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 Reduced-Risk Pesticide Alternatives
Organics

 
Reduced-Risk Pesticide Alternatives:

Organics:


  • "ORGANIC STANDARDS EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 21. The USDA has put in place a set of national standards that food labeled as "organic" must meet, whether it is grown in the United States or imported from other countries. When buying food labeled as "organic", it was produced using the highest organic production and handling standards in the world. Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; petroleum-based fertilizers or sewage sludge-based fertilizers; bio-engineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic", a government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food must be certified, too. Consumers must look at package labels and watch for signs in the supermarket. Along with the national organic standards, USDA developed strict labeling rules to help consumers know the exact organic content of the food they buy. The USDA Organic seal identifies that a product is at least 95 percent organic. Excerpted from the USDA National Organic Program website, http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/ , where further details and lists of certifiers are available. In Arizona, the Dept. of Agriculture will not be an accredited certifier while it has adopted a neutral position regarding certification of producers and handlers and any enforcement issues." - October 11, 2002 Vegetables Newsletter
  • “What are the requirements to become an organic farm or ranch? The National Organic Program (NOP), developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), became law on April 21, 2001. It is being implemented during an 18-month transition period. The National Organic Program requires that agricultural products labeled as organic originate from farms or handling operations certified by USDA accredited certification agents. By October 21, 2002, all products sold in the United States and labeled “organic” must comply with the procedures outlined in the National Organic Program.” (AZ Dept. of Agriculture)
  • Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) this nonprofit organization publishes and disseminates generic and specific (brand name) lists of materials allowed and prohibited for use in the production, processing, and handling of organic food and fiber
  • Calilfornia Certified Organic Farmers provides links to background and discussion of the proposed rules of USDA's National Organic Program.
  • USDA National Organic Program gives information on the program, National Standards on Organic Agricultural Production and Handling, and application forms for accreditation
  • Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, developed by University of California, this site provides a thorough explanation of sustainable agriculture and extensive information on cover crops.
  • Sustainable Farming Connection is almost an encyclopedia of information on sustainable agriculture, which includes a monthly newsletter, Alternative Agriculture News.

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