Organic

[Aliantha]

In Australia if you're buying something which is labled organic is has to have been through strict testing. That is, it comes products grown at farms which have been certified organic. The proceedures for becomming certified organic are stringent here, and the guidlines are quite strict although the industry needs further regulation because there's nothing in place to stop a 'body' from declaring itself as a 'regulatory body' and developing a stamp etc, as long as they follow the industry recognised standards.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

The term "organic" as a marketing label is unregulated in the US. Many products with such labels are not really organic in the sense that many believe and idiots will buy them because they say they are "organic" when in fact the company is attempting to sell the product to the consumer on a false pretense. ~snip

Not true. From the Newsweek link.

Everyone agrees on the basic definition of organic: food grown without the assistance of man-made chemicals. Four years ago, under pressure from critics fretting that the term "organic" was being misused, the U.S. Agriculture Dept. issued rules. To be certified as organic, companies must eschew most pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, synthetic fertilizers, bioengineering, and radiation. But for purists, the philosophy also requires farmers to treat their people and livestock with respect and, ideally, to sell small batches of what they produce locally so as to avoid burning fossil fuels to transport them. The USDA rules don't fully address these concerns.

[Hyoi]

Originally Posted by busterb

I'm on the way to spray some weed killer and some pesticides now.
Something is eating my new beans. Think snail or slugs?
When I find a better way I'll use it.

Sevin dust on my TexasStar 444 tomatoes. Am I gonna die?

[Happy Monkey]

In chemistry, "organic" means a compound of carbon. Yummy organic petroleum.

I'm not sure whether the USDA would accept that definition, though...

[nowhereman]

Sevin dust on my TexasStar 444 tomatoes. Am I gonna die?

You probably won't die from Sevin, but if you have any honeybees around, they will. Sevin is one of the most toxic pesticides to bees, they bring it back to the hive with pollen. In high enough concentrations, it can kill off an entire hive. The bees are under enough attacks already from varoa mites and this new colony collapse disorder, they don't need any more stress. You might try planting chrysanthemums in the garden, they have naturally occurring pesticides (pyrethrins), which may slow the attack of whatever is eating your tomatoes. I also use a hot pepper wax spray, which seems to help.

[smurfalicious]

It's my understanding that there's a difference between "organic" (a term used rather loosely and largely unregulated) versus "certified organic" (accreditation process that mandates the food must meet certain criteria as set forth by the FDA). In other words, "organic" is a marketing tool, "certified" might actually be authentic.

[xoxoxoBruce]

See post 17, Smurf.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by Happy Monkey

In chemistry, "organic" means a compound of carbon. Yummy organic petroleum.

I'm not sure whether the USDA would accept that definition, though...

From

Definition of "Organics" in the U.S.
Effective 21 October 2002, all agricultural farms and products claiming to be organic must be guaranteed by a USDA-approved independent agency to be meeting the following guidelines:

Abstain from the application of prohibited materials (including synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and sewage sludge) for 3 years prior to certification and then continually throughout their organic license.
Prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms and irradiation.
Employ positive soil building, conservation, manure management and crop rotation practices.
Provide outdoor access and pasture for livestock.
Refrain from antibiotic and hormone use in animals.
Sustain animals on 100% organic feed.
Avoid contamination during the processing of organic products.
Keep records of all operations.

Natural Pesticides from Plants

[Dude111]

Originally Posted by rkzenrage

A lot of those foreign markets are not monitored.
I was an organic farmer. It was a serious problem.

I try to only eat organic food..... I started having stomahc problems and then I read how GMO food makes alot of people sick.... (General malise,etc)

Its garbage and should be stopped!!

[captainhook455]

Originally Posted by Dude111

I try to only eat organic food..... I started having stomahc problems and then I read how GMO food makes alot of people sick.... (General malise,etc)

Its garbage and should be stopped!!

Either grow your own parsley or buy the dehydrated as long as it is green after drying. This is a heartburn killer. My wife has stomach trouble too.
Use in all your cooking and be generous with it.

When in a decent steak house there is a sprig of the parsley on the ribeye. You eat that first. The bread is really there to kill the taste of the parsley. I worked in restaurants on my way through college. Tips are good when the payee is happy.

[Dude111]

Thank you Captain

[Rhianne]

That'll work. Definitely. Absolutely no question about it. But make sure you ask and are satisfied that the parsley is organic first. Make them show you a certificate of proof if necessary.

[fargon]

Eating the parsley first, I been doing it right all along. Thanks Captain.

[Gravdigr]

I'm gonna be organic enough soon enough, thanks.

[Dude111]

Good for you buddy!!

Ya should feel better also

Most organic food tastes better as well.......