Organic farming has become one of the fastest growing segments of U.S. agriculture.  Two of the more frequent questions we are asked at the Santa Monica Farmers Markets (SMFMs) are, “what is organic” and “who grows organically?” 

This is a simple question with a complex answer.  The farmers at the Santa Monica Farmers Markets produce a great variety of fruits and vegetables, flowers, and animal bi-products employing an even wider variety of growing practices.  All farmers at the SMFMs are required to fill out a “growing practices information” form disclosing the methods used for weed and pest control, soil fertility and appearance. 

Here are some definitions which might be helpful:

Certified Organic

In order to use the term Organic, growers must be certified by an independent third party or certifying agency that verifies the growing practices of the farmer and substantiates compliance with National Organic Program Regulations.  Certification includes inspections of farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping including the types and origins of fertilizers and seeds, as well as periodic testing of soil and water. Growers in California who are certified must also register annually with the state in order to use the term “organic”. Organic growers are required to have a copy of their Organic Certification with them at the market.

Non-Certified Organic

Many Santa Monica Farmers Market farmers utilize organic “practices”, but for one reason or another have decided not to become certified, or they may have previously been certified and decided to de-certify; and while many of their practices are indeed, organic, the lack of third-party oversight does not guarantee that their methods are truly, “organic”. While these growers cannot advertise their produce as “organic,” they may say that they do not use synthetic pesticides or herbicides and they can mention that they use “organic fertilizer.”

Pesticide Free

“Labels such as “pesticide free” and “no spray” do not ensure that your food is organic. “Pesticide free” usually means the edible parts of a crop have not been sprayed with harmful chemicals. However, synthetic fertilizers, insecticides and fungicides may have been used to grow the food. Furthermore, there are no federal standards for “natural”, Local” or “sustainable. These products may include toxic pesticides, genetically modified organisms or synthetic substances that are prohibited in organic production.
At the Santa Monica Farmers Markets we do not use these terms as they can be misleading and assumptive. For a list of soil amendments, pest control, or product enhancement please view the farmer profiles. Each farmer is required to disclose their growing practices.

Biodynamic

Biodynamic agriculture is a method of organic farming that treats farms as unified and individual organisms, emphasizing balancing the holistic development and interrelationship of the soil, plants and animals as a self-nourishing system without external inputs insofar as this is possible given the loss of nutrients due to the export of food.  As in other forms of organic agriculture, artificial fertilizers and toxic pesticides and herbicides are strictly avoided. (Wikepideia)

Some helpful links

National Sustainable Agricultural Information Service 

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service 

Organic Foods Production Act of 1990

Rodale Institute