What is containerized growing?

Organic containerized growing is a natural method for growing plants that produce fruits and vegetables in containers instead of planting them in the ground.

Most produce grown using containerized methods is done in controlled environments, like greenhouses, using a variety of different recyclable and compostable growing mediums (substrates) including coconut fiber, peat moss and water. Containerized organic growers rely on the same natural inputs as open field growers to nourish and grow their crops, as well as less water and less space than growing in soil to help preserve our natural resources for future generations.

What is the Coalition for Sustainable Organics?

The Coalition for Sustainable Organics is a group of environmentally and socially responsible growers of all sizes committed to maintaining the USDA’s current high standards for certifying organic produce. Through the coalition, containerized growers large and small have united to ensure everyone who wants organic produce can have it.

Why was the coalition formed?

In recent months a select group of soil-based food growers has mounted a campaign to change the current standards to no longer allow organic containerized growing. A change in standards will dramatically limit the amount of organic produce available to the public – at a time when demand is at an all-time high. The Coalition for Sustainable Organics formed to advocate for the continued allowance of containerized growing methods under the National Organic Program to ensure everyone who wants organic can have it.

Why should containerized growing continue to be organic?

Certified organic produce grown in containers, following USDA standards, is every bit as organic as produce grown in the ground. Containerized growing has been used to grow fresh, organic produce for more than 2,000 years, and uses organic matter such as coconut fiber, peat moss and water to provide the right environment to support and nourish the plant – every bit as organic and natural as soil. Further, growers rely on the same natural inputs as open field growers to nourish and grow their crops.

What would happen if organic containerized growing was no longer allowed by the USDA?

At a time when demand for organic produce is at an all-time high, manipulating U.S. organic growing standards to restrict containerized growing will limit the amount of organic produce available to consumers, making it less accessible and more expensive for those who want it. Further, as the global population explodes, we need innovative, responsible methods for providing more fruits and vegetables with fewer resources so that we can safety and sustainably feed the Earth’s growing population. The future of growing – including organic growing – depends on the inclusion and expansion of sustainable practices, including containerized growing methods.

Shouldn’t growth in soil be the difference when defining which produce is organic?

We don’t eat the soil. We eat the plant and/or the plant’s product, be it strawberries, tomatoes, lettuce, herbs and more. The plant and its roots don’t discriminate between growing environments. Materials used in containers like coconut fiber serve the same purpose as soil. They both provide structure, moisture and the balanced environment to allow the plant to be nourished through a natural and biological process. Further, containerized growing leaves soil completely undisturbed by growing above the ground – rather than digging into it – making containerized growing the best organic and environmentally sustainable method available for many crops on many farms.

Why is the U.S. among the only countries to currently allow soil-less organics?

The U.S. became and remains a global leader because it embraces multiple ways to respond to the needs of consumers – making consumers, not production systems, our highest priority. As the global population explodes, we need innovative, responsible methods for providing more fruits and vegetables with fewer resources so that we can safety and sustainably feed the Earth’s growing population. The future of growing – including organic growing – depends on the inclusion and expansion of sustainable practices, including containerized growing methods. This is how we will ensure everyone who wants organic produce can have it, and thus far, the U.S. – through the USDA – has recognized this by affirming containerized growing as an approved organic growing method for more than 25 years.

Does organic containerized growing’s efficiency have an impact on jobs?

With year-round production cycles independent of climate and weather, containerized growing provides the opportunity for full-time agriculture careers supported by a living wage. Further, by improving the availability of organic produce, containerized organic growing has helped contribute to the growth in organic sales and demand, and in doing so, has created new jobs in communities across the country.

Will the allowance of organic containerized growing put traditional farmers out of business?

Demand for organic produce is at an all-time high, with no signs of diminishing. There is enough demand for organic to sustain farms and greenhouses of all sizes and the jobs that come with them, whether the grower uses containerized or open field growing systems. It’s not one or the other.

What is the difference between organic open-field and containerized growers?

Organic containerized growers are very similar to those who grow in open-field environments. They pick and plant high-quality seeds to grow delicious produce. They are farmers who tirelessly tend to their crops and nourish them with water and organic nutrients. They follow the same USDA organic standards and have done so for more than 25 years.