While looking over the last month’s issue of Natural Awakenings, I was pleased to see that this edition would focus on the “Growing Natural Food Revolution.” This is intriguing because it means the “old” has become “new” again. Prior to the industrialization of our food supply, there was no need to differentiate natural or organic foods because all foods were produced using traditional methods. There were no genetically engineered or modified foods, growth hormones were not used in beef or milk production, and multiple crops on a farm were the normal way of life.

What is natural food now? What is organic food? Why should it matter? Natural foods from industrial agriculture really have no set standards at this time. Organic certification, overseen by the USDA, has set minimum standards of practices and procedures for food production that include limiting the use of GE/GMO, practices for pest control using plant-derived products, and fertilization using approved sourcing of nutrients. For local growers, it can mean a host of things, but the general consensus seems to translate to restricting the use of chemical-based pesticides.

But let’s look at another standard for growing “naturally”; let’s look at sustainable production as part of the natural methods. Are the practices used good enough to keep soil, plants and animals healthy without the constant introduction of artificially-derived additives, fungicides, pesticides or antibiotics? If so, then the likelihood is that the farmer is using sustainable practices. But what if we are not sure about the farming methods? How can we know what that what we are eating is healthy for us and the environment?

There are several things we can do:

We can also control what we put in and on our bodies by planting our own gardens. If that isn’t feasible, then join in a Community Garden (like the Fair Share Gardens in Daytona Beach), and support Community Supported Agriculture through sweat equity or the purchase of shares. Being a part of our own food chain brightens up our world in so many ways. We know how our food is grown and gain access to fresher foods; the earth is better off because the way our food is produced creates a much smaller carbon footprint; and we keep resources within the community.

So join in the revolution. Ask questions of your local farmers and produce suppliers. Look for USDA or NOP certifications. Plant something delicious. And let your congressional delegates know that unrestricted growth of GE/GMO crops should not be allowed. Just because we can modify what nature has provided doesn’t mean we should. Join the revolution! Eat real foods!

Rich Buffington and his wife Ravi are owners of Access to Organics in Daytona Beach. They offer educational programs as well as products and equipment to assist others in living a more natural, healthy lifestyle. Rich can be reached at 386-236-9447.