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In reviewing my CSA posts for accuracy, Theresa pointed out that I hadn't differentiated certified organic CSA's from conventional ones. I stand corrected, of course, and leave you with her words to elucidate: "Both of course, are sourcing locally, but certified organic producers are also producing based on a set of national organic standards enforced by the (Canadian) Food Inspection Agency - a third party inspected and verified system to ensure the consumer gets what they think they are getting"
In Theresa's experience, many consumers seem to confuse "local" and "organic, and assume that buying direct from a farm means buying non GMO (genetically modified organisms), pesticide free goods. Again in her words "Nothing could be further from the truth".
Directly below is a statement from the Canadian Organic Growers organization, on Certified Organic Food:
Organic production is based on principles that support healthy practices. These principles aim to increase the quality and the durability of the environment through specific management and production methods. They also focus on ensuring the humane treatment of animals.
The general principles of organic production are to:
- Protect the environment, minimize soil degradation and erosion, decrease pollution, optimize biological productivity and promote a sound state of health.
- Maintain long-term soil fertility by optimizing conditions for biological activity within the soil.
- Maintain biological diversity within the system.
- Recycle materials and resources to the greatest extent possible within the enterprise.
- Provide attentive care that promotes the health and meets the behavioural needs of livestock.
- Prepare organic products, emphasizing careful processing, and handling methods in order to maintain the organic integrity and vital qualities of the products at all stages of production
- Rely on renewable resources in locally organized agricultural systems.