Definitions
Many of the following definitions are provided as they pertain to food cultivation or in classifying healthy food itself.If there are other terms that you would like clarified, please email the web manager with any details.
Sustainable Practises
"Sustainable agriculture is a way of raising food that is healthy for consumers and animals, does not harm the environment, is humane for workers, respects animals, provides a fair wage to the farmer, and supports and enhances rural communities."[Source: Sustainable Table ]
Sustainable farming is really not a new concept in terms of growing healthy food. The philosophy and principles have been gaining momentum as more and more consumers are concerned about the health of their food, especially the use of growth hormones and additives. This may spill over into animal welfare, the environment, living conditions of the workers and buying close to home or supporting small farm operations.
Certified Organic Goats & Sustainable Farm Practices
Lahmans' Heritage Food Farm, Tara Ontario
Sustainable Versus Organic? As noted in the above caption, a farming operation is able to exist with both labels of being certified organic & a sustainable farm operation. Not all certified organic farms are employing sustainable farm practices. The reverse however, is often true sustainable farms often limit applying chemicals or antibodies to their land, animals and in growing food products. Being certified is an option, but a necessary requirement in order to use the term 'Organic', in any Canadian advertising. The certification process to be classed as organically grown, is an added cost for the food producer. Some producers, may follow the principles behind organic growing without paying for the ability to use the label. They rely on the informed consumer's trust in the integrity of the grower rather than putting total confidence in just a classification system. Sustainability as applied to farm operations is more of a philosophical viewpoint rather than a hard set of rules that govern day to day farming. Farms interpret and put into practice different interpretations of the philosophy.
Characteristics of this type of agriculture include: Source: Sustainable Table
- Conservation and preservation. What is taken out of the environment is put back in, so land and resources such as water, soil and air can be replenished and are available to future generations. The waste from sustainable farming stays within the farm’s ecosystem and cannot cause buildup or pollution. In addition, sustainable agriculture seeks to minimize transportation costs and fossil fuel use, and is as locally-based as possible.
- Biodiversity. Farms raise different types of plants and animals, which are rotated around the fields to enrich the soil and help prevent disease and pest outbreaks. Chemical pesticides are used minimally and only when necessary; many sustainable farms do not use any form of chemicals.
- Animal welfare. Animals are treated humanely and with respect, and are well cared for. They are permitted to carry out their natural behaviors, such as grazing, rooting or pecking, and are fed a natural diet appropriate for their species.
- Economically viable. Farmers are paid a fair wage and are not dependent on subsidies from the government. Sustainable farmers help strengthen rural communities.
- Socially just. Workers are treated fairly and paid competitive wages and benefits. They work in a safe environment and are offered proper living conditions and food.
Know Your Roots – Apples at Stone Ridge Orchard
When is a non-organic apple better than an organic one? When that non-organic apple is grown on a local farm that practices sustainable agriculture. In this video we head to Stone Ridge Orchard, located in the Hudson River valley two hours north of New Your City, to see how they are using progressive ecological farming methods to produce apples that are good tasting, good for the land, and good for your health. We learn that sustainable farming can't always be pesticide free, but can use natural ecosystems and pests like aphids to reduce pesticide use and promote land stewardship. And we get an introduction to Stone Ridge's "Know Your Roots" philosophy, which acknowledges that every farm is different, and that organic food is more than a label on your produce. Check out these apples' roots. You'll never look at a Granny Smith the same way again.
Gearing up for the 2011 Season starting May 21, 2011
