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Organic food and Sustainable Agriculture Many local farms use organic methods but are not certified by the USDA for compliance with the National Organic Program and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Guide 65. Since the term "ORGANIC" is a trademark for USDA certified organizations, uncertified farms cannot use this term even though they are using organic farming techniques. Organic certification is costly and ongoing farms have to wait many years before their soil is declared pesticide free.
Organic techniques avoid using toxic synthetic substances such as pesticides, some fertilizers, hormones and routine administration of antibiotics. Instead, farms focus on building and enhancing the soil naturally, treating animals humanely and protecting the environment.
While organic food may appear to cost a little more, it is only because we do not YET pay the economic cost of damage done to the environment by industrial farming methods. By purchasing organically produced food, we are buying nutritiously raised food and a healthy environment. Any by buying from local farms, we save the environmental cost of transporting our food and reducing the amount of pesticides that we are exposed to in our own neighborhoods. Here are some local organic and "all but certified" farms.
Cybee's Jarretsville Area
Raw, unpasturized local honey sizes ranging from 8 oz to 5 lb. Beeswax candles
Pollen- available seasonally. Local, seasonal, chemical-free produce. Cybee's also has a small CSA. cybbiep@earthlink.net
North Vale Farms
Here at North Vale Farm, we have lovely grass fed, humanely raised lambs. We have a little alfalfa hay and wheat straw left to sell as well. The alfalfa is top notch; dark green, loaded with protein, so best for working and growing animals. Hayboy@nfdc.netDaily Crisis Farm: White Hall
2837 Bradenbaugh Rd White Hall, MD 21161 410-557-8539 Now offering all natural brown eggs!Range Fed Broilers
Custom Pork and Beef orders
Cheese-No hormones; No preservatives
Also provides high quality, all natural steer calves, goats and feeder pigs at reasonable prices to small farmettes.
Deer Creek Beef Two family farms dedicated to wholesome beef production, land stewardship and the preservation of local agriculture.
No unknowns with our beef. We are involved in every phase of producing healthy cattle and exceptional beef. Both farms meet strict standards for the humane treatment of animals. Caring for animals is an important part of our lives.
Our cowherds thrive on grass and hay in carefully managed pastures; cattle are "finished" on locally grown corn.
No added growth hormones, no feed antibiotics
No animal proteins or by-products in the feed.
Small groups of cattle are processed with care in small, Federally Inspected plants.
Check out their website at http://www.deercreekbeef.com/ Spoutwood Farm: Glen Rock
4255 Pierceville Road
Glen Rock, PA 17327
The farm offers Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Members of a CSA share both the harvests and costs equally with other members and the farmers. The community of members pledges to support the farm with an annual financial commitment. The amount of the commitment is detemined by a detailed budget which is created to suit the needs of the community. The Spoutwood CSA offers a wide range of organically grown vegetables, convenient pick up locations in York, and the ability to participate in gardening and picking your own vegetables.
Spoutwood also has a number of fantastic events (like the May Day Fairie Festival) and courses (observatory, mead making workshops). This is a GREAT resource right in our own backyard. Swissland Acres 10618 N. Main St. Ext. Glen Rock, PA We are a small family grass-farm located in south-central Pennsylvania, dedicated to bringing to you the best possible food we can. Our livestock is raised on sunshine, fresh air and green grass; not antibiotics, hormones, or chemicals. So if you are looking for the healthy, good tasting food or just a new and better eating experience, it just makes sense to come back to the farm. Raw milk from pastured Jersey cows Grass fed Beef, Veal and Lamb Pastured Chickens and Turkeys Occasional Eggs, Kefir, Colostrum and Herbs. Rumbleway Farm Conowingo 410-658-9731 Grass-fed meats including beef, chicken, ducks, goats, turkey, pork and rabbits. This farm is set up on the Joel Salatin model (see Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollen). They also sell cheese and various canned goods. Check out their various farm events at www.rumblewayfarms.com. Farmers Markets Delta Farmers Market Saturdays starting May 5. Located at the Senior Center just off Main Street in Delta. Amish Market/Markets at Shrewsbury 12025 Susquehanna Trail
Glen Rock, PA Friday-Saturday. Produce (some local--in season), local baked goods, local milk, local wine. Some things are brought in from other Amish communities (e.g., Ohio) or are from distributors so be sure to ask. |
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