PART I, FACT & MYTH

When asked the difference between organic goods and those labeled all-natural, eco-friendly, or naturally grown, consumers may respond that these are one and the same. In reality, they are different.

In 1990, the federal Organic Foods Production Act established the National Organic Program (NOP) to support specialty crop producers,* organic farmers, and the standards for producing, handling, and processing organically grown agricultural products.
Organic foods are typically from farms growing specialty crops (fruits, vegetables, and other small-scale produced crops and livestock) for direct market to consumers and local markets. In Alabama and across the nation, both organic and other specialty crop farms sell to an ever-expanding market

So many terms! Knowing what each one means helps you choose what’s right for you.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines organic as a labeling term for food and other agricultural products in much the same way as it defines labeling terms for the grading of beef, eggs, and dairy products. The organic label can only be used on products produced by NOP-approved methods, which are intended to promote and enhance biodiversity, biological cycles, and biological soil activity. They are based on the minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, and enhance natural cycling of the farm’s ecological resources. Use of the word organic is mandated by the NOP standards.

Thus, all-natural and organic are not the same. All-natural or eco-friendly products might have been produced using some of the organic standards and principles in the pre- or postharvest of their ingredients, but these labels do not guarantee that the product complies with the federal regulations defining organic. Although organic farming and all-natural gardens can both support a local ecology, only one is certified.

More to come! Next week we look at the labels closer.

MARKET CHITCHAT

Summer Schedule: Now that we’ve got all our spring farmer’s markets and Open House behind us we’ve done a big exhale and wanted to let you know what’s in the works. At this time the only thing set in stone is a break in schedule for the week of Saturday, June 29 – Friday, July 5. The Market will reopen for orders on Saturday, July 6.

If we get enough interest we may do a canning class in June or July.
Fall Farmer’s Market will start in September.

New & Relisted Products – Woo-Hoo!

• Moringa Powder from Smart Doc Resources
• Green cabbage Avalon Farms
• Zephyr Squash
• Yellow Crookneck Squash
• Yellow Straight Squash
• Zucchini Squash
• Swiss Chard
• Slicing Cucumbers
• Moringa Leaves from Mayim Farms
• Pickling Cucumbers
• Snacking Cucumbers
• Kinston Sweet Onions and Creole Red Onions!
• Blackberries
• Red Potatoes
• Turnips (possibly)

THIS WEEK’S GROWER NOTES

We have the best Growers in the Wiregrass! Please learn more about them on our Grower Page.

SMART DOC RESOURCES: Greetings! I have just returned from my 2nd trip to Africa. Our nonprofit Earth Farm Gambia is up and running. More info on that later. But also brought back lots of moringa (freshly harvested) and shea butter from Mali. I worked with some of the farmers (myfarm for one) and got some of their recipes for tea and soap. This week we are listing freshly ground moringa leaves and moringa tea with recipes. Also I have a few pounds of raw pure shea butter. Our hydroponics have been dismantled and we are moving indoors. The garage gets a little too warm for these delicate leaves and produce. Watch for an announcement soon. Hopefully we will have microgreens back in two weeks. A little info about moringa:

Moringa
The National Health Institute calls it the plant of the year. It africa it is called the living tree and the tree that never dies. Throughout the world, moringa is used for treating widespread conditions such as inflammation related diseases, cancer, diabetes, anemia, arthritis, allergies, asthma, constipation, stomach and intestinal issues, epilepsy, chronic headaches, high blood pressure, kidney stones, libido issues, viral and bacterial infections, fluid retention and much more. It is also widely used for weight loss and to increase energy. It is chock full of nutrients per gram than most foods. For example, it has two times the amount of protein than yogurt, four times the amount of vit A as carrots, three times the amount of potassium as bananas and four times the amount of calcium than in cows milk. In africa they put moringa in recipes and drink tea several times a day (along with green tea). Recipes will be posted on fb page.

We have listed powder and several different tea recipes, including plain moringa in resealable tea bags so you can add your own ingredients to taste.

Our organic garden is growing too….so watch for announcements. Please feel free if you have any questions to contact me.

Blessings
Virginia and Clifford

Moringa: such powerful nutrition in such a small plant!

MAYIM FARMS: Mayim Farm…. Listing fresh Moringa leaves again for season 2019. One of the most nutritionally dense plants we grow. editor’s note – Mayim’s moringa trees are located on their farm in Opp, AL

AVALON FARMS

So much going on!!! That’s how spring is every year for every farmer. You wait and watch, hope and pray, and then suddenly everything starts producing. Which is awesome!!! But now you have to harvest everyday. Rinse the dirt off and remove the field heat. Then pack in crates and store in the cooler. It’s wonderful and it never takes a day off.

Oh, and while dealing with this wonderful abundance, keep the weeds at bay, water, fertilize and plant the next succession of crops.

Last week, the onion harvest started (still going on). This week, the potato harvest will start. Garlic will be soon.

Blackberries and blueberries are starting to ripen.

The “To Do List” is long and resets everyday. LOL But the best part is seeing you select my products and then bringing them to you on Friday. ? Thank you for allowing me to be apart of your life.