The widespread popularity of farmers markets in the U.S. has focused attention on the U.S. Agriculture Department's use of the word "organic," USA Today reports.
Northern Virginia farmer Hana Newcomb told the publication she never has used any pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals, going back to well before the federal government first regulated the word in 2002. She said she prefers to call what her farm grows "ecoganic" as a method of prompting inquiries from customers about growing strategies.
"My customers put faith in me to provide them exactly what I say I'm growing," farmer Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia told the publication. "Polyface is open to any visitor, unannounced, 24/7/365 … unescorted. That's our credibility."
Some farmers' practices exceed requirements mandated by the Department of Agriculture to be considered organic but they don't bother keeping up with the required paperwork in part because of the significant demand. Salatin of Polyface Farm said he would have to hire an additional full-time employee to take on the responsibility.
The Department of Agriculture requires a three-year transition period for the land in point unless the landowner can prove no prohibited substances were used on that land or nearby within the past three years.
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