What is Organic Farming: The Organic Standards

Have you ever passed by the organic produce section and wondered, “what is organic farming?” or “what makes some food organic and others inorganic?” Many people have similar questions about organic farming, the method used, and the certification process for organic food.

We’d like to tell you a bit more about what organic agriculture is, the benefits of organic farming, and how it can affect the food you eat. Here at Sequoia Soil Company we offer the best organic compost to buy for organic faming. Keep reading for more information!

Organic Farming Produces Organic Food

The above statement might seem obvious, but organic food can’t come from a farm that practices conventional farming methods. Certified organic food must be grown without toxic and persistent pesticides, genetic engineering, antibiotics (for meat), or the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer.

In order to become a certified organic farm, farming systems must be handled without prohibited substances and materials for at least three years.

Organic Farming Systems

One of the benefits of organic farming is the fact that organic food is generally known to be packed full of nutrients. In addition to producing healthier food, organic farming is also more environmentally friendly than conventional agriculture.

Organic farming doesn’t use pesticides so farmers must find other ways to keep plant disease and insects at bay. In order to do this, organic farmers will often resort to using various types of mulch, hand weeding, crop rotation, cover crops, and other techniques.

Each of these techniques helps to produce healthy soil and focuses on the overall health of the farming systems. The biggest downfall to organic farming is the fact that it is labor-intensive and produces a smaller crop – these two factors contribute to the price consumers pay at their local supermarkets.

Conventional Farming Systems

On the opposite side of organic farming, there is conventional farming. Conventional farming systems may use various types of pesticides, synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, and yes, genetic modification and engineering.

The food produced through any conventional farming method is not considered organic. Additionally, conventional farming is less concerned with keeping the soil and land healthy; the aim is to produce a decently large crop.

This isn’t to say that a conventional farmer doesn’t care about their land or the environment – their focus simply tends to be on producing more food and keeping their costs low.

Making the Switch to Organic Farming

Maybe you’re a conventional farmer wanting to make the switch to organic farming for environmental purposes. Maybe you’re a garden enthusiast who wants to produce healthier food for your family.

Whatever your reason, you can be sure that organic farming is challenging, fun, healthy, and of course, great for your land!

Now that you have an answer to the question, “what is organic farming?” you can begin to find the best soil mix for your intended crop! As your Northern California choice for best organic compost to buy we can asnwer any compost questions you might have. If you’d like to learn more about various types of soil, how it can impact plant growth, and where to buy the ideal soil organic matter, contact us today!