Issue #3 March 3rd - March 16th, 2006

What is Organic?
By: Asia

I have been designing and maintaining gardens in Central Oklahoma for over 12 years. It has only been during the past five years that I have worked solely with organic fertilizers, soil ammendments, organic herbicides and pesticides. The difference in the vibrancy of the plant material and the overall condition of the soils is nothing short of amazing. It is with great excitement then that I embark on this series of articles which hope to address such questions as: “What is the definition of organic?” “What is the state of organics in Oklahoma?” “Who are the organic providers in Oklahoma?” “What products are offered and what service do they provide to aid in our individual well-being and the well-being of the planet?”

These are just some of the questions I will be addressing in this column and, along with personal interviews, I hope to advocate for a healthier Oklahoma. I am open to any of your ideas for further articles - however, I thought it a good idea for this first article to cover the foundations of “What Is Organic?”

The National Organic Standards Board Definition of “Organic” is: “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. ‘Organic’ is a labeling term that denotes products produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act. The principal guidelines for organic production are to use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming system into an ecological whole. Organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that products are completely free of residues; however, methods are used to minimize pollution from air, soil and water. Organic food handlers, processors and retailers adhere to standards that maintain the integrity of organic agricultural products. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people.”

In this description exists something very important - a value that maintains and restores the balance of ecological systems...this includes us - our bodies - what we eat, drink, breathe, touch - all of which impact the balance of our health.

I recently had an experience at a local garden store in the lawn-and-garden aisle - I was swept away by the sheer volume of synthetic chemical remedies for everything from crab grass to how to kill every living insect in your yard. Because I have seen how successful organic garden products can be I believe most of these products are unnecessary.

Based on this experience, next issue I will feature Thom Marak, owner of “Next to Nature” - a Norman-based organic gardening business - and his “Top-Ten” tips regarding use of natural products in the garden.

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