Move Makers in Organic: Organic Farming
Have you ever thought about the story behind your food and traced it back to where its journey began? The organic food we eat doesn’t just come from the grocery store shelf — it all comes from a farm. As food makers and food eaters, it’s easy to lose sight of our food’s roots because of our day-to-day disconnect from agriculture.
They incorporate practices that mitigate climate change while providing safe and accessible food for all people. In short, organic farmers are an instrumental element in our food system.
Less than 5% of agricultural land in the United States is managed by organic growers. This may be small, but by no means does their size deprive them of power. In fact, the number of organic farms is growing. More and more farmers are choosing to make the transition to organic, but it is not easy, and they need help. If we want farmers to embrace regenerative practices and a path to certified organic, we must give them tools. At the end of the day, the decision is a three-year-long commitment.
Each farm has needs, circumstances, and risks that are unique to their own production. Surmounting all of the challenges, our organic farms are built on integrity and continually strive to uphold the organic certified seal and supply food makers and food eaters with organic food we can trust. Without our organic farmers, we wouldn’t have organic food in our fridges.
Every year the Organic Trade Association and members rally together and advocate for our organic farmers at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. They share stories from the farm, educate representatives on the needs of the industry, and push policies forward to move the organic industry needle.
We had the chance to talk to leaders lobbying at the Capitol and hear how we can build agricultural awareness and transparency among our consumers and as companies how we can better support our organic farmers.