Tag: agriculture

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Vermisterra Supports CCOF

Vermisterra is proud to be a CCOF business partner since 2016. We support and promote organic through certification, education, and advocacy. Buying organic is a direct investment in the future of our planet, so they work to grow the organic market by educating consumers about this important relationship to our food.

Vermisterra tests each batch of worm castings and nutrient tea for heavy metals. Our castings are also tested for E. Coli and Salmonella- to ensure that we are always pathogen free! We are already certified organic by the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) and California Department of California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). You can find our company JL Organics LLC listed in the CCOF Directory!

Vermisterra is a CCOF business partnerAs one of the first organic certification agencies, CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) has strong roots in the history of the organic movement. CCOF was instrumental in advocating for federal organic legislation; our organic certification standards were used as a foundation for the USDA National Organic Program, finally making “certified organic” a federally regulated claim. After more than 30 years of fighting for organic integrity, we continue to certify, educate, advocate, and promote organic.

 

CCOF organizes educational and technical training events for farmers, handlers, and farm advisors to expand their knowledge of organic practices and ensure they are equipped to comply with organic standards. Learn more about CCOF and what they do at https://www.ccof.org.

 

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Benefits of Organic Gardening

Growing organically has many benefits in a wide range of areas. It is ecologically friendly and less harmful to the environment than conventional farming methods. Crops grown organically produce comparable yields to those grown synthetically but are higher quality. Organic farming also brings economic benefits, bringing in more money per crop. Among the benefits of going green is the knowledge that you are choosing a sustainable method of farming and living.

Organic farming is ecologically friendly in many ways. It promotes biodiversity both above and below ground. This diversity helps in biological control of pests and increases pollination by insects. An added benefit of this is the lack of pesticides necessary for green farming. Without the introduction of pesticides, organic farmers don’t need to worry about possible contaminations. Along with this, they greatly reduce adverse environmental effects brought about by excess runoff of chemicals into the ground and rivers. Organic farmers see higher soil organic matter and nitrogen in their soil and conservation of soil moisture and water resources, which is especially advantageous for the environment during a drought.

Customers are demanding organic fruit and vegetables now that consumers are more aware of the possible pesticides and toxins on their food. Many consumers say organic food tastes better.  Organic fruits and vegetables do not contain as many toxic additives and boast 19 to 69 percent more antioxidants than conventional fruits and vegetables. Organic fruits, vegetables, and grains have several measureable nutritional benefits over conventional crops. Without pesticides to guard against harm, an organically farmed plant will produce more of its own compounds, called antioxidants, to fight damage. And when consumed by humans, these antioxidants also protect our bodies from harm.

The benefits of organic farming touch on all aspects of living.  Among the benefits are more nutrients per serving which benefits those eating organic, and sustainable farming  preserves Earth and her natural balance, making it possible to eat and live healthy for generations to come.

Organic grapes ripening on a vine
Organic grapes ripening on a vine

 

 

 

sources:

https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/demand-organic-food-growing-faster-domestic-supply

http://theplate.nationalgeographic.com/2014/07/14/organic-foods-are-tastier-and-healthier-study-finds/

http://www.ncagr.gov/cyber/kidswrld/plant/nutrient.htm

http://bioscience.oxfordjournals.org/content/55/7/573.full

http://www.systems-comparison.fibl.org/fileadmin/documents/shop/1546-organic-world-2011.pdf#page=26

 

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Farmer’s Appreciation Day and Visiting Derby Orchard

Uncle Steve and Mindy went on a road trip to Yuba City, a big agricultural area near Sacramento. We had a great time sharing the benefits of earthworm castings and worm casting tea. We met with almond, peach, prune, and walnut farmers at the Farmer’s Appreciation Lunch. Attorneys, council members, and farmers checked out tractors, solar panels and organic soil!  We ate some amazing Indian food and American BBQ!

 

Then we ended the day with a tour of Derby Orchard to see their prune and walnut trees. We chatted about worm castings, chemical vs organic fertilizers, correcting soil problems, the joys of farming after decades working in the corporate world. Uncle Steve checked their soil and trees, and was able to explain some of the causes of a couple challenges. Then we did a taste test while blind folded to prove that different brands and types of walnuts taste completely different. We really love the ladies at Derby Orchard and their dedication to fresh walnuts. Check out their Facebook page HERE. On our tour of the walnut orchards, we met the Derby girl’s two rescue pups, saw the neat harvesting machinery, and even got to hang out with their miniature ponies!