Sustainability of Organic Farming

What is Organic Farming?

Organic farming is an agricultural production that exudes the use of genetically modified materials in the seed, fertilizers, and pesticides. There is extra care involved in organic farming to ensure the correct treatment of crops to improve the soil’s property and ability to support the crop naturally.

According to the Organic Farming Research Foundation, “organic farmers use biological fertilizer inputs and management practices such as cover cropping and crop rotation to improve soil quality and build organic soil matter.” The time and effort spent to maintain and improve the soil shows in the crops produced. A healthy and holistic approach to the care of the soil nurtures the crop with water and nutrient absorption as well as the increased ability to fight off insects and diseases.

Soil Health

Organic farming revolves around the health of the soil. When the soil is at its healthiest, it can best protect the planted crop. Here are a couple methods that organic farmers use to treat the soil:

1. Cover Cropping

   A cover crop is the planting of a crop to cover and protect the soil-- not for harvest. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education teaches us that “a cover crop is a plant that is used primarily to slow erosion, improve soil health, enhance water availability, smother weeds, help control pests and diseases, increase biodiversity and bring a host of other benefits to your farm.” Cover cropping is an investment that farmers use to build the health of their soil to benefit future crops.

2. Crop Rotation

   Rather than sticking to the same crop all year, crop rotation increases the health of the soil by planting a variety of crops in the same field. Different crops require different nutrients which can lead to a depletion of that nutrient in the soil. By rotating crops, farmers are able to provide a break for the soil to allow time for replension and recovery.

Sustainability of Organic Farming

This agricultural approach combines the ancestral techniques of providing from the land as well as modern research to allow each acre to reach its full potential. The sustainability of organic farming is clear in its lack of harmful pesticides and additives.

Preventative measures are taken rather than treating damage from insects or disease with harmful chemicals and genetically modified bandaids. These added chemicals can infect the product as well as the air quality and water sources. Using natural, organic methods of farming helps to eliminate pollution and improve soil and water quality.

USDA Certified Organic

At Kate’s Real Food, we choose only the best products to fill our organic energy bars. Our USDA certified seal means more to us than just providing healthy food bars. We work to continually show our support for the sustainability of organic farming and the difference it makes in our beautiful world. Shop our real food bars here!