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Henry says, "Choose Organic!" Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Click here to learn more about USDA Organic labeling, organic production methods and more. Get the facts about going organic with these Frequently Asked Questions. What is organic food? Organic foods are produced from agricultural products grown on farms and livestock operations that promote the health of the ecosystem, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. Organic produce is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers or sewage sludge-based fertilizers, bio-engineering, or ionizing radiation.1 How does Henry's Farmers Market support organic farming? We believe in the supporting organic Farming in America. That is why, season to season, we carry many varieties of organic produce from which to choose. We also carry organic grocery products including the Henry's Markets Brand and organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. We also proudly support the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF), an organization dedicated to helping local organic producers become better farmers through research and educational initiatives. Through a national 5% Day we donated $82,500 to this organization -- the largest industry contribution ever received by OFRF to date! Click here to learn more about OFRF. To stay up to date on key organic agricultural initiatives, visit the Organic Trade Association. Simply click here. Is organic food better for me and my family? The USDA makes no claim that organically produced food is safer or more nutritious than conventionally produced food. Organic food differs from conventionally produced food in the way it is grown, handled and processed.1 Preliminary studies have shown that in some cases organic produce is more nutritious, but additional research needs to be done to be conclusive. Preliminary studies have also found that organic produce is "cleaner" with less pesticides and contaminant residue. When more conclusive evidence from reputable sources becomes available, we will share it with you. What does "Certified Organic" mean? "Certified Organic" means the item has been grown according to strict federal standards that are verified by independent state or private organizations. Certification includes inspections of farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping, and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers and handlers are meeting the standards that have been set.2 Organic food is certified and traced from the farm to our stores. Certification organizations are accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Who regulates organic products? The federal government sets standards for the production, processing and certification of organic food in the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). The National Organic Standards Board was then established to develop guidelines and procedures to regulate all organic crops. During December 2000, the USDA unveiled detailed regulations to implement OFPA. For the complete rules, visit the National Organic Program's Web site. Click here. Are all organic products completely free of pesticide residue? Certified organic products have been grown and handled according to strict standards without toxic and persistent chemical additives. Although organic crops may be inadvertently exposed to agricultural chemicals found in rain and groundwater, studies have shown that it has less pesticides and contaminant residue than conventionally grown produce. Do organic farmers ever use pesticides? Prevention is the organic farmer's primary strategy for disease, weed, and insect control. By building healthy soils, organic farmers find that healthy plants are better able to resist disease and insects. Organic producers often select species that are well adapted for the climate and therefore resist disease and pests. When pest populations get out of balance, growers will try various options like insect predators, mating disruption, traps and barriers. If these fail, permission may be granted by the certifier to apply botanical or other non-persistent pest controls under restricted conditions. Botanical pest controls are derived from plants and usually are broken down quickly by oxygen and sunlight. How Is Organic Farming More Environmentally Sound? Conventional agricultural methods can cause water contamination. Beginning in May, 1995, a network of environmental organizations, including the Environmental Working Group, began testing tap water for herbicides in cities across the United States' Corn Belt, and in Louisiana and Maryland. The results revealed widespread contaminatin of tap water with many different pesticies at levels that present serious health risks. In some cities, herbicides in tap water exceeded federal lifetime health standards for weeks or months at a time. The organic farmer's elimination of pollution chemicals and nitrogen leaching, in combination with soil building, works to prevent contamination, and protects and conserves water resources. 2 Resources 1. USDA National Organic Practices 2. Organic Trade Association |
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