From the USDA National Agricultural Library

“Organic farming entails:
• Use of cover crops, green manures, animal manures and crop rotations to fertilize the soil, maximize biological activity and maintain long-term soil health.
• Use of biological control, crop rotations and other techniques to manage weeds, insects and diseases.
• An emphasis on biodiversity of the agricultural system and the surrounding environment.
• Using rotational grazing and mixed forage pastures for livestock operations and alternative health care for animal wellbeing.
• Reduction of external and off-farm inputs and elimination of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and other materials, such as hormones and antibiotics.
• A focus on renewable resources, soil and water conservation, and management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological balance.”

I am sure you understood the meaning of this double talk. I am especially fascinated with the meaning of “Use of biological control, crop rotations and other techniques to manage weeds, insects and diseases.”

COSTCO has jumped on the band wagon of organic foods. On my last visit they handed me their special offer valid from Jan 13 to Feb 9. It was a catalog of 26 items. All items are marked USDA ORGANIC.

Huffington Post has this headline “Organic Food Is Not Healthier Than Conventional Produce: Study.” The report said “Stanford University doctors dug through reams of research to find out – and concluded there’s little evidence that going organic is much healthier, citing only a few differences involving pesticides and antibiotics.”

“Consumers can pay a lot more for some organic products but demand is rising: Organic foods accounted for $31.4 billion sales last year, according to a recent Obama administration report. That’s up from $3.6 billion in 1997.”

No wonder COSTCO has decided to offer organic foods. It’s the money!