Program Information

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that the organic foods industry is growing at a rate of 20-25 percent annually. Many farmers have switched to raising organic foods in recent years in hopes of increasing profits. Typically, the farmer doesn't use any artificial fertilizers or pesticides in producing organically-raised food products, which can now be found in every major grocery store chain.

ABCs of Agriculture informs about Virginia's farming community and how it affects you. ABCs of Agriculture are produced by the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) - an educational program which encourages and enhances agricultural literacy in Grades K-5 and 6-8.

Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the ABC’s of Agriculture! We’re here today to talk about the letter O which stands for Organic Farming!

Farmers typically use no artificial fertilizers or pesticides in producing organically-raised foods. This can lead to increased production costs, but some consumers are willing to pay more for foods raised that way. Consumers and farmers now have national standards for “organic” foods, which have become increasingly popular.

In fact, you don’t have to go to a farmers market or specialty store to buy organic foods anymore – they’re in every major grocery store chain. Many farmers, particularly small operators, have switched to raising organic foods in recent years in hopes of increasing profits. Virginia had organic standards for years, but until last October, there was no national standard for producing organic foods. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports the organic foods industry has been growing at a rate of 20 to 25 percent annually, with sales in the U.S. worth about $7.8 billion in 2000.

Is organic food better for you? The USDA makes no claims that organically produced food is safer or more nutritious than conventionally produced…. But, the demand is high…and is becoming even easier to find on your grocery store shelf.

For the ABC’s of Agriculture, I’m Professor Brad… see you next time!

Virginia Standards