Healthy Regenerative Lifestyle
Is Hydroponically Grown Really Organic?
A huge debate has been going on over whether hydroponic grown fruit and vegetables are organic or not. With being allowed the organic label in stores is the debate over?
David Proctor
We may not live on a farm, but we can grow where we live.
Should Hydroponic Grown Be Labeled Organic?
by David Proctor
January 25, 2018
Urban Farm Lifestyle Magazine Published Weekly
Hydroponics is a system that allows plant nutrients to be accessed by the plant through water that the plant is in. No soil is involved with the transition of nutrients to the plant.
It is a very effective system, uses less water than soil based agriculture and allows plants to be grown inside without the need of dirt, and without most pest and competing weeds that can be problematic in soil based mediums.
I really enjoy having fruit and vegetables that are out of season but I do not think that substantially more should be paid for a product that in my opinion, doesn’t live up to the same quality as organic.
You have to keep in mind that a hydroponic system feeds the plant. Organic feeds the soil that feeds the plant.
Organically Grown – In Dirt
I never really thought too much about whether hydroponically grown fruit or vegetables was organic or not. Until I started patronizing the organic aisle and paying a premium for the produce, meat, and dairy.
You think you are getting a product that is either grown in the soil or is eating what has been grown in the soil organically.
Hydroponic System – Japapeno
So, what is organic and who puts that label on things that we pay more for? Organic labels are placed by inspectors who are controlled by the USDA, National Organics Program (NOP), United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA takes into account guidelines established by the National Organics Standards Board (NOSB).
In 1995 Organic was defined by the NOSB as “an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, and enhance ecological harmony”
Soilless environments weren’t really being considered as organic nor did the rest of the world consider hydroponics as organic. Everything went along well until the popularity of eating healthy and eating organic started to take off.
When money is involved, things start to change quickly. Other countries started to import their products to the US since they could get a better price with their hydroponically grown produce and being able to use the organic label that other countries would not allow.
Mexico, Canada and Holland all import tomatoes, peppers, berries, lettuce and other fruits and vegetables as organic in this country, but can’t sell as organic in their own country, because they are hydroponically grown.
Grown Outdoors
How often do you see in the organic aisle the label “Hydroponically Grown Organic”? I am not against the hydroponic industry nor am I here to demonize the hydroponic growers. The problem is the USDA has not lived up to maintaining the standards of organic and has been allowing these growers to be certified because of money and influence.
In fact, I have a hydroponics system going now. If you have been reading my articles about the jalapeno plants I am growing during the winter, it is being done with hydroponics.
Indoor Growing
As I said before, do we feed the plant or feed the soil that has the microorganisms that are symbiotic with the plant. The most natural way and the healthiest way is to feed the soil that feeds the plant.
If you think that soil is inert and is just there to support the plant till we feed it with Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium, then you may not get this article at all or wonder what the big deal is.
The true test is in your taste buds. During the seasonal time of year for locally grown fruits and vegetables, try tasting a true organic against a hydroponically grown and see if you can tell any difference.
Peppers
If you want to help send a message you can contact, you state and local representative or you could even sign a petition to keep the soil in organic.http://www.keepthesoilinorganic.org/sign-petition
Check It Out!
Quick Tip
Foods You Should Always Buy Organic
Bibliography:
Dixon, Linley, Ph.D. “Is Hydroponics Organic?” Cornucopia Institute. N.p., 11 Mar. 2015. Web. 10 Jan. 2017.
“Should You Buy Hydroponic Vegetables?” Rodale’s Organic Life. N.p., 30 Mar. 2015. Web. 10 Jan. 2017.
“Keep-soil-in-organic.” Keep-soil-in-organic. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2017.
Damrosch, Barbara. N.p., 19 Feb. 2014. Web.
“Green City Growers Main Navigation.” Green City Growers. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2017
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