Frequently Asked Questions: Artisan Organics
1) What are the primary differences between an organic and a conventional orchard?
- The primary difference is that synthetic pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers are not used in organic farming. Natural fertilizers such as manure, compost, bone meal, fish meal and rock minerals are used for maintaining soil fertility.
- Natural insecticides including insecticidal soaps, pheromones and dormant oils are used for insect pest management instead of synthetic pesticides. Organic orchards also use beneficial insects that prey on harmful insects to keep insect populations under control.
- Weeds are controlled by cover crops, mulching and mechanical methods rather than herbicides.
2) What are the primary differences between organic and conventional packing facilities?
- The type of equipment used is virtually the same. However, if the same facility is used for both organic and conventional fruit, all equipment, brushes, belts, etc. must be cleaned and sanitized before organic packing begins.
- Stemilt has a dedicated organic packing facility for handling organic fruits which ensures that materials used to produce conventionally-grown fruits are not commingled with organically-grown fruits.
3) Who determines that an orchard or a packing facility is certified organic?
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture authorizes the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) to inspect and issue organic certification for orchards and packing facilities. Stemilt’s orchards and packing houses are certified by the WSDA.
- The federal Organic Foods Production Act in 1990 gave this regulatory power to the USDA and the state agriculture departments. The National Organic Program, which resulted from the passage of the 1990 Act, established all organic laws and guidelines. Look for the certified organic seal to know if a product is truly organic.
4) How long does it take for orchards to convert from conventional to organic?
- The law requires that farming products used in conventional fruit growing can not be applied for at least three growing seasons for fruit to be certified organic.
5) What are transitional tree fruits?
- Transitional tree fruits come from orchards that are in the three-season window before being certified organic. Growers cultivate these fruits using organic methods, but the law requires this to occur for three growing seasons before the fruits can be organically certified. At Stemilt we call these our Artisan Natural tree fruits. Look for the certified transitional seal to know when a product is considered in transition.
6) Why are organic tree fruits sometimes more expensive than conventionally-grown tree fruits?
- Organic farming usually requires closer management of orchards, which uses more time, labor, and other resources. This usually results in higher costs for organic fruit.
7) Why do Stemilt Artisan Organic Apples look like they’ve been waxed?
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In 2009, Stemilt began applying a USDA Certified Organic wax on all of our organic apples. The pros of waxing organic apples are many, with the primary benefit being an improved eating experience. Just as wax keeps conventional apples from dehydrating, applying a light coat of organic wax on our organic apples keeps the fruit crunchier and juicier, longer.
Other benefits of applying an organic wax on our organic apples include:
• Retains the fruit’s natural luster
• Replaces the protective coating of natural wax that is cleaned off the skin during packing
• Extends the window of organic availability by maintaining quality
Note: The USDA-certified organic wax Stemilt uses does not contain any known allergens, and is not made with soy, nut or corn-based ingredients.
8) I buy beautiful organic apples, but sometimes I see a variety such as Granny Smith that has a powdery dust in the bowl of the apple. What is this?
- Kaolin clay is natural clay that is applied as a film to create a barrier between the pest and its host plant. This clay is processed to a very fine particulate size to enable it to be mixed with water. It is environmentally benign, worker-friendly and cost-effective as a tool to be used with integrated pest management.
Kaolin clay also is used in toothpastes and in foods as an anti-caking agent. Kaolin clay is also an effective tool in reducing sunburn on apples, especially Granny Smith. Kaolin clay can leave a subtle deposit in stem bowls of the apples where the brushes did not reach during the cleaning process. The clay is harmless and safe.
9) What other things are organic producers and fruit packers such as Stemilt required to do to make sure tree fruits are certified organic?
- Organic integrity is also protected through fresh fruit processing and storage here at Stemilt. Organic fruit is packed and stored separately from conventional fruit. The audit process begins at the orchard, but follows all the way through to the retail shelf to assure that all certified organic products that you buy at your retailer are Stemilt certified organic.
Stemilt is pleased to be part of the organic revolution. We are helping to conserve the earth's resources and believe that helping to produce healthier food will help produce healthier people.