While I recognize the benefits of large organic farms over large conventional farms, It is disappointing to know that much of organic production is profit driven and not rooted in caring for soil, plants, and animals.
C
CG Wood
12 years ago
The production of an organic vegetable or fruit can only be accomplished within the NOP standards as outlined by the use of soil, microbes, nutrient enrichment with organic amendments or green manures, solar radiation, seasonal moon gravitational pulls and of course some water.
But to take this organic food production concept and bouncing it on it's head by removing the soil, placing water (hydro) at the top of the organic food pyramid then replying on non-microbe nutrient enrichment is an abomination of the organic standards and concepts. Whats happening to our years of growing pains and running away from the practices of placing tons of highly dissolve-able salts on our fields only to the see the bad consequences from 'conventional' crop production systems.
A tomato grown in the these hydroponic systems does not have the beneficial effects of microbes living on it's roots from nutrient enriching soil. It can only be a “Frank-in-stein” tomato. It's time the hydroponic movement creates their own standards and not piggy back on the hard work of the organic ancestry and standard bearers.
C
Colleen Allison
12 years ago
We need to maintain the national organic standards. Growing without soil is not organic!!
P
Pam Dawling
12 years ago
I am responsible for growing healthy food for a hundred people, and I know from experience that organically grown produce is the best for the land, the people and the planet. Soil is the basis of healthy food. As the author of the book Sustainable Market Farming, I take seriously my role in education of those growing food.
J
John Amory
12 years ago
Keep Organic in the SOIL!
R
Roswitha Augusta
12 years ago
Organics are ground in healthy soil that nourish the plant. Let's keep our organic standards.
C
Chris Higgins
12 years ago
keep organic soil based!
R
Ramona Thompson
12 years ago
Please do not weaken the Organic label by allowing hydroponics to claim they are organic. I count on that label. It has a specific meaning.
A
Ana Arguelles
12 years ago
I have nothing against hydroponic garderning, however, do not call it organic because it is not organic.
H
henrietta schwarz
12 years ago
Organic is about sustainability and promoting nature.
R
Richard Trenton
12 years ago
Please preserve the integrity of the term 'organic.'
C
cheryl cotrotsos
12 years ago
keep our planet real!
S
Stephen Weir
12 years ago
No organic soil, no organic label. I don't want to consume chemical fertilizers.
M
Mary Marston
12 years ago
My pleasure to support this important petition.
W
W.J. Morris
12 years ago
Why are we playing 'the creator' by pretending we know what is best for ourselves. The condition of the earth's environment proves that we don't.
N
nancy marmorella
12 years ago
Scientists are only now beginning to understand the complex nature of soil ecology. It is the height of arrogance to think we can artificially duplicate all the components of soil.
E
Eleanor Cone
12 years ago
Hydroponics chemical fertilizers make growing hydroponically. NOT
P
Pamela Popovich
12 years ago
Hydroponics involves growing produce with chemicals. Organic produce has only those elements present in the soil, not added chemicals.
N
Nancy Wilson
12 years ago
USDA must STOP slip-sliding on organic standards!
L
Louisa Thompson
12 years ago
Hydroponics is an artificial method of producing crops. It is contrary to both the spirit and the science of organic farming. Also, it is not sustainable. It should not be certified as "organic."
While I recognize the benefits of large organic farms over large conventional farms, It is disappointing to know that much of organic production is profit driven and not rooted in caring for soil, plants, and animals.
The production of an organic vegetable or fruit can only be accomplished within the NOP standards as outlined by the use of soil, microbes, nutrient enrichment with organic amendments or green manures, solar radiation, seasonal moon gravitational pulls and of course some water. But to take this organic food production concept and bouncing it on it's head by removing the soil, placing water (hydro) at the top of the organic food pyramid then replying on non-microbe nutrient enrichment is an abomination of the organic standards and concepts. Whats happening to our years of growing pains and running away from the practices of placing tons of highly dissolve-able salts on our fields only to the see the bad consequences from 'conventional' crop production systems. A tomato grown in the these hydroponic systems does not have the beneficial effects of microbes living on it's roots from nutrient enriching soil. It can only be a “Frank-in-stein” tomato. It's time the hydroponic movement creates their own standards and not piggy back on the hard work of the organic ancestry and standard bearers.
We need to maintain the national organic standards. Growing without soil is not organic!!
I am responsible for growing healthy food for a hundred people, and I know from experience that organically grown produce is the best for the land, the people and the planet. Soil is the basis of healthy food. As the author of the book Sustainable Market Farming, I take seriously my role in education of those growing food.
Keep Organic in the SOIL!
Organics are ground in healthy soil that nourish the plant. Let's keep our organic standards.
keep organic soil based!
Please do not weaken the Organic label by allowing hydroponics to claim they are organic. I count on that label. It has a specific meaning.
I have nothing against hydroponic garderning, however, do not call it organic because it is not organic.
Organic is about sustainability and promoting nature.
Please preserve the integrity of the term 'organic.'
keep our planet real!
No organic soil, no organic label. I don't want to consume chemical fertilizers.
My pleasure to support this important petition.
Why are we playing 'the creator' by pretending we know what is best for ourselves. The condition of the earth's environment proves that we don't.
Scientists are only now beginning to understand the complex nature of soil ecology. It is the height of arrogance to think we can artificially duplicate all the components of soil.
Hydroponics chemical fertilizers make growing hydroponically. NOT
Hydroponics involves growing produce with chemicals. Organic produce has only those elements present in the soil, not added chemicals.
USDA must STOP slip-sliding on organic standards!
Hydroponics is an artificial method of producing crops. It is contrary to both the spirit and the science of organic farming. Also, it is not sustainable. It should not be certified as "organic."