Organic Acquires Company
What comes to mind when you hear “certified organic”? You might think of food that is free from harmful pesticides, hormones, and GMOs, or perhaps you picture a lush farm where the grower is committed to environmental health.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines organic farming as methods that promote the cycling of resources on the farm, encourage ecological balance, and protect biodiversity. This includes practices aimed at improving soil and water quality and conserving wildlife habitats.
By this definition, a hydroponic facility operating without soil or sunlight, where plants grow in a nutrient-enriched water solution, seems misaligned with organic principles. However, such produce can still be certified as organic by the USDA. This provision is a point of contention for many small organic farmers across the nation, who have devoted years to fostering a movement and cultivating a trusted brand rooted in land stewardship.
So why the uproar over this issue? After all, a hydroponically grown tomato or strawberry might not contain the harmful chemicals found in conventionally grown produce, and isn’t that the essence of organic? However, the pioneers of the organic movement argue that the distinction of organic farming lies not just in the avoidance of harmful substances but in a comprehensive approach to food cultivation that recognizes that the health of the land—particularly the soil—is crucial for producing healthy food.
The Importance of Soil
Hydroponic systems may enhance efficiency and yield by eliminating the land component, yet it’s essential to acknowledge what is sacrificed. We forfeit an age-old partnership among soil, insects, microbes, fungi, sunlight, and plants—essentially, food that emerges from a thriving ecological system.
Jean-Martin Fortier, an organic farmer and educator in Quebec affiliated with the Real Organic Project, views hydroponics as perpetuating a flawed agricultural model.
“By bypassing soil, whether in conventional farming using synthetic fertilizers or hydroponics, we are missing out on vital components. Soil is what fosters fertility,” says Fortier.
The profound impact of soil on health might be more significant than previously understood, as emerging research highlights its critical role in enhancing immune function and nutrient delivery to plants through the soil food web. What consequences arise when we treat soil as non-essential?
The Appeal of Organic
Given the growing consumer interest in organic produce, it’s understandable that the hydroponics sector would want to capitalize on the organic label. However, the high initial investments required for indoor farming technologies puts small-scale growers at a disadvantage, as larger operations can benefit from economies of scale.
Small farmers may find it challenging to maintain price competitiveness with hydroponic products, particularly as the organic label does not allow them to highlight differences in cultivation methods, potentially leaving consumers unaware.
The Role of Traditional Knowledge
As farmers who possess deep understanding of their local ecosystems are replaced by technology such as AI and robotics, we risk losing invaluable connections to the land and agricultural knowledge that come from living on it.
If our food systems become reliant on constant electricity, manufactured nutrients, and seeds that have not adapted to natural conditions, how resilient are they?
Small-scale organic farmers contend that it’s insufficient for food merely to be chemical-free or nutritionally similar. Fortier emphasizes that natural farming reflects our values and what we hold dear. “That’s what this is really about,” he asserts.
The Rise of Regenerative Practices
In response, a new label is becoming popular among both farmers and consumers: regenerative. This form of agriculture aligns with many organic principles while integrating both ancestral ecological wisdom and contemporary science.
Regenerative agriculture involves holistic practices that enhance the land’s health and productivity over time, standing in stark contrast to conventional methods. Ranging from cover cropping to livestock integration, these practices enhance carbon storage and sequestration in the soil—an essential consideration in light of climate change.
Some estimates suggest soil managed under regenerative practices could sequester a considerable share of global CO2 emissions, with the Rodale Institute claiming this figure could reach 100 percent.
This transformative approach could shift agriculture from being a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions to a net carbon sink. Additionally, carbon-dense soils improve water retention and nutrients, boosting resilience against climate-related disturbances like droughts and floods.
Choosing Wisely
In terms of regenerative standards, hydroponic cultivation does not make the cut. While it may utilize fewer resources like land and water, it lacks the biodiversity that enriches a farm’s ecosystem and its soil.
Regenerative farmers don’t shy away from land use; when done correctly, their land management reflects a regenerative force in the local ecosystem. Moreover, they contribute to carbon capture.
Building a clean, fair food system for both humans and the planet may involve some hydroponics, but whether organic, soil-less, or regenerative, it is essential to make informed choices as consumers. As Wendell Berry, the esteemed farmer and author reminds us, “eating is an agricultural act.”
Fortier suggests that connecting with local farmers at farmers’ markets is the best way to discern how produce is grown. Many producers engage in organic or regenerative methods without formal certification, so asking questions is encouraged. Don’t hesitate to inquire about the origins of the fruits and vegetables at your local grocery store, too.
This article was originally published in the April 2022 issue of Daitrl.
