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A personal response When people ask me "When did you go organic?", I have to smile. I never went organic, because I have never grown and cooked fruit and vegetables any other way. Frankly, I would prefer to ask another question. Why not organic? Why on earth, when you can have the best of both worlds - the fullest, most extraordinary flavors, coupled with the healthiest ingredients - would you choose anything less? Lucky to have had an extraordinary teacher in Helen McCully, a background in organic chemistry, and the hands-on practice of having to grow and serve only truly "organic" foods to my family, I know how to create the optimum conditions for organic produce. My organic certification means that every
aspect of what I do has to be carefully controlled, and the source
of every single ingredient is traceable. I won't go into more detail
than that here - though I'm very happy to provide more. More information
can be found at the sites of those through whom I am certified. A broader perspective Before 1940, most farming was done organically. The dependence on chemicals came about from the belief that with ever-stronger pesticides, people could eradicate disease-bearing insects. For farmers, insecticides and herbicides were considered an easy answer to their pest problems. As more questions are raised concerning the safety of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers, many people are returning to organically raised foods. Organic farming is a method of cultivation that returns organic nutrients to the soil. Instead of petroleum-based fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and plant growth regulators, organic farming relies on compost, naturally occurring minerals, and beneficial insects, such as lady bugs, to maintain soil productivity and plant health. By adding organic matter to the soil, instead of chemicals, the proper balance of nutrients is maintained in the soil and is available for absorption by the plants. The organically raised plants produce fruit rich in vitamins and minerals. Since chemicals are not allowed, people do not have to be concerned about ingesting possibly harmful substances. The goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people. Links to Organic Sites Organic Trade
Association - OTA) is a membership-based
business association representing the organic industry in North
America. Members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers,
farmer associations, brokers, manufacturers, consultants, distributors
and retailers. Northeast Organic Farming Association - The Northeast Organic Farming Association is an affiliation of seven state chapters:
Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association - OEFFA is the organic certifying agent for Echoes of Summer
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