The Loss of Ecological Knowledge: A look into the FDA Organic Label Movement and its effects on Local Communities

Oral Presentations - Hoover 213

Organic agriculture is an emerging market sector in USDA agricultural business. The majority of those who take organic labeling into consideration when they are purchasing their food products from stores have some idea about the USDA certified organic label on the product’s packaging, however, there is also much left unknown. What is this label and how does one get an organic certification? In this project, I am researching the organic certification process and larger ethical questions regarding the human relationship with nature and foodstuffs. In particular, I will be exploring the erosion of local ecological knowledge and how this can impact understanding of the “organic” standard. Organic certification currently is limited by the USDA to those farmers and producers who can produce a specific quantity of goods to sell and neglects those who are serving their communities in farmers markets and other local communities. In order to fix this, ensuring the resources of the USDA are actually reaching these communities is vital for the expansion of organic certification and labeling and the maintenance of local ecological knowledge in the United States. This project will explore the tensions between economic, social, and environmental well-being in the context of organic food and management practices for sustainability.