What is Organic
Our soil is free of any chemicals to include chemical fertilizers or pesticides! Our land had not been farmed in over 100 years. Originally a Gravenstein apple orchard, we meticulously removed the dead trees, while preserving the existing topsoil. No new soil was brought in from outside our farm.
We only utilize certified organic seed and planing stock. This ensures that there are no GMO’s or harmful chemicals in our seeds or plants. And we only use an OMRI (Organic Materials Research Institute) certified organic seed staring mix for our seed seeing and seedling production.
We plant certified organic cover crops throughout the season to build and maintain our soil structure, enhancing the organic matter and nutrient content in our soils.
We use only OMRI certified organic fish and kelp fertilizers.
We use natural mulches to control weeds while preserving soil structure and providing organic matter. We hand weed and never use chemical weed killers of any kind on the farm.
We attract beneficial insects and animals by companion planting around the farm that attracts beneficial insects and also installing many bird houses. We have many beneficial insects and animals that eat our pests like toads, snakes, birds, praying mantis, lace wings, lady bugs, soldier bugs, many spiders and lots more!
We use inter-planting and rotation of crops to offset pest populations. We hand pick insects or wash plants with water. We allow for some insect damage! Use of Cover Crops helps offsets insect pest populations.
We use only an approved Organic certified pesticide (OMRI or Baysate Organic Approval) when absolutely essential to prevent decimation of a crop. For example, we use an approved baking soda and vegetable oil wash for powdery mildew on our squash and cucumber leaves.
6. Water Conservation
We have installed a well specifically for farm use. The well water is tested every year to ensure purity. We have installed a micro-irrigation (drip) watering system to minimize the amount of water used for irrigation.
7. Soil Conservation
We disturb the soil as minimally as possible. This ensures that the biome (living organisms) stay healthy to breakdown organic matter providing needed nutrition for the growing plants. This also helps with keeping pest populations in check and reduces chances of water and wind erosion. We also work diligently at keeping the soil covered most all of the time with a vegetable crop, cover crop or mulch. Using our micro-irrrigation system also reduces water erosion and run-off.
8. Washing and Packaging
To wash our vegetables we use only our tested well water. To wash tools or picking baskets we use water and organic vinegar. We can use only new packing supplies to ensure the food is clean and free from any contamination. All equipment must either be new or thoroughly cleaned before use on the farm.
9. Records & Inspections
We must keep accurate daily records of everything we do on the farm including soil preparation, watering, seed purchases, planting, fertilizing, pest management, harvesting, sales and much more!
We applied to Baystate Organic Certifiers for our initial and subsequent certifications and must follow all USDA Organic Certification Standards. Our facility and records are inspected on a regular basis by Baystate Organic Certifiers. Follow the link to view our certification.
10. We must pay a fee!
The fee schedule is based on our expected sales for the year.