One of the major debating points between proponents and critics of organic agriculture is whether eating certified organic food reduces exposure to pesticides. The critics argue that the Food and Drug Administration food handling requirements, and the food industry’s operating
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It’s not easy as a farmer to make the transition to growing food that can be certified organic. First, there is the cost of certification, followed by a three-year transition period in which the land must be farmed organically but
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I tuned in to my favorite show the other afternoon. This was a particularly good episode; a little bit of drama…some jostling among the stars…and a real family theme. I call it Bison TV. It plays out every day on
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I listened last week as Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addressed the Organic Trade Association’s annual policy conference in Washington, D.C. It wasn’t surprising to listen to the Secretary wade through a checklist of initiatives his agency has undertaken to
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Why does dirt under the fingernails feel so good? My postage stamp-sized backyard vegetable garden is my refuge each morning and afternoon during my hectic workday. As soon as the frost broke in March, I was turning the dirt to
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