trends & technology
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Because other
countries do not
allow hydroponically
grown produce to be
sold as organic, those
products are being
shipped to the US
so they can carry the
coveted organic label.”
The resolution stated, in part, “The
NOSB recognizes that the foundation
of organic agriculture is based upon
a systems approach to producing food
in the natural environment, which
respects the complex dynamic interac-
tion between soil, water, air, sunlight,
and animals needed to produce a
thriving agroecosystem.” While they
encouraged the board to take a wider
perspective as they considered inno-
vations in agriculture that may also
be compatible with organic prin-
ciples, they also reaffirmed that the
majority of members didn’t feel that
entirely water-based substrate hydro-
ponic systems qualified as organic.
Interestingly, consumers don’t agree.
According to a 2016 survey conducted
by the Coalition for Sustainable
Organics, more than 91 per cent of
consumers agree with the current
USDA policy allowing hydroponically
grown food to be certified organic.
Does Organic
Require Soil?
Those who are opposed state that
organic is more than just natural fertil-
izers and approved pesticides. It’s about
balanced ecosystems and caring for the
soil beyond the production of food. This
makes the future for hydropo nic organic
certification look pretty bleak with one
small silver lining: “While the majority
of NOSB does not believe that the liquid
substrate systems should be sold under
the USDA organic label, these growers
deserve the chance to promote their very
commendable qualities and objectives in
their own right.”
Organic pioneers have always spoken
of soil building as the basis of organic
gardening, but this was before there
were alternatives. When organic garden-
ing became the gold standard, soil was
the only practical way to grow crops and
feed the world. Even so, people still go
hungry and organic food is out of reach
for many. Now, other options can make
organic food more accessible and may
even feed more people.
The Coalition for Sustainable Organics
is taking a similar stance. They feel that
everyone should have access to organi-
cally grown food and if hydroponics
is banned, obtaining organics will be
more difficult for many people. Executive
director Lee Frankel stated, “By restrict-
ing the organic label only to plants
grown in the ground, the USDA would be
choosing to supply fewer consumers with
the quality organic produce they want
and expect.” In fact, the ban would be
90
grow cycle
even more far-reaching because it would
also ban the way almost all seedlings
and nursery stock are produced.
Hydroponic growing is also beneficial
for the environment and more sustain-
able—something that should be a
major consideration for those favoring
organic growing methods. A 2015 study
published by the International Journal
of Environmental Research and Public
Health showed that hydroponic systems
showed a water saving of more than
90 per cent over soil-produced growing
systems. Hydroponics also requires less
land and causes less soil erosion. So,
hydroponics really is beneficial for the
soil, contrary to common misconceptions.
All About the Money
Growing more crops in less time using
less space hold another appeal: afford-
ability. Consumers want easier access
to organic foods and that includes lower
prices. According to the survey from
the Coalition for Sustainable Organics,
89 per cent of consumers stated that
the organic industry should focus on
improved affordability.
Really, money may be what the whole
issue boils down to. Traditional organic
growers can charge a premium for organic
produce. If hydroponic growers help fill
the ever-growing demand, prices will have
to come down. Colin Archipley, owner
of Archi’s Acres, a hydroponic farm in
Escondido, California, says, “Maintaining
current standards for certifying organic
containerized growing simply makes
sense. These production methods have
brought new growers and more local
production into the supply chain to serve
the growing organic market. Changing the
rules now would unfairly and unneces-
sarily limit the amount of organic produce
available to the public.”
Vermont congressman Peter Welch
referred to hydroponic growers seeking
organic certification as “freeloaders.”
He says, “They want to get the benefit of
the hard work that organic farmers do
and take some of that market share with
a label that wasn’t earned.” But it could
also be said that traditional organic
farmers just want to prevent competition
so they can continue to charge higher
prices. This has to make you wonder, is it
really about protecting the earth or is it
about protecting the cash cow?
While a final decision by the NOSB was
originally expected in late May, it was once
again delayed to allow for even further
intake of information. No further deadline
has been set at the time of this writing and
for now, hydroponically grown organics are
still considered legal in the US.