Organic & Natural Foods 101 The best organic food is what's grown closest to you. Use our website to find farmers' markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown fresh foods in your area. These farms are great sources where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats, and many other goodies. Food Fact: One seed of rice yields more than 3,000 grains. It is the highest yielding cereal grain and can grow in many kinds of environments and soils, which is why it is grown almost everywhere.  |  |
Certified Organic There are many organizations worldwide that certify produce as being grown in a manner that does not harm the environment and that preserves or improves soil fertility, soil structure, and farm sustainability. When an imported product is labeled "organic", does it meet the same U.S. organic standards? Yes. All "organic" and "made with organic" products sold in the U.S. must meet NOP (National Organic Program) standards. For further information regarding the USDA organic requirements, visit www.usda.gov and/or www.qai-inc.com. Naturally Grown Some farms prefer not to pursue an organic certification, but do follow organic principles in growing their produce. Certified Naturally Grown CNG is a grassroots certification program created specifically for farmers that sell locally and directly to their customers. CNG's certification standards are based on the National Organic Program but with some variation, including improved livestock living conditions and more explicit access to pasture requirements. Transitional Organic certification standards are very strict, and it usually takes years for farms to achieve them, as all pesticide and chemical residue from the soil is slowly broken down and leached away. Farms marked as "Transitional" are farms in the process of getting their certification, but that are not quite there yet. Conventional Conventional farming does not necessarily have to be as destructive as large scale chemical agriculture. There are many small farms worldwide that sparingly use chemicals when needed, and that otherwise follow good guidelines in the care of their environments and communities. Biodynamic Based on a series of lectures given by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner in 1924, Biodynamics is a method of agriculture which seeks to actively work with the health-giving forces of nature. It is the oldest non-chemical agricultural movement, predating the organic agriculture movement by some 20 years and has now spread throughout the world. Grass Fed / Pastured Grass fed, or pastured, animals are raised on pasture, as opposed to being kept in confinement and fed primarily grains. Pasturing livestock and poultry is the traditional method of raising farm animals, is ecologically sustainable, humane, and produces the most nutritious meat, dairy and eggs. Farmers Markets There are almost two million farms in the USA. About 80% of those are small farms, and a large percentage are family owned. More and more of these farmers are now selling their products directly to the public. They do this via CSA programs, Farmers' Markets, Food Coops, u-picks, farm stands, and other direct marketing channels. Would you like to support your local farmer? Use our map to find a small farm near you! Large scale chemical agriculture is poisoning our soils and our water, and weakening our communities. By buying direct from a family farm you can help put a stop to this unfortunate trend. By buying organic produce from your local farmer, you are working to maintain a healthy environment, a vibrant community, and a strong and sustainable local economy for you and your kids to thrive in.  | 
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