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Organic Production
Organic farming has many definitions but can
be generally defined in terms of cultural practices and pest and disease control
measures which are allowed, restricted, and prohibited. Organic farming is
a production system which avoids or excludes the use of synthetically compounded
fertilizers, pesticides, and growth regulators. It relies upon crop
rotations, crop residues, animal and green manures, legumes, mechanical
cultivation, and biological pest control to maintain soil productivity, to
supply nutrients, and to control insects, diseases, and weeds.
Approximately 15 states have passed legislation defining organic production
methods. In 1990, Florida passed the Florida Organic Certification Program
which defined organic farming as a food production system based on farm
management methods or practices that rely on building soil fertility by
utilizing crop rotation, recycling of organic waste, application of unsynthesized minerals, and when necessary, mechanical, botanical, or biological
pest control. The Florida Organic Certification Program was implemented in
December 1991. It provides a regulatory framework to protect producers,
retailers, and consumers who desire to produce, market, or purchase organic
foods. Independent certifying agents, licensed by the Florida
Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS), will inspect
farms to make sure producers are complying with provisions and rules of the law.
The US market for organic products has been increasing by 20% each year for the
past eight years, according to several sources in sales and marketing.
They also expect the growth to continue, driven largely by a health-conscious
population and a general sense of environmental responsibility. As the
market grows, so does the opportunity for growers. Put into perspective,
organic products account for only 1% of national food sales, but now account for
about $4 billion annually, compared to $423 billion in conventional food-store
sales. For full report click here Organic
Vegetable Production.
UF-IFAS
Sites
UF-IFAS Publications
The
publications below cover a wide range of topics of special interest to Florida's
organic growers. The topics and publications have been selected as the
ones most appropriate to organic growers. Some publications may include
information on conventional practices, however, the majority of the information
in these selected publications will of great use to organic producers. We
have arranged the information below by major topic for your convenience, but we
also suggest surfing the other sites on our web page for other valuable
information.
Organic Production
Beneficial Insects
Commercial Vegetable Nutrient Management &
Composts
Homeowner Vegetable Nutrient Management
Irrigation
Mulches & Row Covers
Nematodes
State & Federal Agencies
Organizations & Associations
Related Links
Disclaimer: This is a partial list of resources. Mention
of the above sites is not intended to be an endorsement of products or a preference over
other sites and resources.
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