What does “organically raised” mean and why would you choose it?
First of all–it should be certified organic or you should know that the farmer’s methods of growing the crops are organic though they might not be formally certified. Because of the paperwork and expense some farmers choose to not be certified but do adhere to organic standards. These standards have very definitive parameters as to what may be incorporated into the soil and what can used as pest controls.
The organic farming principles are to maintain the full biological health of the soil using naturally occurring supplements–not the highly concentrated synthetic fertilizers that actually do damage to the soil life. Organic farming uses the long view of investing in the health of the soil that supports crop production. Pest management is accomplished by using a combination of methods: interplanting, crop rotation, choosing disease resistant varieties, mulching, and carefully applied natural pesticides.
We, the consumers reap the benefits of delicious tasting food that generally
contains a higher level of nutrients (FDA studies have shown this) because of the soil it is grown in and that is free of the impact on our bodies from the many combinations of applied synthetic pesticides and herbicides.
More and more farmers in New Jersey are growing their crops with organic methods. They are selling directly to the public through CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture) that you join and then every week you pick up your share from the farm or a market. The farmers’ markets are also sprouting up all over the state where you can buy from their stand.
AND–you can start a garden of your own!! In a coming blog I will describing how to begin doing that — very easily—SIMPLE SIMPLY REWARDING!
