy consuming production process.
Organic Food Tastes Great!
Chefs across the country are committed to using organic ingredients
because plants from healthy soils and organically-fed livestock provide
us with more flavorful food. Organic foods allow true flavors to shine
through!
Organic Products Meet Stringent Standards
Organic certification is the public's assurance that products have been
grown and handled according to strict procedures without the use of
persistent and toxic chemicals.
Preserve Diversity
The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is an important
environmental concern. Organic growers have been collecting and preserving
seeds, and growing unusual varieties for decades. Organic foods are
never grown from genetically engineered seed.
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