Gambling On Organics

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These sumptuous strawberries are the result of the plentiful TLC applied by the staff at Osceola Organic Farm in Vero Beach. Since strawberry plants are particularly vulnerable to various diseases, the organic farmer must prune the plants meticulously, eliminating potential settling points for pests.

With all the recent development going on, it may seem that Vero Beach’s agricultural days are nearly over, but nestled just off 66th Avenue, two organic farms are staying true to our forefathers’ farming ways. As Americans become increasingly health-conscious and diet-savvy, the demand for organic products is on the rise, and it is this market that Osceola Farm and White Rabbit Acres aim to serve.

We have all heard the word “organic” tossed about over the past 20 years or so, and have seen items using the term in the Greenwise section at Publix. Some may wonder what all the fuss is about. Is organic food just a luxury for the culinary elite or a fad for the tie-dye and Birkenstock crowd? Actually, it is intended for everyone, and refers to much more than fruits and vegetables. All kinds of agricultural items are now being produced according to organic principles, including grains, meat and dairy, eggs, flowers, fibers such as cotton, and even processed food items.

Read the entire article in the Summer 2006 issue

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