LUBBOCK, Texas, December 23, 2008 (ENS) - U.S. acreage planted with organic cotton increased for the second straight year, according to research compiled by the Organic Trade Association and released today.
The total acres planted in organic cotton grew from 8,510 in 2007 to 9,279 in 2008, constituting a nine percent increase, the study shows.
Carl Pepper, an organic cotton farmer who serves on the board of the Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Cooperative, says he grows organically on his 1,040 acres because, "the organic way is the best system for the land," and also because he gets satisfaction from doing what others said couldn't be done.
By federal regulation, organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. In addition, federal regulations prohibit the use of genetically engineered seed for organic farming.
Soil condition must be fostered primarily by increasing the soil's organic content through crop rotation, cover cropping, manuring and composting, according to the Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Cooperative.
Full Story: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/dec2008/2008-12-24-092.asp
