7 Organizations With A Commitment To Organic Agriculture
Many consumers are thinking more about how their food is made and where it comes from. Concerns range from how much distance there is between the farm and the table to the damage that pesticides and synthetic fertilizers cause to the environment. If you're interested in these issues, check out these organizations that are committed to sustainable agricultural practices. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
Groups That Support Organic Farming
| Name | Mission |
|---|---|
| Florida Organic Growers | Support and promote organic, regenerative, and sustainble agriculture |
| SPACE on Ryder Farm | Create an environment singular in its ability to invigorate artists and innovators and their work, and to contribute to the sustainability and resourceful preservation of one of the oldest organic family farms on the East Coast |
| Soil Born Farms | Create an urban agriculture and education project that empowers youth and adults to discover and participate in a local food system that encourages healthy living, nurtures the environment, and grows a sustainable community |
| The Food Group | Use nutritious food to strengthen communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin |
| Real Organic Project | Grow people’s understanding of traditional organic values and practices |
| Better Farm | Enhance the local and regional community by offering each individual the opportunity to expand, grow, and flourish sustainably, artfully, and in tandem with the living world around them |
| WWOOF-USA | Link visitors with organic farmers, promote an educational exchange, and build a global community conscious of ecological farming practices |
What Does The USDA Organic Label Mean?
The "certified organic" label issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is given to foods that meet certain criteria. Here are some of the standards that must be met:
- Producers rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically based farming methods to the fullest extent possible
- Soil has had no prohibited substances (such as most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides) applied for three years prior to harvest
- Animals have been raised in living conditions accommodating their natural behaviors (like the ability to graze on pasture)
- Animals have been fed 100% organic feed and forage and not administered antibiotics or hormones
- Processed, multi-ingredient foods do not contain artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
- All ingredients are organic (with some minor exceptions, such as enzymes, pectin, and baking soda)
- None of it is grown or handled using genetically modified organisms
Organic Food Pioneer Nora Pouillon On Her Life's Work
World Crop Production Summary
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture
| Commodity | Amount Produced in 2017/18 |
|---|---|
| Wheat | 762.9 million metric tons |
| Coarse Grains | 136.1 billion metric tons |
| Rice, Milled | 494.8 million metric tons |
| Total Grains | 261.9 billion metric tons |
| Oilseeds | 581.4 million metric tons |
| Cotton | 123.8 million metric tons |
Back to Basics: An Argument for Organic Food
In Depth
Driven by a growing awareness of the potential for ecological damage from pesticides and other aspects of conventional agriculture, many people are turning to organically produced food as a green alternative. Others seek a closer connection to the land they inhabit by buying locally, or learning to grow for themselves. Presented here, in no particular order, are seven groups providing resources for those interested in organic farming.
Starting us off at #1 is Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers Inc., or FOG. This nonprofit operates a USDA-accredited certification program, providing verification that producers and sellers of agricultural goods are meeting standards in food safety, organic practices, and other areas. The organization's series of informational videos outlines the certification process for those with questions, and offers training to help clients prepare for assessments.
FOG engages in education and outreach efforts along with its certification work, including on-farm workshops discussing organic methods, or skills for growers such as record keeping and soil testing. The organization's Fresh Take podcast features discussions with guest experts about sustainable production and consumption. FOG has also created programs to expand access to healthy food, such as enabling SNAP participants to use their benefits at farmers' markets.
FOG has also created programs to expand access to healthy food, such as enabling SNAP participants to use their benefits at farmers' markets.
At #2 we have SPACE on Ryder Farm, an artistic residency program housed on a multi-generational family homestead in New York State. Writers, musicians, and creative professionals of all kinds come for stays on the historic grounds, developing personal projects and participating in organic agriculture on a working farm. Specific options are available for artists with families, aspiring playwrights seeking mentors, and organizations or ensembles.
The programs at SPACE on Ryder Farm include the Creative Solutions Symposium for activists and organizers, as well as a fully subsidized residency for a cohort of writers. The farm itself operates a Community Supported Art and Agriculture program, providing members with fresh organic food, and art created by SPACE's alumni. Those interested can also provide support with a donation.
#3 on the list is Soil Born Farms. Seeking to help those living in urban areas reconnect with food systems, this organization grows organic produce on a restored property in Sacramento's American River Parkway, and distributes it through a local farmstand. It also offers educational programs, such as the Beginning Farm and Ranch Management Apprenticeship Program, or the Grow Your Groceries workshop series.
It also offers educational programs, such as the Beginning Farm and Ranch Management Apprenticeship Program, or the Grow Your Groceries workshop series.
Instructional offerings at Soil Born Farms include classes for adults as well as field trips, after-school activities, and summer programs for children, and the Growing Together School Garden Initiative brings agriculture to the classroom. The group's Harvest Sacramento initiative organizes volunteers to collect fruit that would otherwise go to waste, gifting it to community organizations. Supporters can donate, volunteer, or rent meeting space on the farm.
Coming in at #4 is The Food Group, a nonprofit fighting hunger in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. This organization partners with local food shelves and meal programs, distributing staples and fresh agricultural goods. In addition to receiving surplus produce from area growers, the organization raises crops at Big River Farms, and hosts an organic agriculture education program for aspiring farmers from underrepresented populations.
The Food Group operates Fare For All, a program using bulk purchasing to offer affordable groceries at distribution locations around the region. The organization also runs the Twin Cities Mobile Market, which brings low-cost goods to areas without plentiful food access. Anyone wishing to support this group's mission can volunteer, make a monetary contribution, or organize a donation drive.
The Food Group operates Fare For All, a program using bulk purchasing to offer affordable groceries at distribution locations around the region.
Next on the list at #5 is Real Organic Project, a grassroots organization made up of working farmers and advocates who oppose the relaxation of standards for labeling agricultural goods as organic. Arguing that the USDA certification now allows practices that conflict with the label's purpose, such as hydroponic growing, ROP seeks to return to a focus on soil health.
Real Organic Project offers its own certification program, conducting farm visits to ensure that the group's more demanding standards are met, and the Know Your Farmer video series profiles the kinds of operations that the organization seeks to promote. ROP also conducts informational talks and engages in advocacy, to encourage a more ecologically rigorous certification. Supporters of the Project's work can help by donating.
Entry #6 is Better Farm. Combining sustainability education, support for the arts, and organic agriculture, this organization is inspired by the philosophy that every event offers a learning opportunity. Program students train in techniques of environmentally responsible farming, learning from experienced mentors and pursuing personalized goals. Other offerings include consultations on home gardens, and a CSA providing sustainably-raised food.
Other offerings include consultations on home gardens, and a CSA providing sustainably-raised food.
Better Farm provides a range of options for creators seeking space to work and reside, including studios, galleries, and communal living residencies. The organization operates a radio station featuring independent artists, and offers cultural activities for community members. The group's blog shares sustainability advice and tips on successful small-scale agriculture. Better Farm also serves as an animal sanctuary, and a venue for weddings and other events.
We'll end our list with #7, WWOOF-USA, the American branch of Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. This organization pairs interested visitors with sustainable growers who serve as hosts, providing room and board in exchange for help with farm operations. The program enables guests, or WWOOFers, to learn firsthand about organic agriculture, while experiencing the local culture and scenery.
WWOOF-USA provides safety advice for those planning trips through the program, and accident insurance is included with membership. The group's searchable database lets travelers find hosts based on criteria including activities offered, farm type, and even specific animals cultivated. The organization shares photos and videos from participants, and its blog discusses agriculture and sustainability. Branded merchandise is also available from WWOOF-USA's online store.
