Many traditional organic farmers and their supporters say allowing hydroponic farms to be certified organic erodes the integrity of the $16 billion U.S. organic produce industry. Traditional organic farmers “feel like this is a complete slap in the face,” said Andrianna Natsoulas, executive director of Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York. That leaves traditional organic farmers really concerned about the competition they’ll face in the marketplace, Natsoulas said. Fellow shopper Chrysanne Chotis, of South Burlington, Vermont, said she didn’t find the flavour of hydroponic produce as interesting as other produce she buys. Some farmers are going to start working on finding an alternative to USDA certification that represents “real organic farmers,” Chapman said.

Source: National Post November 15, 2017 05:37 UTC