Agricultural run-off sp 09
--Kerstin 08:48, 3 April 2009 (EDT)
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Inputs for Conventional Agriculture
Environmental Impact
Case Study
Organic Agriculture
A History of Organic Farming
Until World War II, artificial fertilizers and large-scale agriculture were non-existent. Small, family owned farms used crop rotation, cover crops, and natural fertilizers such as manure to keep their crops healthy and productive.
The chemicals used in Vietnam were eventually adopted for agricultural use, resulting in some of our current conventional farming methods.
In 1962, Rachel Carson released Silent Spring, which led Americans to begin to question the artificial products used in agriculture. Since then, and especially in recent years, buying organic produce has become more and more popular.(Rodale Insitute)
The USDA National Organic Program
According to the USDA, "The National Organic Program (NOP) develops, implements, and administers national production, handling, and labeling standards for organic agricultural products. The NOP also accredits the certifying agents (foreign and domestic) who inspect organic production and handling operations to certify that they meet USDA standards."
Current Laws and Regulation
Runoff and Organic Agriculture
Should the NOP Adopt More Stringent Laws?
Notes
Rodale Institute website "A Brief History"
