Continuous improvement is the name of the game when it comes to sustainable plant production. There are always new practices to learn, new products to try and new systems to explore for lower environmental impact. The challenge, of course, is having the time, money and energy—among other factors—to assess which of these will work best for the specific plants you are growing, in your specific context. This is where organic programs can be beneficial for growers.
Simply put, the word “organic” is typically used to describe a program in which specific guidelines have been developed and approved by a governing body—such as a state or federal agency—to give consumers clarity about how those products were grown and raised. They also provide insights for growers about the products they can use to remain fully organic. For example, California maintains the California Department of Food and Agriculture State Organic Program. This program enforces both federal and state rules around organic food production.
Not only do organic standards guide the labeling of the final product that arrives on the shelves of a grocery or farm store, they also inform the inputs used to grow specific plants or foods. The CDFA Organic certified label appears on products such as Worm Power, a shelf-stable and 100% vermicompost plant amendment.
Among the benefits of organic products and organic production is that they provide growers with more options to meet demands for specific plants in the marketplace. Fruit and vegetable production continues to claim the No. 1 position in organic foods, according to a report from ResearchandMarkets.com, and with that will come increasing demand for alternatives to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to keep plants healthy for end users. The increase in U.S. organic farms to more than 16,500 operations will further buoy that demand, the U.S. Department of Agriculture notes.
The financial opportunities from organic production are impressive, according to the Organic Trade Association. Sales eclipsed $63 billion between 2020 and 2021, including $57.5 billion of food and $6 billion of non-food products. This creates further economic incentives for organic farms to grow and for entrepreneurs to enter the organic market for the first time.
Another benefit of organic is the labeling that provides a common language for discussing and understanding the production practices used in organic farming. Helpful guidelines on navigating organic labels can be found on the NSF blog. In short, labels refer to the percentage of a product that is composed of organic ingredients.
Although the benefits of organic are likely different for every business owner, there’s no question that organic farming systems can create economic, environmental and consumer engagement opportunities. If you are seeking a proven, CDFA Organic-certified vermicompost plant amendment, look no further than Worm Power. Our products provide a better and more sustainable path forward for your farm operation. To learn more, visit our website or call 855-260-9676.
