US: Coalition for Sustainable Organics advocates for organic hydroponics
“The Coalition for Sustainable Organics believes that everyone deserves organic and this proposal will make it harder for consumers to access organic produce,” stated Lee Frankel, executive director for the Coalition. “The discussion document will diminish the relevancy of organic produce as a meaningful solution to the environmental challenges faced by growers. Organics should continue to allow growers adapt to their site-specific conditions within the parameters of avoiding the use of GMO’s, synthetic pesticides and fertilizers while creating active biological systems to nourish the plants. As noted in a 2016 survey of organic consumers, consumers overwhelmingly support the continued use of organic production systems that utilize containers.”
Karen Archipley, co-owner of Archi’s Acres, a certified organic greenhouse operation in Escondido, California producing living basil, kale and other fresh produce, expressed her concerns about the proposal. “I am deeply disappointed in the document. The Crops Subcommittee ignored the science regarding the rich biology we use to nourish our plants,” stated Archipley. “We are proud of the military veterans, their spouses and the many civilians that we have trained to grow using hydro-organic methods and to open their own new farms to deliver high quality and flavor products that our customers love. Organic growers must do our part to conserve natural resources and grow in harmony with nature based on the conditions in our local environment.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has opened a formal comment period where everyone, including consumers, producers, restaurants and supermarkets can express their view on the Crops Subcommittee’s proposal.
“The future of our diverse and sustainable organic supply is at risk,” said Frankel. “People need to share their opinion with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Organics Standards Board to allow our farmers to remain proud members of the organic family.”
Interested parties can express their opinion online by going to https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=AMS-NOP-16-0100-0001 and submitting a comment.
For more information:
Coalition for Sustainable Organics
+1 619 587 4341
info@coalitionforsustainableorganics.org
www.coalitionforsustainableorganics.org