We spend a sizable amount of time fostering areas of our farm that do not provide “economic returns” but provide ecological benefits, it is our responsibility to care for a landscape that is more permanent than ourselves, to bring back native species populations and create diverse, functioning ecological systems.
We practice informed and responsible use of tools and chemicals as supplements to a larger system designed to involve good rotation, cover crops, no-till and habitat areas to aid in attracting beneficial insects, suppress weeds, reduce petroleum usage and maintain organic matter/soil health. We maintain a high standard of purity for our seed crops because we believe that when planting native seeds and cover crops the customer deserves seed that is clean and will not bring unsuspected weeds into their planting. We work to manage weeds manually, through cultivation and with herbicides.
We do not take lightly the use of pesticides and fungicides (be they synthetic or organic compounds) and only use them if we determine there is not another viable option. If they are applied careful attention is paid to time of day, wind and wetness to avoid harm to bees, other beings, or plants.
We are not Certified Organic, but this doesn’t mean we are not Ecological. You are welcome to ask how a specific crop has been grown and cared for.
We are Food Alliance Certified, which means we provide safe and fair working conditions, conserve soil and water resources, protect biodiversity and habitat, practice integrated pest management to minimize pesticide use and toxicity, and are committed to continual improvement. More information can be found at the Food Alliance website.