The organic food movement goes beyond just a trend. It’s the future of food security and climate change reduction. Locally sourcing fruit, veggies, meat and dairy is far superior to importing goods from hundreds or thousands of miles away. Further, choosing organic farmers will help take it to the next level for our health and that of the planet. 

   Many people imagine large swaths of land and massive tractors when they think of farming. These farms are industrial farms that use conventional farming methods.  

   Traditional farming methods often include the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides which can be harmful when consumed. They harm precious pollinators. For example, monarch butterflies feed on milkweed. The herbicide, Round-Up, kills the milkweed they feed and lay their eggs on. It has a massive effect on monarch populations. Additionally, these chemicals cause groundwater contamination. 

   Also, many conventional farmers grow only one crop on the same soil year after year, which causes soil erosion. This decreases the availability of fertile land and makes it easier for harmful chemicals to encroach our waterways. It’s an unsustainable method, especially when it comes to food security. If there is a lack of fertile land, there’ll also be a lack of available land for food production in the future.   

   We can also look at livestock farming and its similar effects on groundwater contamination. Large livestock farms create massive amounts of methane which releases into the atmosphere and contributes to global warming. Sixty-five percent of cow manure is methane gas. Additionally, these animals receive large amounts of hormones that are harmful to humans. It also increases the toxicity of runoff from these farms. Eating less meat and supporting a small livestock farmer can help deplete the amount of pollution.  

   Many environmentalists choose to become vegetarian because of these issues with industrial livestock farming. It’s a solid option for reducing the demand for factory-farmed meat. However, it is not the end-all-be-all. What counts is locally sourcing our goods. Quinoa flown in from Ecuador has just as detrimental an effect on the environment. Airplane pollution creates 5 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. 

   To go organic and locally sourced, keep in mind that not all farmers are certified organic, as the process is complex. However, there are many sustainable, organic growers throughout South Jersey. All we need to do is ask. 

   When we use organic practices in farming, there are significant benefits. For one, organic farming practices often include soil building as opposed to soil eroding. Instead of synthetic fertilizer, organic farmers use compost to fortify their soil. Composting itself is a wonderfully environmentally friendly practice that keeps waste out of landfills, reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. 

   Local, organic, small farmers will implement safe, natural ways to deal with diseases and pests. They may do this through integrated pest management (IPM) or organic pesticides. IPM is desirable because it works with the ecology of the area being farmed. Farmers will release large amounts of beneficial insects to feed on harmful insects. For example, they will release ladybugs because they eat the dreaded aphid. Going organic ensures ecological integrity. 

   When we can, organic is the more ethical choice. When doing so, we choose not to put harmful chemicals into our bodies, nor do we choose to support unsustainable farming practices. Join the organic revolution, not just for oneself, but for future generations. 

Allison Coulter is the manager of the Local Market at Rancocas and herbalist at Green Witch Revolution. For more information, email [email protected] or visit Instagram @greenwitchrevolution and  @rwlocalmarket.