Today was our organic inspection. So why be certified organic? After all we are a small farm and do all of our sales via direct marketing. Every year we have an inspector come to the farm to verify our paperwork and make sure we are not violating any of the organic standards. It is a slow process in the midst of the busy season.
So I repeat, why be certified organic?
First, it is a selling point at market. This is especially so at a time when many farmers are claiming their produce is “organic” or “naturally grown.” Being “certified” is a way to distinguish ourselves from many other farmers.
Second, being a part of the Pennsylvania Certified Organic (our certifying agency) team is an ethical stance. PCO is a grassroots organization that is fighting for the plight of the small farmer and the safety of our food system. PCO is regularly represented in Washington as the higher politicians decide the standards to which all of our food is grown. Since the USDA took over certification of organic foods there has been quite a lot of corruption in the organic marketplace. The USDA is working for large farms that are in it to get a better price point. PCO however, is there to protect the average person who wants clean food.
Every year we submit a tedious amount of paperwork and spend about $1,000 to be certified. This crazy for a small farm such as ourselves. But, we believe in the movement. Paul, my business partner, has been experimenting with organic agriculture since the 70’s. He, along with Mr. Rodale and a host of others, were the first to start the organic movement in Pennsylvania. He is truly a grandfather of the movement. He grew up as a conventional farmer and switched over when it was very not cool to do so. He was ridiculed by the local community for his courage to stop using pesticides and herbicides and protects the land he cares dearly for.
Paul is currently on the board of PCO. Although it is more work than he needs he is representing the heritage of organic agriculture. We need people with conviction to stay involved and protect our food movement.
Although it seemed so uneventful today I knew I was helping the movement. By supporting our farm you too are supporting the movement of organic foods, protected farmland and food security.
Thank you all.
This week's harvest.
Full share: ( you may receive any of these items)
- Red Gold potatoes 2 lb
- Lettuce- 3 - 4 heads or salad mix 1/2 lb bag
- Beets 1.5 lb - without greens
- Carrots 1.5 lb - without greens
- Melons - you will either receive cantaloupe or watermelon.
- Tomatoes - 2- 3 lb - you may order multiples of tomatoes. And some shares may receive 2 orders.
- Green or Purple sweet peppers 1lb or Eggplant (small purple, green, large purple or orange) 1lb
- Summer Squash 5 fruits
- 3/4 lb of chard, kale or baby pac choi
- Cabbages- 1 head of savoy
- Winter Squash- Giant pumpkins or buttercup squash. Super tasty and nutritious. 1 fruit.
- Any 4 of the above full share items.
- Fresh cut flower bouquets
- Beans - there are very few. 1 lb
- Husk cherries - 1 pint.
- Mint 1/8 lb
- Anise Hyssop 1/8 lb
- Hot peppers - 6 peppers - you may have lots of these if you like. Please indicate the quantity you would like.
- Basil 1/4 lb
- Tomatoes - 1 extra order per share please.
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