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Organic
crops are produced under a system of
ecological soil management which
relies on building humus levels
through crop rotations, recycling
organic wastes, and balanced mineral
amendments. When necessary,
mechanical, botanical and biological
controls with minimal impact on
health and environment may be used.
Organic crops are processed to
retain maximum nutritional value,
without the use of artificial
preservatives, coloring, waxes,
other additives, or
irradiation.
Sustainable
agriculture is based on ecological
soil management practices which
replenish and maintain soil
fertility by providing optimum
conditions for soil biological
activity. The aim is to reduce
dependence on the use of off-farm
inputs, environmental and health
hazards associated with agricultural
chemicals, and reliance on
non-renewable resources.
Sustainable agriculture systems are
modeled on natural ecosystems in
which diversity, complexity, and
recycling of nutrients and energy
are essential.
A soil
test is required for each field to
be certified, and each field must be
retested at least once every three
years. The test must include
standard macro and micro nutrient
levels as well as percentage of
organic matter. (See Section II.B)
Further
soil and plant tissue analysis may
be required if lead arsenate,
mercurials, or chlorinated
hydrocarbons have been used
intensively in a particular field.
These chemicals and their breakdown
products are persistent and may be
taken up by crops. Old orchard
sites, potato and onion fields are
examples of areas of potential
contamination. Check with local
residents, historical societies,
Natural Resource Conservation
Service offices and Cooperative
Extension. Additional testing may be
required if there is the possibility
of contamination from underground
storage tanks, septic tanks or leach
fields, and known or suspected
contamination from disposal of
potential contaminants (such as
illegal dumping).
If
you have owned your land for less
than three years, a notarized
statement detailing prior land use
will be required from the previous
owner.
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