Since 1788, for six generations, the Bruce Family Farm has produced food for Nova Scotians. In 1996, the farm was certified as organic by the Nova Scotia Organic Growers Association. Since that time, we have produced certified organic grass-fed beef, chicken, eggs, tree-fruit, berries, and garden produce.
People often ask us what it means to be certified organic. Many people assume it simply means that we don't usechemicals when growing our food. This is true, but being certified organic means much more. Here is a briefsummary, borrowed from the Canadian Organic Growers website.
What it is
Organic agriculture is a holistic production system designed to
optimize productivity and fitness of diverse communities within
the agroecosystem, including soil organisms, plants, livestock
and people. The principal goal of organic production is to develop
enterprises that are sustainable and harmonious with the environment.
What it isn’t
Organic agriculture does not allow the use of:
Synthetic pesticides, including fungicides, insecticides,
rodenticides, defoliants, desicants and wood preservatives
Synthetic fertilizers
Materials and products produced from genetic engineering
Sewage sludge
Synthetic growth regulators (hormones)
Synthetic veterinary drugs, including antibiotics and parasiticides
Irradiation
Synthetic processing substances, aids and ingredients, and
additions to food including sulphates, nitrates and nitrites
Equipment, packaging materials and storage containers, or
bins that contain a synthetic fungicide, preservative or fumigant
