What is organic? Why is organic better? What foods should I buy? How do I start my own organic garden?

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1 What is organic? Why is organic better? What foods should I buy? How do I start my own organic garden?

2 "Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony. Zydeco Moon Farm is certified by the USDA Organic Program. We are inspected annually by a contract company and must show we continue to meet national standards.

3 Use of natural fertilizers vs. synthetic fertilizers. These include fish emulsion, manure and compost. Use of natural herbicides and fungicides. Insecticidal soap, bacterium, copper Soil and water conservation Natural habitat for insects Low till farming Cover crops Certified seed and certified transplants Crop rotation

4 Increased antioxidants Flavonoids are phenolic compounds that have potent antioxidant activity. Many are produced in plants in response to environmental stressors, such as insects or competing plants. When conventional insecticides are used the need for phenolic compounds decreases therefore a decrease in antioxidants. Organic products have higher levels of nutrients Comparing current levels of nutrients in conventional foods to 50 years ago shows conventionally grown crops have significantly lower levels of nutrients Comparison of conventional and organic vegetables today indicate organic foods have higher levels of nutrients 27% more vitamin C, 29% more iron and 14% more phosphorous

5 Organic food is SAFER. Organic farmers are not allowed to apply manure within 120 days of harvest. Conventional farmers can apply up to the day of harvest. Pathogens such as E coli, salmonella, listeria and parasites can be transferred from cow manure, particularly from cows in concentrated animal feed lots. The 120 day wait avoids this problem. **Note: Always wash your food either conventional or organic even if it says it is pre washed. This is the biggest preventative of e coli and other pathogens.

6 See the movie Food, Inc and you will always buy organic or local beef, pork and poultry. With meat the important thing is making sure the animals are pastured more so than organic. Clip of an interview with a chicken farmer from movie Food Inc. Animals raised on industrial farms are less healthy, require the use of antibiotics and produce huge amounts of concentrated waste VS. North Carolina and Iowa each are estimated to use three million pounds of antibiotics as feed additives annually, the same amount estimated to be used for human medical treatment nationwide

7 Pastured eggs do not contain any kind of hormones, artificial substances or antibiotics and the chickens are allowed free range to eat naturally In a recent study by Mother Earth News, pastured eggs were found to have 2/3 more vitamin A Two times more omega 3 fatty acids Three times more vitamin E Seven times more beta carotene 1/3 less cholesteral ¼less saturated fat 3 to 6 times as much Vitamin D

8 Do a soil sample and find out the needs of your garden patch Amend the soil with natural supplements as indicated by the soil sample Compost Plant year round but try to allow some time for cover crops each year as they provide nutrients and organic matter for the soil Insure there are plenty of local plants around the area you plan to garden to attract beneficial insects. If you don t have them, plant some Create a plan for the crops you want to grow and rotate them yearly for 3 years

9 Locate a store that sells organic products Easy crops help give you confidence in growing, lettuce, spinach, summer squash, okra Tomatoes and peppers are favorites but need more attention, prevention and maintenance Use preventative techniques to avoid diseases such as blight and powdery mildew If you find harmful insects, identify them first and then use the appropriate insecticide. One great website is

10 Safer Fruits and Vegetables Asparagus Avocados Bananas Broccoli Cauliflower Corn (However, almost all corn is genetically modified) Kiwi Mangoes Onions Papaya Pineapples Sweet Peas

11 Nectarines 97.3% of nectarines sampled were found to contain pesticides. Celery 94.5% of celery sampled were found to contain pesticides. Pears 94.4% of pears sampled were found to contain pesticides. Peaches 93.7% of peaches sampled were found to contain pesticides. Apples 91% of apples sampled were found to contain pesticides. Cherries 91% of cherries sampled were found to contain pesticides. Strawberries 90% of strawberries sampled were found to contain pesticides. Imported Grapes 86% of imported grapes (i.e. Chile) sampled were found to contain pesticides. Spinach 83.4% of spinach sampled were found to contain pesticides. Potatoes 79.3% of potatoes sampled were found to contain pesticides. Bell Peppers 68% of bell peppers sampled were found to contain pesticides. Red Raspberries 59% of red raspberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.

12 Grow your own Buy at the farmer s market whenever possible Get to know your farmer and his/her practices Visit the farm Buy a cow or pig with a friend Enjoy healthy food