Certified Organic Foods and Beauty Products
What is Organic Food?
Organic Food is defined by Law:
   "Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used." - USDA National Organic Program

National Organic Program SealA Non-Toxic Approach to Farming

   In non-organic agriculture, chemical fertilizers are applied to promote plant growth, toxic pesticides are used to control pests, toxic herbicides are applied to reduce weeds, and genetically-modified crops are grown that tolerate herbicide or produce insect-toxins. Cattle and chickens are fed antibiotics and growth hormones, and may never see the light of day.

   In Organic Agriculture, natural fertilizer, such as manure or compost, is applied to feed soil and plants, beneficial insects and bacteria are used to control damaging insect populations, and weeds are controlled by hand-weeding or mulch. Cattle and chickens must be allowed regular access to pasture.

Pink Lady AppleComparing the Results

   Organic fruits and vegetables appear colorful, healthy and large, although overall crop yields are often less than in conventional non-organic farming. Certified Organic products display a USDA Organic Seal.

   Research on the nutritional value of Organic crops is ongoing, and there is considerable debate. While some studies have shown more flavor and vitamins in organic produce, other studies did not show significant differences between organic and conventional products.

Soil conservation and polyculture

   One reason to eat Organic is that organic farming practices require significantly less energy resources (and chemicals) to produce crops, while restoring fertility to the soil.    Permaculture and biodynamic growers take that one step further, focusing on beneficial polycultures and soil enhancement that improve the productive capacity of the farm over time, while conventional producers persist in single-crop moncultures that are more susceptible to disease and insect infestation, depleting the soil of nutrient by poisoning beneficial soil nematodes.

   Buying Organic means that you reduce your pesticide intake, avoid lab-modified plant DNA, and preserve small farms. Organic farmers preserve ancient agricultural seed lines, referred to as "Heirlooms."

Organic Beauty Care

   Organic health and beauty products are not certified by the USDA, but rather by private certifiers.

Organic Papaya Farm   Bronner's Organic Soap   Organic produce basket   Organic Hillbilly Tomatoes
Organic Papaya Farm                                Bronner's Magic Soap Gel      Harvest Time for Organic Produce                   Organic Hillbilly Tomatoes