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Organic Gardening Notes & Articles
Tim Torrez
What is Organic Food?
The simple definition is that organic farmers do not use chemicals on their plants. But it's a lot more than that....the following definitions are from the USDA, National Organic Program.
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 form animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones.
Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides: fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; 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 before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.
Why Eat Organic Food?
1. It's Healthy
On average, organic food contains higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium as well as cancer fighting antioxidants.
2. No nasty additives
Organic food doesn't contain food additives which can cause health problems such as heart disease, osteoporosis, migraines and hyperactivity.
3. Avoids pesticides
Over 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming and residues are often present in non organic food.
4. No genetically modified crops
5. Reliance on drugs removed
There is growing concern about the high use of antibiotics on farm animals and the possible effects on human health.
6. No hidden costs
No taxes for removal of chemicals from drinking water as a result of pesticides used in farming.
7. High Standards
Organic food comes from trusted sources. All organic farms and food companies are inspected.
8. Care for animals
Animal welfare is taken seriously under organic standards.
9. Good for wildlife and the environment
Organic farming is better for wildlife, causes lower pollution from sprays, produces less carbon dioxide, the main global warming gas, and less dangerous wastes.
10. Taste better
Many people prefer organic food because it tastes better.
The Four Principles of Sustainability
Article by Terry Gimps, Conscious Choice Journal, 1998
1. Reduce Mining and Use of Fossil Fuels.
2. Eliminate Persistent Human-made Toxins.
3. Protect Biodiversity and Ecosystems.
4. Efficiently Meet Human Needs.
Ask your Senator to vote "No" on the "National Uniformity for Food Act" **
The House of Representatives has passed a controversial "national food uniformity" labeling law that would take away local government and states' power to require food safety food labels such as those required in California and other states on foods or beverages that are likely to cause cancer, birth defects, allergic reactions, or mercury poisoning. This bill would also prevent citizens in local municipalities and states from passing laws requiring that genetically engineered foods and ingredients such as Monsanto's recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) be labeled.
Soon, the Senate will vote on this bill, which would gut state food safety and labeling laws. The "National Uniformity for Food Act," lowers the bar on food safety by overturning state food safety laws that are not "identical" to federal law. Hundreds of state laws and regulations are at risk, including those governing the safety of milk, fish, and shellfish. The bill is being pushed by large supermarket chains and food manufacturers, spearheaded by the powerful Grocery Manufacturers of America.
Big food corporations and the bio tech industry understand that consumers are more and more concerned about food safety, genetic engineering, and chemical-intensive agriculture, and are reading labels more closely. They understand that pesticide and mercury residues and hazardous technologies such as genetic engineering and food irradiation will be rejected if there are truthful labels required on food products. This industry-sponsored bill is gaining momentum and must be stopped! Act now! Preserve local and regional democracy and protect yourself and your family from unsafe food by sending an email or calling your Senator.
Learn more and take action here:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/rd/labeling.cfm
The House of Representatives has passed a controversial "national food uniformity" labeling law that would take away local government and states' power to require food safety food labels such as those required in California and other states on foods or beverages that are likely to cause cancer, birth defects, allergic reactions, or mercury poisoning. This bill would also prevent citizens in local municipalities and states from passing laws requiring that genetically engineered foods and ingredients such as Monsanto's recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) be labeled.
Soon, the Senate will vote on this bill, which would gut state food safety and labeling laws. The "National Uniformity for Food Act," lowers the bar on food safety by overturning state food safety laws that are not "identical" to federal law. Hundreds of state laws and regulations are at risk, including those governing the safety of milk, fish, and shellfish. The bill is being pushed by large supermarket chains and food manufacturers, spearheaded by the powerful Grocery Manufacturers of America.
Big food corporations and the bio tech industry understand that consumers are more and more concerned about food safety, genetic engineering, and chemical-intensive agriculture, and are reading labels more closely. They understand that pesticide and mercury residues and hazardous technologies such as genetic engineering and food irradiation will be rejected if there are truthful labels required on food products. This industry-sponsored bill is gaining momentum and must be stopped! Act now! Preserve local and regional democracy and protect yourself and your family from unsafe food by sending an email or calling your Senator.
Learn more and take action here:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/rd/labeling.cfm
Ann's Amazing Deer Deter (& for rabbits too) Recipe
In blender:
Blend. Pour into 1 qt. pistol grip sprayer.
Add:
- 1/2 tsp. cayanne pepper
- 1 tsp. dish soap
Fill rest of bottle with water. Set outside in hot sun 3-4 days or till putrefied. (I make 2 at a time, so I always have an extra while making a new batch.)
Spray plants 1 time a week and afer every rain fall.
Mid-West Renewable Energy Fair
Farm Aid
Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply
Organic Materials Review Institute
OMRI's website www.omri.org
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