[CSA Update] Welcome to week 13

Organically grown food has been getting more popular over the years, and it’s easy to understand why. Whether you’re trying to make sure your family is eating healthy, or you’re looking to support farmers who practice sustainable growing practices, organic has become the go-to label for food that is produced with the environment and people in mind. But what exactly does organic mean? And what is the difference between IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and organic? It’s a question I’ve been exploring lately as we do both here on the farm, and I’ve realized there’s a lot to learn when it comes to understanding the various approaches to vegetable farming.

What is IPM?

IPM stands for Integrated Pest Management and it’s an approach to vegetable farming that uses a combination of different techniques to monitor and control pest problems. This includes things like using natural predators in the fields to control pests, monitoring the crops to spot problems early on, and using chemical treatments when absolutely necessary. The goal of IPM is to use as little pesticide as possible, while still controlling pests and maintaining healthy crops. What is Organic? Organic is a label that is used to indicate that the food was grown according to certain standards. This includes things like not using synthetic chemicals, promoting biodiversity, and using sustainable growing methods to keep soils healthy. It’s important to note that organic is not necessarily chemical-free, as some organic farmers may use natural pesticides when needed to control pests.

The Difference Between IPM and Organic

The main difference between IPM and organic is the approach to pest control. With IPM, the farmer is monitoring the crops to see which pests are causing problems and at what severity, and then using the most appropriate method to address the issue. With organic, the farmer is taking a more proactive approach by trying to prevent pest problems in the first place.

There is a Cost

In general, conventional farming often relies on synthetic inputs and intensive practices, which can result in lower production costs. However, IPM and organic approaches prioritize sustainability, environmental stewardship, and natural pest control methods, which require additional labor, certified organic inputs, and more holistic management practices. As a result, IPM and organic produce can be relatively more expensive to produce. Nevertheless, supporting IPM and organic farming through purchasing decisions can contribute to long-term environmental health, reduced chemical exposure, and the preservation of ecosystems, promoting a more sustainable food system.

Why Does it Matter?

Understanding the difference between IPM and organic is important because it helps us make informed decisions about the food we eat. There is room for every type of growing approach to make sure we can feed our community in a way that is safe and healthy. It’s also important to remember that organic is not a universal definition and that we need to dig deeper to learn about a farmer’s approach to production. When it comes to food safety, it’s also important to keep in mind that the US inspects less than 2% of the food that comes across the border.

So, if you’re looking for food that is grown sustainably and responsibly, it’s best to establish a direct relationship with the farmer. Talk to them and ask questions about their growing practices so you can be sure of what’s going into the food on your table.

In conclusion, it’s important to understand the difference between IPM and organic in vegetable farming. Both approaches can help us ensure that our food is safe and healthy, but it’s important to go beyond the label and build a relationship with the farmer to really know what’s going into the food on your plate.  Thank you for eating locally grown, asking questions, and loving your vegetables.