Tags

The Organic Center performs a crucial role in combatting the myths routinely espoused and actively promoted by today’s global agrochemical companies. The Organic Center undertakes and commissions scholarly research across all aspects of both organic and conventional agriculture. As such, they are particularly well positioned to provide relevant insights into the benefits of leading an organic lifestyle. The following video provides a synopsis of the work performed by The Organic Center as well as offering some robust data supporting organic food consumption. It also introduces the Center’s Mission Organic 2010, which aims to increase organic food consumption in the US from its current level of 3% to 10% by 2010. This is a really...

Cotton is grown from Brazil to West Africa. Unfortunately, the conditions for cotton growers in many of the world’s poorer regions are not the same as those enjoyed in, for example, the United States. Organophosphate and organochloride pesticides are routinely applied to conventional cotton crops in many developing countries. This is despite the fact that these chemicals have long since been banned in Western countries. It is estimated that 220,000 farmers die from pesticide poisoning each year, while approximately 1 million farmers suffer from adverse health consequences as a result of pesticide exposure. The following documentary, which was produced by the UK’s Pesticide Action Network, looks at the differences between organic...

Jose Elanjhimattam is an organic farmer from Kerala, India. He is one of a growing number of Indian farmers who are making the switch from chemical fertilizers to organic principles. In this video, Jose explains how the loss of soil nutrients arising from past chemical fertilizer misuse had rendered his land sterile. During the three year transition phase Jose’s soil was incapable of supporting crops. Armed with an academic background in agriculture as well as knowledge of traditional Indian farming practices, Jose has been able to successfully reinvigorate his farmland into a productive asset supporting organically grown black pepper crops.

A good selection of perennials provides an ongoing framework for the organic flower garden. Perennials are plants which flourish, then die back before re-establishing themselves in a seasonal cycle which should continue for at least several years. They can almost be considered permanent in cooler climates which provide favourable growing conditions. On account of this longevity, it is worthwhile preparing their ground thoroughly prior to planting. Most perennials benefit from well aerated soils which contain substantial quantities of thoroughly broken down organic materials such as compost, manure, and leaf mould. Healthy juveniles are generally available as potted plants from organic nurseries and plant wholesalers. In temperate climates these...

From historical times to present, writers and artists have always sought inspiration amidst the strength and majesty of living trees. They comfort the soul, and quietly offer their reassurance during difficult times. An American Indian proverb describes them as our silent brothers, sharing the sacred journey of life. Whether chosen for their flowers, fruit, or foliage, trees are accurately described as framework plants. In this capacity they influence the visual and aesthetic characteristics of their surrounding environment. Above all, trees provide the sense of permanence which characterises an established organic garden. Once established, many varieties of tree are low maintenance and provide an additional dimension to gardens, particularly...