Organic Farming

Organic farming is a way to produce food without the use of chemical pesticides and genetic engineering. However, certain pesticides derived from natural sources may be used. Not just any farm can say its organic and you cant convert your farm into an organic one overnight. The requirements for a farm to be considered organic are as follows:

1. You can not use any of the prohibited substances on your land for at least three years before the harvest of your first organic crop
2. Genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, and sewage sludge is prohibited
3.  Soil fertility and crop nutrients will be managed through tillage and cultivation practices, crop rotations, and cover crops, supplemented with animal and crop waste materials and allowed synthetic materials. 
4. Preference will be given to organic seeds and other planting stock, but a farmer may use non organic seeds and planting stock given certain conditions
5. Crop pests, weeds, and diseases are to be controlled primarily through management practices including physical, mechanical and biological controls
6. When the above practices are not enough, botanical, biological or synthetic substance that has been approved on the National list can be used