SOLARGANIC GROWING
And Dr. Tomato
Ok, probably one of the most common questions I get asked is “Why aren’t we using the term “organic” or “certified organic” on our plant products?” If you read my recent newsletter replying to the reader “CONFUSED”, you have a pretty good understanding of the evolution of the ORGANIC FOODS PRODUCTION ACT (OFPA) in 1990, the establishment of the NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM in 1992 and the process of becoming “certified” by these government programs. I commented on the fact that I felt that it was a good step forward in helping the consumer feel confident that the food he/she was buying met strict quality standards of production and handling. Why then – you might ask – isn’t HEALTHY HOME HARVEST LLC and Dr. Tomato rushing ahead to become “certified”?
The financial answer to this question is quite simple and basic – cost. There are fees involved in the process. There is a relatively daunting transition and documentation protocol that adds hours of time both in the field (or greenhouse) and in the office. This equates to added costs. There are reports and “bean counter” sessions that also increase operational costs. If we, as growers, realize added costs guess where they end up – being passed on to you the customer! You see it when you go to a Farmers’ Market and have to make the choice between a $2.00 per pound non-“certified organic” tomato and a “certified organic” tomato at $4.00 per pound. In this economy, we feel that far too many people who would like to buy “organic” food for their families simply can’t afford to!
My growing partner James and I share some philosophical commitments that I would like to share with you to help you understand why we are not “certified organic” growers. First, is the obvious financial factor. Both James and I believe that you should be able to buy the healthiest, chemical free, earth friendly food possible for yourself and your family. We both highly praise your decision and commitment to do all you can to enhance the health of your family AND the health of the earth we all share. AND, we both feel that you should be able to buy it with the least possible added cost premium. It is more demanding to grow “organically”, requiring more grower commitment to the health and “happiness” of every plant under his/her care. There needs to be acute attention paid to the condition of every plant at all times. In conventional commercial growing, with a full arsenal of the latest powerful growth regulators, fungicides, pesticides, herbicides, disinfectants etc. you can be much more REACTIVE to any problem that arises. In “organic” growing you need to be very PROACTIVE because once problems arise they can’t be solved quite as easily or quickly. This means “organic” growing is more labor intensive – which means more costly.
So a major question for us is how do we keep the cost to you as low as humanly possible? First, we made the decision to take the biggest production cost – fuel and heating – right out of the equation. We designed and built our own fully insulated, passive and active solar, petroleum and bio fuel free greenhouse! Second, we felt that the cost involved in the process of becoming “certified organic” wasn’t worth it because the cost (like the cost of fuel) would have to be passed on to you at the cash register.
For tens of thousands of years, man grew crops in close co-ordination and balance with the natural world. By working WITH nature and not trying to “dominate” the natural process, man produced food in a harmonious way that could be sustained indefinitely. People grew much, or at least some, of their own food. Now, huge, centralized agri-businesses control virtually all the world’s food production and distribution. And the government is a major player in the game. Land that should be used to grow food crops is growing crops for the subsidized ethanol industry. Chemicals and synthetic fertilizers are pumped into soils that are effectively dead.
I have been growing “organically”, in harmony with the earth, for more years than I want to admit. I was growing that way long before it became fashionable or “chic”. I did it because I philosophically and scientifically believed it was the “right” way to grow for the health of my family and the health of the earth.
If you feel that you need the government sanctioned sticker that says “certified organic”, then you will need to look for another grower. If you want plants and vegetables grown in accordance with the National Organic Program standards, grown in a fully solar greenhouse with virtually NO carbon foot print, FREE educational materials to help you grow your own food “organically”, the ability to talk with the growers at any time and the opportunity to become part of the wonderful world of LOCAL agriculture – then I think we can help. Both James and I pledge to commit our time to growing the highest quality, chemical free plants at a price you and your family can afford. Our growing procedures are always open for your inspection. The government says we can’t label our plants and produce as “certified organic” or even “organic” so we label our plants as:
SOLARGANIC