Homecoming Farm's Organic History
We are one of the oldest certified NOFA NY-LLC organic CSA farms on Long Island. Certification assures that the food grown is free of chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, and are non-GMO. Additionally, organic growing practices ensure the land can safely grow food in the future, the farmworkers, members, and children can safely work in the fields and the health of the planet and its inhabitants are protected. In addition to our organic certification, Homecoming Farm has taken the Farmer’s Pledge.
The Farmer’s Pledge is a commitment to a broad set of farming principles that address labor issues, production practices, community values, and marketing. The Farmer’s Pledge is NOT a substitute for organic certification which is a service whereby a third party scrutinizes a detailed farm plan, inspects the farm and then has the paper records of the farm reviewed by qualified peers for compliance with the regulations set forth in the USDA National Organic Program (NOP).
Soil is nurtured with compost, cover crops, rock minerals, and natural fertilizers. Plant disease and pests are controlled through the use of crop rotation, resistant varieties, cultivation, integrated pest management (IPM) and botanical controls. The use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are prohibited in certified organic production. Homecoming Farm also uses intercropping and companion planting to encourage plant health.
“Our most important job as vegetable gardeners is to feed and sustain soil life, often called the soil food web, beginning with the microbes. If we do this, our plants will thrive, we’ll grow nutritious, healthy food, and our soil conditions will get better each year. This is what is meant by the adage ”Feed the soil not the plants.”
-Jane Shellenberger, Organic Gardener's Companion: Growing Vegetables in the West
