2008 Woodie Awards
Organic farming: Don't panic it's organic
Melissa Cisneros
Issue date: 4/20/05 Section: Life
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In fact, what makes a cows milk organic has nothing to do with the cow and everything to do with the farmer.
There are many terms used to describe organic: alternative approaches to agiculture, low-input sustainable agriculture, regenerative agriculture, organic farming and alternative farming just to name a few. The term "organic" is a technical and legal word that enables producers (farmers) and buyers (stores) to establish recognized standards.
Definition of Organic: "an organic product is that which is raised, grown, stored, and/or processed without the use of synthetically-produced chemicals or fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, or any other pesticides, growth hormones or growth regulators," (OPAM, Appendix A).
So, now we understand what is organic. But I was still curious to know why a half gallon of Happy Cow Organic Milk cost twice as much as a whole gallon of regular Dairy Cow milk.
Dick Carrot has been a farmer in the Magic Valley since 1964. He's seen a few things in his lifetime, and only started being an organic farmer in 1992. When asked why organic milk is significantly priced higher. The answer was straight economics.
"Milk goes out of date be it organic or regular," Carrot said. "If a store fails to sell before the expiration date, then they have to bear the responsible for the cost. Besides that, with organic milk you are paying for the transportation and the overall low volume,"
Sometimes producers label their product as being organic when in fact it is not. Carrot says that really doesn't happen often, and that the only way a person can get in trouble over labeling something organic that's not is by telling. The penalty for knowingly selling or labeling an agricultural product organic is $10,000 per violation. It's a crime, and with organic farming being such a unique niche it makes sense that such harsh sanctions are in place.
One of the more interesting social systems that has arose from organic farming is a group known as WWOOF, Willing Workers on Organic Farms. People connect mostly through the internet to find farms worldwide looking for help. You don't get paid for the work. Instead, its an old-fashion barter system. Work for 6 hours a day, 6 days a week and live on the farm for free and eat the organic food you have been harvesting. It's an interesting way to see different parts of the world and experience new cultures. Patterson Clark is an artist in The Washington Post Art department and wrote about his experience as a WWOOF in Portugal.