The Natick community: one of the best organic farms

The unprecedented rise in consumer demands resulted in a market fraught with questionable techniques and methods. Genetic engineering to create new resistant and more yielding species and heavy use of fertilizers and chemical products are affecting both the quality of the products and people’s health. Not to forget of course the damaging effects of chemicals on the environment.

N recent years, with rising consciousness on the impact of such techniques on both the environment and humans, the search for alternative solutions took off. Organic farms are now the trending new path people are taking.

Farmers and all people interested in the agriculture field have been focusing on optimizing and enhancing traditional techniques to grow natural crops without any synthetic products. The United States is one of the leading countries in implementing the organic approach. Other countries are following the same path as well.

The timeline of the USA organic farming:

With rising concerns on the effects and reasons of climate change and other environmental problems, the biological options seemed promising and revealed huge potential. Besides, the increase in food-borne diseases resulted in the search for alternative methods for growing foods to ensure it is safe.

The USA organic farming has roots in traditional farming. The industrial revolution brought about new farming techniques and synthetic products. Experiencing the side effects of those products, organic farms witnessed a revival.

The second half 0f the twentieth century witnessed constant changes and people started advocating biological methods and igniting the path of a green revolution. Jerome Irving Radole was one of the earliest advocates of sustainable agriculture. He advertised organic techniques and worked to raise awareness of the profound consequences of other forms of farming.

Rachele Louise Carson published a book entitledSilent Springin 1962. The book was an outcry against the effects of pesticides on the environment. It played a vital role in the banning of DDT in 1972.

The first organic certificate in the United States was announced by the Oregon Tilth in 1984. Then, the United States Department of Agriculture was declared responsible for creating and codifying national standards for organic farming, in the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. Soon later, the National Organic Program was established. Now the USDA organic certificate can be bestowed upon products fully adhering to the predefined standards, either national or international products.

Natick community organic farm:

History of the land:

Small farms have been shifting to organic farming and sell directly to consumers in what is known as farmers’ markets. These farmers rely on their communities to support them and buy their products. It might be hard to sell an item as organic to wider audiences. That will need a number of certificates and adhering to various standards, but within a small community, trust can be the only thing they need to keep the business floating.

This is, however, a story of a renowned farm in the United States. One of the successful establishments in this relatively difficult sector, the Natick community organic farm is doing great work.

Historically, the current lands comprising the farm were cultivated by Native Americans relying on traditional methods such as burning and rotation.

At one point in time, the land was allocated to the local school community with the purpose of turning it into a school. Luckily, an idea sprung in an attempt to reduce the rates of unemployment among the youth.

A group called the Red Wing Farm took the responsibility of planting two acres of land and employ dozens of young people to market the products. The experiment was a success and the school community decided to lend more land to the group to further develop their idea.

By the end of the twentieth century, the group became known as Natick community organic farm and carried on an educational and environmental mission.

NCOF has become, over the years, a hub for educational trips, community gatherings, volunteering experiences, and open space activities. It is a space where children can learn about the lives of plants and animals, adults are educated about the importance and benefits of organic farming, consumers buy their fresh produce from it, and families can spend a day in the open natural landscape.

Sustainable approach:

NCOF sets an example for relying on sustainable approaches in farming and every single detail and activity on the farm.

The farm is 27 acres preserved by the community as conservation forever. With over three hundred years of cultivation experience, the farm is a leading paragon in recycling, organic techniques, composting, trail walks, supporting local manpower.

The farm does not use any synthetic products, fertilizers, or herbicides on its crops. They raise their animals without growth hormones.

They relying on composing and have boosted the fertility of the land greatly. They use recycled or recyclable items. They rely on locally available sources such as timber and wood. They have also turned to greenhouses and hoop houses to minimize the use of fossil fuels.

Gardeners come from different places to buy organic seedlings cultivated on the farm. The locals rely on NCOF for their dairy products, fresh produce, and meats.

The best yet is that the farm encourages people to go on trail walks, use bicycles, and explore the mesmerizing landscapes and breathe fresh pure air. The farm is indeed a multipurpose destination.

With several scouts programs, community and summer programs, pod classes, and apprenticeships, this organic farm is committed to educating people on ecology, organic ways, and personal responsibility towards the environment.

The farm is a paragon to follow and adhere to its principles. You could start your own small farm even if it is simply for personal consumption and follow the organic methods; it is a beneficial path to take, both for your family and your land. Avoid processed, chemical fraught, and genetically engineered products. Instead, reap the benefits of fresh produce and natural dairy products…etc. The latter definitely taste much better and they are more nutritious.

Embark on the experience and you will fall in love with cold soil and tiny plants growing in front of you. It can be a journey to find and enjoy peace of mind and absorb positive energy from the earth.