The Market Basket

By Sharon Elswick
Orange Farmers' Market
Published: July 10, 2008

“Organic” has steadily been moving from fringe to mainstream. But what does organic farming mean exactly? The United States Department of Agriculture National Organic Standards Board’s (NOSB) definition, April 1995, states: “Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on-management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony. Donald Jennings, organic farmer since the 1970s and an Orange Farmers’ Market vendor, explains the concept from a “down-to-earth” perspective.
According to Jennings, soil conditioning without using synthetic fertilizers is the cornerstone of organic farming. Instead, consistent composting and mulching turns the soil into a “sponge,“ a perfect growing environment where the soil readily absorbs rainfall, connects with the water table, and provides a deep water source to protect roots during the heat of the summer. Companion planting and natural pest management take the place of synthetic pesticides.
Planting catnip, marigolds and other natural pest-resistant plants among crops help to keep the little critters at bay. Pests that make it to the crops usually attack the weaker plants. True to the ecosystem, those pests attract other insects that consume them. Organic farmers rely on this pest life-cycle and interaction to naturally manage pest problems. This, of course, means that organic farmers never pull in 100 percent of their crops. Jennings believes the trade-off is worth it.
But why is organic agriculture worth it? In multiple studies from around the world, organic farming has been shown to reduce soil erosion, yield more crops during drought, create healthier soil and eliminate chemical pollution of water systems. Organic farming is more hands-on, creating more jobs. Food grown organically has been proven more nutrient-dense and without chemical residue that could be harmful to human health.
And those are some of the reasons why Jennings farms his herbs organically. Combined with “green” technology, including solar panels, he produces at least eight types of mint, catnip, fennel, lemon balm, chamomile, lavender, three types of basil, bamboo, strawberries and a host of medicinal herbs such as jewel weed, St. John’s wort, goldenrod and pleurisy root.
Visit Jennings at the Orange County’s Farmers’ market to discuss organic farming and uses for his fragrant and abundant herbs.
The Orange Farmers’ Market is held in Taylor Park on Main Street Wednesdays 12 noon-5 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Farmers’ Market is sponsored by the Orange Downtown Alliance.