Quote:
Originally Posted by turtile
the fertilizer used on certified organic is almost always the same as anything else you may find at the store.
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This was true in many states -- especially the east coast, until earlier this year with the passing of the omnibus agriculture bill. Previously, states could choose to adopt standards for "certified organic" but most did not. Now all states are subject to enforcing the new Federal standard which is very close to the definition we had here in the state of California.
Both the old California standard and the new Federal standard are based on the definition that "certified organic farming" involves methods that "do not significantly impact the local environment". Note that this definition says nothing about whether the materials are synthetic or not.
The new Federal standard is implemented by a formulary list. To be "certified organic", you must only use methods and materials that are on the approved list. It turns out that many natural and synthetic forms of nitrogen can and do have a significant local effect. A "certified organic" farmer has few choices for nitrogen sources. Otherwise,
Turtile is right on the money. For example, nutrients extracted from mineral salts by ionic chemistry and then suspended in human-made citric acid are permitted. Several synthetic pesticides are permitted as well, for example: synthetic pyrethrins.
Personally I have no objections to the Federal standard except for the limitation on nitrogen sources. I could understand limiting the amount that is applied but perhaps that is difficult to implement. Basically, blood meal with a 12% nitrogen content is no different in impact of total nitrogen than a nitrate compound extracted from minerals in 12% concentration (of total nitrogen). Chemically, they are identical. In fact, the blood meal contains some worrisome secondary compounds whereas the nitrogen salt has none.
Note: growers should not confuse the prior California State standards with the private "organic" standards organization
CCOF.