Louisiana Sees "Slow But Steady" Organic Growth

"Sunday's Advertiser report on Certified Organic Operations verifies the slow but steady increase in organic farming in Louisiana. It also emphasizes the ongoing debate over whether organic food - produced in operations that avoid or largely exclude the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, plant growth regulators and livestock feed additives - is actually healthier.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture states clearly that it makes no claim that organically produced food is safer or more nutritious than conventionally produced food.

On the other side of the argument are people such as Brian Gotreaux. Featured in Sunday's exploration of organic operations, Gotreaux runs a 20-acre farm in Scott from which he sells a variety of organically grown produce to loyal, enthusiastic customers. One regular customer refers to it as her medicine.
Gotreaux's personal story supports the argument that organically produced food is healthier. He tells The Advertiser that his 10 adopted children have never been to a doctor. It is not that he rejects traditional medicine. His children simply don't need doctors, he says.

Louisiana has trailed many other states in development of organic farming. There are only 12 certified operations in the state. Those who have entered the field have had to overcome such things as drainage issues, pests, diseases and fast-growing weeds."

Read the article