Recipess
Excluding the last few decades, organic agriculture has been the only form of agriculture practiced on the planet. Under its simplest definition, organic agriculture is farming without synthetic chemicals. After the Second World War, however, there was a movement towards mechanization and homogenization of farming. Larger and increasingly automated farms spread across the landscape, and these "factory farms" put the synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and mass-rearing techniques developed in the 1920s into widespread use.
Amidst this agricultural industrial revolution, several astute pioneers of the organic movement emerged, heralding the dangers of ecological insensitivity and calling for a return to the responsible farming methods of our past. A leader of this group, Lady Eve Balfour, provides a simple description of the counter-movement that emerged:
The criteria for a sustainable agriculture can be summed up in one word- permanence, which means adopting techniques that maintain soil fertility indefinitely, that utilize, as far as possible, only renewable resources; that do not grossly pollute the environment; and that foster biological activity within the soil and throughout the cycles of all the involved food chains.
With the support of consumers, producers, businesspeople and governments, organic and sustainable agriculture has fought its way back into the world's conscious and challenged chemical-intensive farming.
Definition of "Organics" in the U.S.
Effective 21 October 2002, all agricultural farms and products claiming to be organic must be guaranteed by a USDA-approved independent agency to be meeting the following guidelines:
Abstain from the application of prohibited materials (including synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and sewage sludge) for 3 years prior to certification and then continually throughout their organic license.
Prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms and irradiation.
Employ positive soil building, conservation, manure management and crop rotation practices.
Provide outdoor access and pasture for livestock.
Refrain from antibiotic and hormone use in animals.
Sustain animals on 100% organic feed.
Avoid contamination during the processing of organic products.
Keep records of all operations.
Organic products grown in healthier soil contain higher levels of nutrients, and many taste better than their conventional counterparts. Organic fruits and vegetables test at minimal or zero pesticide residue levels and, with the passage of the USDA organic standards, consumers can now be assured producers follow earth-friendly cultivation and grazing practices. Millions of people choose organic foods as a way of showing their support for responsible business, strong communities, and local farmers.
Definition of Sustainable Agriculture
In addition to the nearly 7,000 certified organic farms in the United States, a growing number of the country's nearly 2.2 million farms are abandoning conventional, volume-driven techniques in favor of economical, ecological, and social balance. Sustainable agriculture describes the practices of a group of producers that may not meet the strict legal standards for organic agriculture but that seek many of the same goals and outcomes. Specifically, sustainable farmer's goals include:
More profitable farm income
Environmental stewardship, including:
Guarding and improving soil quality
Minimizing dependence on non-renewable fuels, pesticides, and fertilizers
Promotion of stable, prosperous farm families and communities
Sustainable farmers employ a variety of location-specific and creative practices to accomplish these goals. Excellent profiles of farmers using sustainable practices can be found at www.sare.org
New Certification System Seeks to Integrate Fair Trade and Organic Practices
A new state-of-the-art certification program that promotes socially responsible business practices in agriculture has been created, spearheaded by leaders in organic products, labor rights, and third party certification for the food industry.
The initiative, known as the Fair Labor Practices and Community Benefits certification, is being led by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), a leading US sustainability standards developer and certifier in sectors such as food, forestry, fisheries, and cut flowers.
The other parties introducing the program are the International Labor Rights Fund, dedicated to humane and just treatment of workers; Numi Organic Tea, a successful organics company active in fair labor and sustainability issues; and NSF International, an independent standards developer for food, water, and consumer goods, NSF is accredited with the official national standards administrator for the US, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Any certified organic farms, processors, or handlers are eligible for additional certification under the new Fair Labor Practices and Community Benefits label, provided they meet all applicable criteria.
"This groundbreaking initiative will improve the lives and livelihoods of agricultural workers worldwide and provide greater assurance to consumers and businesses that social responsibility commitments are being met," said Ted Howes, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, SCS.
Requirements to achieve the certification include top quality hiring and employment procedures, workplace conditions, access for workers and their families to transportation, health, and education services, and the right to collective bargaining. Wages and overtime, child labor, occupational health and safety, and community engagement are issues addressed in the requirements.