welfare standards and contamination from conventional farm fields.
Can the public provide input
to the 2018 Farm Bill? President Trump’s proposed “skinny” budget seeks to gut many federal programs, including those designed to protect the environment, so we need to urge elected representatives to stand up for organic farmers as the new bill develops. Historically, heav- ily funded commodity crop interests fight against assistance programs that encourage low-income people to buy healthy foods. Organic agriculture made strides
in the 2014 Farm Bill, which pro- vided increased support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program, crop insurance, organic research and organic certifi- cation cost-sharing programs. To help meet surging demand for organics, it’s important to support initiatives like the Conservation Reserve and Transition Initiatives programs that provide resources for farmers to move
from synthetic chemical farming to organic methods.
Besides healthier food, what other benefits of organic farming have convinced late adopters to convert? Healthy soil, full of billions of beneficial microorganisms, is a major byproduct of regenerative organic farming. Organic farming creates diverse, healthy ecosystems that protect wildlife. However, any agricultural model that’s fixated on yields at the expense of soil health will incur a steep price as those farms won’t remain productive for future generations. Regenerative organic farming facil-
itates storage of carbon in the ground, making it integral to addressing the climate crisis. Organic Manifesto makes the case plain; to optimize your own and the planet’s health— buy, grow and eat organic food.
Randy Kambic is a freelance writer and editor in Estero, FL, and regular contribu- tor to Natural Awakenings.
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