Henderson Family Farm
An Organic Alternative
Organic
Certification
A frequent question at the markets now days is just what does
"CERTIFIED ORGANIC" mean.
According to the Organic Farming Research Foundation,
certified organic refers
to agricultural products that have been grown and processed according to
uniform standards, verified by independent state or private organizations
accredited by the USDA.  
All products sold as "
organic" must be certified.
Certification includes annual submission of an organic system plan and inspection
of farm fields and processing facilities.  Inspectors verify that organic practices
such as long-term soil management, buffering between organic farms and
neighboring conventional farms, and record keeping are being followed.  
Certified organic requires the rejection of synthetic agro chemicals, irradiation
and genetically engineered foods or ingredients.  Organic farmers are not
allowed to use synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.  Since 2002, organic
certification in the U.S. has taken place under the authority of the USDA National
Organic Program, which accredits organic certifying agencies, and oversees the
regulatory process.  

To find out more about the national organic certification requirements and
organic program, please go to the USDA National Organic Program website
USDA Organics.
Lewis' Hen House & Veggie Farm
was "Certified Organic" on
February 12, 2008 by CCOF,  an accreditation
organization for organic farmers certified by
the USDA.