Re: Speaking of "organic"

I am preparing to become an organic farmer myself in Missouri. In my research of orgainc farming I have noticed that the politics of Organics has been evolving for several years away from its original and intended meaning. In 2004 the National Organic Association (NOA) set up shop and took over the organic standards and sought to federalize/standardize what "Organic" means legally. Of course when this happened, the State of Missouri stopped funding the Missouri Organic Association (MOA) and therefore stopped providing inspectors and standards for the farms in Missouri. Now NOA allows private entities to inspect and certify farms all over the nation. The cost for certification naturally rose severely and now some farmers in Missouri have altogether abandoned certification and simply allow the public to visit and examine their farms.

Other places, such as California and Oregon maintain their state Organic Certifications and the state standards are tougher and more true to the intent of natural and sustainable farming.

It is also important to note that the USDA and NOA do not regulate the use of the term "organic" for any non-food production. So any shampoo, moisturizer, toothpaste, soap, cosmetic has absolutely no standards whatsoever in order to be labeled organic.

It is not surprising though is it?

I think it is important to remember that "organic" methods (in the strictest sense of the word) do work to produce bountiful and healthy products. Healthy eco-systems simply produce healthy products. So those who are looking to "cheat" are the large monocrop farming operations who want to streamline the operation and keep market share. Those who do grow by organic methods (again in the strictest sense) though are still out their and do not want to see the standards relaxed. The small and sustainable farms in Missouri and California and Oregon are good people and want to farm healthy good produce. They try very hard to fight against agri-business. Just last year in Missouri a state senate bill (1099 I think) that would have prohibited counties and localities from objecting to and passing laws against Genetically-Modified-Organisms farms operating where they would contaminate field of standard crops was defeated. At least for now Genetically-Modified-Organisms farms can be prevented from planting near standard farms.

The word "Organic" is on its way to becoming tainted yes, but the principals and people behind the original concept are still around and still producing good food. Seek them out and help them and they will help you.