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Organic—The Old-Fashioned Way
"Changes in USDA Food Composition Data for 43 Garden Crops, 1950–1999," an article in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol. 23, No.6, (2004), reports that as a group, the 43 foods show apparent, statistically reliable decline (R<1) for 6 nutrients. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) data supports a decline in riboflavin (Vitamin B2) of 38% and a decline in ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) of 15%.
Some believe non-organic pesticides and fertilizers allow barren soils to produce visually appealing nutrient poor crops. Some think the non-organics introduces harmful constituents into the food chain. These concerns have spurred organic food sales. It is estimated that organic food sales now exceed $20 billion and that sales are growing at an annual rate of 20%.
Many New Hampshire and Vermont farms, that have been farming the old-fashioned way for many decades, using manure for fertilizer while not spending money on expensive chemicals, are now producing certified organic foods. In New Hampshire, the USDA organic certifier is the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food. In Vermont, the USDA certifying agent is Vermont Organic Farmers. These organizations, and all other USDA organic certifiers, adhere to NOP rules. The rules can be found at the NO website. In addition to prohibiting the use of non-organic fertilizers and pesticides, NOP prohibits the use of genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, and sewage sludge. To be granted an organic certification, a producer must have a farm plan, maintain accurate records, and be subject to a through-site inspection.
One of the better known Certified Organic Producers in New Hampshire is Pete & Gerry's Organic which sells organic eggs. One of the lesser known NH Certified Organic Producers is Acorn Hill Farm which grows organic hay. Return to Area Profiles Table of Contents
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Organic food production has been practiced in the United States since the late 1940s. In 1990, the Organic Food Production Act (OFPA) required the USDA to develop "national standards for organically produced agricultural products." In response to the OFPA, the National Organic Program (NOP) was developed. The NOP establishes rules relating to organic food production that are intended to assure consumers that any food labeled "organic was produced using the highest organic production and handling standards in the world." The NOP is also charged with reviewing and certifying state, private, and foreign organic certification programs.
