At SLAP Farms our produce is grown naturally, without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers or GMOs, just as Mother Nature intended. Our land is fertilized naturally by our poultry and by using cover crops and compost. When needed, we apply only certified organic fertilizer products derived from sources such as bone, blood, feather, and fish meal.
For pests and disease, we rely on active scouting of our plants to monitor for pest pressure. When needed, we use products such as insecticidal soaps, neem oil, and Bacillus thuringiensis, a naturally occurring soil bacteria that is toxic to some insects but harmless to mammals, including humans. For disease control we rely on passive methods such as plant spacing to ensure good air flow around plants, and when needed natural fungicides such as sulfur or biological products that activate the plant’s natural defenses.
Does Raising Produce Without Synthetic Inputs Mean It’s More Nutritious?
Yes and no. Based on reviews of hundreds of studies, organically grown produce does not appear to have significantly more vitamins and minerals than conventionally grown produce. However, organic produce does have higher levels of the nontraditional group of nutrients known as flavonoids such as antioxidants.
Why would this be? Quite simply these compounds help the plants defend themselves from pests and diseases, just as they help us when we consume them. By growing produce without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and allowing the plants to defend themselves they develop higher levels of these natural defense compounds, which is good for the plants and good for us.
Is SLAP Farms Certified Organic?
No. At SLAP Farms we follow organic principles, in fact much of what we do is beyond the standards of organic production. The USDA regulates organic production and develops the guidelines for organic production. However, third party companies must be hired by the farmer to certify they meet the organic standards. Since the USDA only develops guidelines and not black and white rules, a lot is left open to interpretation by the hired third party auditors.
Instead of being certified organic, we believe in being open and transparent with our customers about how we grow our produce. You are welcome to visit SLAP Farms anytime to see exactly how our produce is grown.