In the 1940’s, the modern organic farming movement began with a push for “non-chemical” farming methods and was heavily influential in the development of many growing methods used today, in both conventional and organic farming. Today, you can expect to see big, green displays and organic versions of almost every item in the grocery store!
It can be overwhelming to choose between the dozens of options presented when shopping for produce. But rest assured, whether you reach for a conventional Joyfully Grown™ variety or an organic one, our apples and pears are grown safely and carefully by 4th and 5th generation farmers with you and the land in mind.
Did you know the requirements for being considered USDA Organic certified vary, depending on the category of food? Standards for cotton, processed foods or livestock are completely different from standards for apples, cherries, and pears!
So, what does it really mean when you see the green “Organic” label on your Joyfully Grown™ apples and pears?
According to the USDA, produce can be called organic if it’s certified to have grown on soil that had no prohibited substances applied for at least three years prior to harvest. Prohibited substances include most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. In instances when a grower must use a synthetic substance to achieve a specific purpose, the substance must first be approved by the USDA.
You may be wondering. “Why isn’t all fruit grown organically?”
Simply put, there wouldn’t be enough fruit to go around!
If growers didn’t take necessary and responsible measures to protect their crops from disease, bugs and the harsh summer sun, there wouldn’t be a plentiful enough crop to provide fresh fruit to everyone who needs it. Entire orchards could quickly be destroyed and whole crops ruined by the slightest problem. While certified organic is a choice some consumers make, the small differences when growing and processing our conventional varieties leave you with a safe, nutritious, juicy piece of fruit no matter what.
Here at Joyfully Grown™, we are constantly evolving and practicing the safest, most sustainable methods for growing the highest-quality fruit possible.
