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Posts Tagged ‘organic’
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
Increasing demand by American consumers for organic produce is gradually diluting the meaning of the term, according to some food experts.
In 1990, Congress passed landmark legislation regulating the definition of organic produce. The Organic Foods Production Act mandated that the Secretary of Agriculture create a list of approved synthetic materials that could be used in officially labeled organic foods. The current standards ban the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and hormones.
However, according to some organic advocates, the law does not go far enough in mandating environmental sustainability.
The problem, these advocates say, is that the idea of organic farming conjures up very specific images in the minds of American consumers. Many shoppers buy organic food imagining that it is better for the environment and hoping to contribute to the larger green movement.
Packaging and labeling on organic food products often play into this symbolic imagery, adorning their products with images of verdant fields and natural splendor.
The truth, however, is that the increased demand for organic food has led to the creation of large-scale organic farming which is often bad for the environment. In order to meet demand, organic farms have stepped up production, often planting only a single crop (which in turn overtaxes soil nutrients). This increased production has also led to increased demand for scarce water resources, often overexploiting valuable aquifers.
While most experts agree that organic farming is still better for the environment than conventional farming, many are calling for organic labeling reforms to include a stronger emphasis on environmental sustainability.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: organic, sustainability, usda
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Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
Ojai Valley Inn courtesy of Prescriptive Music
First Farm-to-table, then farm-to-school, but now- farm-to-spa?
Spas across the country are offering visitors treatments stemming from fruits, vegetables and products grown at local farms.
The Ojai Valley Inn in Ojai (CA) integrates fruits and herbs into skin and massage therapies for their guests.
Guest Julia Pizzinat told the Associated Press, “When they put this stuff on, I can smell fresh juice. It’s not like something that’s been made in Milwaukee and sent out in crates.” These treatments don’t come cheap- a 50-minute Pixie Tangerine and Pomegranate Scrub will cost you $145 at the Ojai Valley Inn.
In the past few years the demand has changed from exotic treatments to those produce with local items. Fingers point at the local food movement that started at restaurants and is branching off to other industries.
The only problem with these treatments is they may not be available year-round, it all depends on what commodities are available.
Mark Wuttke, a spa owner in Atlanta, point out, “Thre are seasonal variations. I can offer it today, but if you come back in six months’ time, you might not be able to have it because it’s not longer available.”
Federal Reserve stated interest rates likely to rise. Refinance your farm loan before rates go up. Call a representative by dialing 866-929-5585 or visit us online.
Tags: ojai valley inn, organic, spa
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Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
Compared to 2009, the number of farmers markets in the United States increased by 16 percent according to a report released by the United States Department of Agriculture.
In 2009 there were 5,247 farmers markets across the country while there are 6,132 in 2010. The largest growth was in the Midwest with a 77 percent increase in Missouri, 61 percent in Minnesota and 60 percent in Michigan.
During off-season months there are 886 farmers market in the United States that do not close.
“Seeing such continued strong growth in the number of U.S. farmers markets indicates that regional food systems can provide great economic, social and health benefits to communities across the country,†USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said via statement. He added, “Farmers markets provide fresh, local products to communities across the country while offering economic opportunities for producers of all sizes.
Farmers markets are necessary for the livelihood of small family farms and can play an important role in local economy. One attribute to the change is the consumer’s desire to know where and how food is produced.
Find a Farmer’s Market in your area here.
Are you in the market for a family farm? Contact Farm Plus today for information on our agriculture loans. Call us at 866-929-5585 or visit us online for more information.
Tags: farmers markets, organic
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Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
Today it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed when looking into the case of eggs in the dairy department. Not only must you decide what size you would like, but you must also decide if you want traditional eggs, cage-free, free-range, pasteurized, enhanced or fertile eggs.
Some people choose eggs based on how the birds are treated (i.e. cage-free or free-range) while others choose eggs that are heavy in nutrients or enhanced for health benefits. However, regardless why people choose their eggs, the United States Depart of Agriculture’s Egg Safety and Quality Research Unit found that all eggs have the same health benefits as traditionally produced eggs.
A team of researchers studied and compared traditional, free-range, cage-free, pasteurized and nutritionally-enhanced eggs for nutritional value. The eggs had different size, weight, height, shell and membrane strength and overall solids, but all eggs had the same nutritional values.
The study can be found in the July issue of Poultry Science.
Are you looking for a farm loan? Contact Farm Plus today for information on low-rate farm loans. Call us at 866-929-5585 or visit us online.
Tags: eggs, organic, usda
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Thursday, May 13th, 2010
Colorado is looking to tighten it’s inspections of certified organic product.
The Colorado House passed a bill (61-0 vote) that adds additional inspectors to the state’s Organic Certification Program. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Randy Fischer (D-Fort Collins) and Sen. Mary Hodge (D-Brighton).
Fischer said in a press release, “Farming and eating organic foods is a lifestyle that’s here to stay. In fact, it’s an industry that continues to grow.†He adds that Colorado must take responsibility for its booming industry to assure consumers are getting the best organic products possible.
Under the bill commissioners can now contract independent inspectors to conduct inspections or organic product handlers.
The bill also added three members to the Organic Certification Advisory Board increasing from nine to twelve members.
Colorado is not the only state making changes. Across the country more and more farmers are seeking organic certification with the ever-growing demand. Interested in becoming certified? Contact your local Farm Service Agency.
Federal Reserve stated interest rates likely to rise. Refinance your farm loan before rates go up. Call a representative by dialing 866-929-5585 or visit us online.
Tags: certification program, colorado, organic
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Wednesday, March 24th, 2010
Sugar beets are causing a huge debate across the country between traditional and organic producers.
Organic producers are afraid that spring breezes will carry pollen from genetically altered beets to organic crops, ultimately making them worthless. Therefore organic producers are asking a federal judge to stop the planting on over 1 million acres from Michigan to Oregon. The altered beets are engineered to resist the herbicide Roundup.
If the judge stops the production, planters may have to wait up to two or three years for the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to make an environmental-impact service decision.
The American Sugar Beet Growers Association thinks the entire situation is radical and could destroy the popular industry.
Luther Markwart, spokesperson for the association, said, “It would have disastrous impacts on the 10,000 growers, our processors, the seed companies and the economies of 10 states.”
Looking for an agriculture loan? Interest rates are at historic lows starting at only 2.95%! Farm Plus Financial offers full-time or part-time loans, secured by Farmer Mac and the USDA, for your farming, ranching or rural home needs. Contact us today by calling 866-929-5585 or visit us online for more information.
Tags: beets, organic, usda
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Thursday, February 25th, 2010
The USDA released its first report on organic fruits and vegetables. The report found that the U.S. accounted for 216,000 acres of organic produce in 2008, resulting in $1.19 billion in sales.
The Organic Production Survey used data from the Census Bureau to generate nation and state-level data as well as information on organic farm numbers and acreage, sales and production.
14,000 U.S. farms grew organic agriculture products in 2008. 3,948 of these grew vegetables while 3,279 grew non-berry fruits and tree nuts. Berries were grown on 1,596 farms.
Inflation fears? Refinance with Farm Plus before farm loan rates rise. Farm loan rates starting at 2.99% with 25 year terms. See our rate sheet here or call, toll free, 866-929-5585.
Tags: organic, rankings, usda
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Thursday, September 24th, 2009
California’s Assembly Bill 856 has been sent back for review. The bill increases penalties for violations of organic fertilizer standards, expands the state regulator’s inspection authority and raises fees for enforcement by $416,000 annually.
Assemblywoman Anna Caballero (D-Salinas) introduced the bill following a number of violations across the country. One major factor was the now famous case, “The Bee Investigation” that found a Salinas-area farm was selling “organic fertilizer” that was topped with nitrogen. This practice is banned in organic farming, not because it is harmful, but because it is generated by creating a lot of energy. Although the practice is highly against organic standards, California Liquid Fertilizer was forced to pull the product and was not penalized.
Government officials feel penalties would prevent this from happening again. In February the Department of Food and Agriculture supported AB 856 that changed the standards for organic fertilizers. This issue is important in California because 60 percent of organic acres are in California.
Looking to refinance your farm loan before inflation hits? Farm Loan interest rates starting at 2.99% and terms up to 25 years. See our rate sheet or call 866-929-5585 to speak with a representative.
Tags: Anna Caballero, california, organic
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Monday, June 8th, 2009
North Carolina’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has extended its sign up for financial or technical assistance related to organic agriculture production.
The deadline is now June 5. “We have received a favorable response to the sign-up thus far, showing an interest in organic farming from around the state,†Mary Combs, state conservationist for NRCS told the Statesville.
$1 million is available for NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Those who submit applications first will be considered first. Those who apply after June 5 will not be qualified for this season, but will be considered for next year.
The 2009 EQUIP Organic Incentive is to assist producers nationwide with financial and technical assistance to gain organic certification.
Producers who qualify will receive money by August 15. The program is not a grant program but is a cost-share program. Qualified producers must be pursuing organic certification or have an organic system in play.
If you are interested in a farm loan or ranch loan please contact Farm Plus today. Farm Plus offers low rate loans for farming and ranching needs and works alongside government agencies to assist you with the loan process. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information.
Tags: north carolina, organic
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Thursday, May 21st, 2009
The need and want for organic products has increased by 17 percent in 2008. The industry sold $25.6 billion in products despite the current economic woes, according to the Organic Trade Association’s annual industry survey.
The survey does go beyond organic food into fibers, personal care and pet food. However, organic food sales are up by 15.8 percent at $22.9 billion in sales. It is now accountable as 3.5 percent of all food sold in the United States.
The spike in growth is attributed to people wanting whole food and won’t let a lack of money stop them, and that organic food is now available at all grocery stores.
President Obama’s administration is looking to make the industry grow even more, starting with an even more extensive survey about organic food and growth. There will also be a $50 million program to encourage more organic farming, and a specific division of the USDA will focus on organic farming for the first time, ever.
The increase in sales should not come as a large shock with the increase in awareness about healthy food and pesticides. According to the agriculture census in 2007, there are more, smaller family farms than large ones that do produce organic goods.
Want to jump on the organic bandwagon? Contact Farm Plus today. The industry is growing, so become a part of history. For a low-rate farm loan to help you with your organic farming needs call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.
Tags: organic
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