Sustainable vs Organic

It is exciting today to see organic produce at the supermarket. Organic growing is a common practice now. Organic farming methods involve methods to minimize pesticide use and avoid chemical sprays. These farming methods are producing fruits and vegetables that are more healthful for us to eat.

Unfortunately, we are "commercializing" organic foods. Now, the organic produce you see is likely to come from a great distance. Shipped clear across the country or even imported from other countries. It is still "organic" in the general sense. But we have lost the interaction between grower and eater. Now the produce is being handled multiple times and we are using more of our valuable fuels to get this "organic produce" to the big supermarket chains. We are loosing site of our original concept.

I am a firm believer in "sustainable agriculture," but what exactly is that? It means "putting as much back into the land as you take away, so that the land can continue producing indefinitely". In my garden, I use practices to add nutrients back to the soil to replace those harvested in crops, reusing nutrients by applying my livestock manure to raised beds. I use "integrated pest management" which allows me to use a minimum of intervention between my garden plants and the pests which attack my produce. I also sell locally, so that what I produce is consumed locally. This reduces the use of fossil fuel. Sustainable agriculture puts the eater face to face with the grower.

Our lives and the way we consume are not sustainable: non-renewable resources, especially fossil fuels, are being depleted in alarming rates.  Soon, the earth's resources will no longer support the earth's population. Organic farming used to be sustainable, but the big business that they are becoming, is not. The long distance shipping that is now common place is burning up our non-renewable fuel. The high cost of fuel is adding to the cost of organic products. Soon, consumer demand will go down and organic products may not be so readily available.

It is not good to have all of our food produced by a few large companies. Diversity is lost. Quality is compromised. Large corporations have more clout with government and thus regulations may be eased. It is easier for disease to spread on large farms with concentrations of livestock and crops. It is in our best interest, as eaters, to support local farms. Locally grown food is less expensive. It tastes better because it is fresh and in season. If you know the farmer that raises your meat, you also know he cares for his livestock and if he takes pride in what he produces. When you buy locally, you are able to visit the farm and meet the farmer; get to know the grower as a person. Local farms offer more selection. Often, heritage varieties are found, with more food value and more flavor.

As small farms are lost, the countryside is developed. Those lost farms are never regained. Never again, does that land produce food. You can help by supporting local farmers in your area. Buy from Farmer's Markets and buy directly off area farms. Most farmers welcome the opportunity to market directly to the consumer. Get to know the person who produces the food you eat. You won't be disappointed!