One of the best sources to find out about organic food is to contact the farmer. Organic foods need to be certified. Certified organic foods are considered agricultural products that have been grown and processed according to strict uniform standards and verified annually by independent state or private organizations. Certification includes inspection of farm fields and processing facilities. Farm practices inspected include long-term soil management, buffering between organic farms and any neighboring conventional farms, product labeling and record keeping. Processing inspections include review of the facility's cleaning and pest control methods, ingredient transportation and storage and record keeping and audit control.
|
Each state contains certified organic growers and/or a certifying agency. One of the biggest and most involved certifying agencies can be found in Florida. This agency is called Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers, Inc. They are a nonprofit, grass-roots organization, that links consumers with organic growers and disseminate information to the general public regarding organic and sustainable farming. Below I have listed a few certified entities in my area (northern Florida). If you would like to get more information on organic certification and/or sources of organic product you should visit the FOG Web site. |
| Govinda's Garden Contact: Bill Ogle or Bill Allin 9111 N.W. 22nd Ave. Alachua, FL 32615 Ph: (904) 462-7263 Fax: (904) 462-0461 50 acres of assorted vegetables and grains |
Blumenberry Farms Contact: Mitch Blumenthal 2151 Dog Kennel Road Sarasota, FL 34240 Ph: (863) 371-8538 Fax: (863) 952-1198 10 arces of blueberries, mixed fruits and vegetables |
| Mr. Citrus Organics, Inc Contact: Lynn Steward 1548 S.W. Addison Ave. Arcadia, FL 34266 Ph: (863) 494-1095 Fax: (863) 494-2655 Email: lms@desoto.net 14.5 arces of temples, tangerines, and vegetable |