Organic hydroponics’ bona fides have been questioned since the passage of the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) in 1990. For both producers and consumers, this has caused confusion and has shaken confidence in the ability of federal agencies to ensure food safety and clear, understandable organic standards.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the organic hydroponics discussion, examining the history of the argument, evaluating the arguments of each side, and then imparting some helpful knowledge on producing organic crops compliant with the current USDA standards.
Is Organic Hydroponics an Oxymoron?
With the advancement of hydroponic agriculture, conflict has arisen between hydroponic growers and some members of the organic farming movement who consider the practice antithetical to organic principles.
Primarily, their objections arise from the absence of soil in hydroponic production. They see organic farming as primarily centering on maintaining the health and fertility of soil and see hydroponics as a distortion of that objective.
However, there’s no evidence that hydroponically grown crops are less healthy or sustainable than crops grown under this exclusionary definition of ‘organic.’ In fact, studies have shown that hydroponic crops are just as, and in some cases more nutritious than crops grown in soil.
Surprisingly, those objecting to the inclusion of hydroponics as an organic practice share many of the same motivations as owner-operator hydroponic growers.
They’re interested in bringing the food supply back to the farmers that have fed humanity for generations. They’re rightly fighting the influence of corporate agriculture in influencing American agricultural policy and regulations. They want those working in agriculture to be good stewards of the environment: protecting crop quality, ensuring the wellbeing of farm animals and uplifting local communities.
However, activists that are strictly against hydroponics’ organic inclusion misattribute the problem, arguing that hydroponics is a distortion of organic ideals, even though it has the potential to revolutionize the agriculture sector for good.
Far from the characterization of hydroponics as being an invasive force in organic production by big agricultural enterprises, most hydroponic producers are small, local farms.
Additionally, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit disagrees with the exclusionary organics definition, ruling in September 2022 that hydroponic produce can be labeled as organic if it’s grown using organic methods.
In the following section, we’ll detail how hydroponics can help expand the growth of organic cultivation, especially in areas that struggle with water scarcity.
The Opportunities Presented by Organic Hydroponics
Organic hydroponics allows local small farmers to thrive by providing them with the tools to grow high-quality, nutrient-rich produce in a controlled environment.
Because growers can use organic nutrient solutions and pest-control measures, hydroponics can be classified as organic. However, it depends on the certification standards and regulations in place.
Additionally, hydroponic farms, especially container farms, offer unique opportunities to meet the spirit of the organic movement. Container farms can be set up in urban areas, reducing the need for long-distance transportation and ensuring fresher produce for local communities.
This not only supports local economies but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional farming methods. By utilizing organic practices within these innovative systems, container farms can produce clean, sustainable and nutritious food, aligning with the principles of organic agriculture.
For regions with sparse water resources, hydroponics can provide a pathway for the development of local agriculture, opening opportunities for small growers to develop and serve their communities instead of relying on imported food. Hydroponic farming techniques have been found to reduce water usage by up to 90% compared to conventional soil-based farming.
Organic hydroponics presents a viable and sustainable option for modern agriculture, promoting local farming and cultivating high-quality produce.
What Does an Agricultural Product Need to Be Certified Organic?
Producing organic crops compliant with USDA standards is a careful process but should be relatively easy once you’ve written and agreed to an organic plan that’s approved by a NOSB certifying agent.
Here’s what an agricultural product needs to be certified organic under current legislation:
- Must Be Produced Only on Certified Organic Farms
- Produced and Handled Without the Use of Synthetic Chemicals
- Produced and Handled in Compliance with An Organic Plan
- Not Produced on Land Applied with Prohibited Substances
- Defined Boundaries and Buffer Zones Isolating Organic Producing Areas
For container-based systems, in addition to the above requirements, operators must stop using synthetic chemicals not approved for organic crop production for three years prior to achieving certification, both in the containers as well as on the soil underneath the system.
This ensures that a farmer can’t just grow crops using chemical pesticides, then drop a container farm on that property following the grow season to start producing organics instantly.
Summary
In conclusion, while the debate over whether hydroponics can truly be considered organic continues, we believe that hydroponic farming offers significant benefits that align with the core values of the organic movement. By supporting local farmers, reducing environmental impact and producing nutrient-rich crops, hydroponics has the potential to revolutionize sustainable agriculture.
As we move forward, it is essential to embrace innovative farming methods that promote environmental stewardship and food security, ensuring a healthier future for all.
