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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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