Organic Practices Organic refers to the way agricultural foods and fibers are produced and processed. Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity, enhancing ecological harmony. Organic agriculture utilizes methods that minimize pollution from air, soil and water. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people.
Organic farmers use a blend of old and new technologies and scientific practices.
Such methods include rotating crops among fields to improve soil fertility and prevent pests from proliferating, and planting select plants to attract beneficial insects that ward off unwanted pests. In December of 2000, The National Organic Standards Board, under the auspices of the US Department of Agriculture, released the final draft of federal guidelines for Organic production. Currently, there are over 40 private organizations and some states that provide that certification. Horizon Organic products are certified by Quality Assurance International. Land on which organic food or fibers are grown must be free of prohibited substances for three years prior to certification.