Steve Ela, a seasoned organic fruit grower and former NOSB member, shares insights from his decades of experience in Colorado. He discusses the critical transition from chemical farming to a biological mindset, highlighting the vital role of soil health in sustainable agriculture. The conversation dives into the complexities of organic standards, questioning the certification of hydroponics, and the impact of food choices on health. Ela advocates for a holistic understanding of farming practices, promoting a collaborative approach to strengthen the organic movement.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Hydroponics Conflict Sparks Public Action
Linley Dixon recalls being stunned by the packed NOC meeting and organizing a lunchtime rally about hydroponics.
That event drew many farmers into NOSB discussions on organic definitions.
insights INSIGHT
NOSB's Role Is To Gather Community Input
Steve Ela describes NOSB's role as soliciting and digesting public input, not needing board members to be sole experts.
Public comments often improve recommendations and create historical placeholders for future rulemaking.
insights INSIGHT
Hydroponics Assumes We Know Plant Needs
Hydroponics assumes we can supply exactly what plants need at all times.
Steve Ela warns we don't know most plant compounds or their interactions.
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#235 - Steve Ela, longtime organic fruit grower and former NOSB member, reflects on the shift from chemical farming to a biological mindset. He shares lessons from decades of growing tree fruit in Colorado, and why soil health, systems thinking, and real food matter more than ever in the fight for organic integrity.
The Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.
The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce, and pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs from products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).
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