Hydroponics is the system of growing crops in nutrient solutions, usually indoors and under lights. Organic Standards clearly require that only biologically and ecologically based growing practices qualify as organic.
Organic integrity is at stake here. The National Organic Program (NOP) is already allowing some certifying agencies to OK hydroponic operations and is ready to issue a directive that completely bypasses the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) 2010 recommendations and review process to give hydroponic operations the full go-ahead.
Some biologically active, ecologically-balanced operations such as aquaponics (utilizing fish-based nutrient systems) may well qualify but it is imperative that the NOP first take on the difficult task of writing standards – based on the required NOSB guideline input – before allowing hydroponics as an organic practice.
A petition to persuade the NOP to undertake this review process was begun by a Vermont farmer earlier this month and is spreading all around the country.
Please Sign this Petition Now to Protect Organic Integrity!!
GO TO: http://www.keepthesoilinorganic.org/
Posted: to Policy in the News on Wed, Jan 1, 2014
Updated: Tue, Oct 16, 2018
