Organic Agriculture is Soil Based – Position Statement
CT NOFA, along with our fellow NOFA chapters, have long held that stewardship of soil is a key principle of organic agriculture. With that in mind, we are proud to join with organic advocates from across the country in endorsing and promoting the Organic Agriculture is Soil Based position statement.
Spearheaded by the Real Organic Project, this paper affirms that organic agriculture is based in the soil and that hydroponic and other non-soil based agriculture systems should not be allowed to carry the “Certified Organic” label. Soil-based agriculture is enshrined in the language of the Organic Food Production Act and the National Organic Program Final Rule.
According to the Organic Food Production Act (OFPA) 6513(b)(1), “An organic plan shall contain provisions designed to foster soil fertility, primarily through the management of the organic content of the soil through proper tillage, crop rotation, and manuring.” Support for the idea that organic production is soil-based is found in the USDA’s preamble to the regulations published in 2000 which states, “The soil fertility and crop nutrient management practice standard in section 205.203 [of the National Organic Program Final Rule] establishes the universe of allowed materials and practices.” Hydroponic production was not included in that universe because hydroponic production does not manage soil fertility.
Become involved with the fight to keep organic labeling tied to soil health, as well as the other work we do here at CT NOFA — support us with your gift or donation.
Recent Posts
Soil Health Program Manager Monique Bosch Featured on WPKN’s Organic Farm Stand Podcast
Monique Bosch, the Soil Health Program Manager with CT NOFA, gets down and dirty about the microbial basis of healthy soil that promotes nutrient dense food and a sustainable environment.
Read More
Show Support for H.B. 7013 to Ensure Local Food Gets to CT Schools
Urge your state legislators to support H.B. 7013, “An Act Concerning Enhancements To The Local Food For Schools Incentive Program and The CT Grown For CT Kids Grant Program,” currently under consideration. This bill strengthens our state’s local food incentive program and ensures continued funding for farm-to-school initiatives through the CT Grown for CT Kids Grant Program.
Read More