Growing Protocols List

Specific label used for inspected, certified farms. The key tenets of organic certification include: No synthetic chemicals or GMO’s; using natural methods to build healthy soils, conserve water and protect biodiversity; weed and pest control are managed through physical, mechanical, or biological means and may only use a limited list of approved natural substances when other means fail (the most common is BT, a naturally occurring bacteria that kills certain insects). When pest or weed control is needed, growers must use the least toxic and disruptive methods first, before applying any botanical or microbial pesticides. Farmers are required to keep stringent records, justify use of pesticide applications in their management plans and are subject to annual inspections.

Produce is not treated with any commercial spray. The philosophy here is that plants grown in healthy soils will be able to to naturally fend off disease and pests. Farmers may use homemade, all natural components like compost or comfrey tea to aid in plant production and health in addition to protective measures like row covers or companion planting. This category is distinguished by production that relies on the “the grace of God and nature.”

Farmers who use the principles of organic growing, but do not wish to go through the paperwork and expenses of getting certified or managing inspections. No synthetics or GMO’s are used on these farms. There will be variation in how these growers prioritize or limit the use of NOP (National Organic Program) approved weed and pesticide substances. All growers in this category believe that human and animal health are supported by eliminating synthetic chemicals in food production.

These operations do use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and/or fungicides. Large scale operations often rely on these synthetic chemicals to control yields, prevent loss, and keep labor requirements down. The priority in these settings is to produce a lot of food, that is aesthetically uniform with minimal loss. Many fruit producers rely on these because fruits are very challenging to grow by other means while still yielding significant quantities of a product that is unblemished and appeals to public standards.

These kitchens are dedicated, professional-grade food crafting spaces but are not inspected

Small batch crafters who's products are made in their home kitchens.

These kitchens are certified and inspected by state/public regulators.

Animals have a mostly grass and forage diet for the majority of their lives and live on open pastures. They are provided higher levels of grain in the last few months before slaughter to increase meat marbling. For beef cows this is typically the last 4-8 months, and for hogs this is generally the last 4 months. This category is reserved for traditional, on-farm grain-finishing where animals receive forage in addition to high protein rations of grain before slaughter.

Animal feed is all organic (including both certified and non-certified), for ruminants, this also means that pastures and hay are organic.

Animals are rotationally grazed (or forested), no added hormones, antibiotics are only applied for the health of the animal, they eat mostly what they are supposed to eat naturally on biodiverse pastures. They are raised in ways that mimic natural movement of the animals across the land in order to prioritize natural animal patterns, ecological health, and biodiversity.

Animal feed does not contain GMO’s

Animals have full-time access to open spaces and grass pastures, though additional hay or feed is often required to complete their diet.

Animals have only ever eaten grass and forages - grain products are not a staple part of the diet. This inherently means that animals live on open pastures and only eat grass, forage, or hay.

There are certain vaccines that are often necessary for the well-being of a heard population. This means animals may be given 1 or 2 treatments early in life to keep them alive and healthy. One example is Black Leg, a common and devastating respiratory ailment in young cows. Sheep are another animal that often need a CDT vaccine during their first weeks to keep them alive. However, past these early protective vaccines, no other routine shots are given.

Animals are well-cared for, have plenty of living space, treated well, and fed well. They are not given any hormones, and antibiotics are only used when it is necessary to treat a sick animal.

Animals are not given any vaccines.