Agribusiness

Covers the entire range of industry catering to Agriculture. Agribusiness is made up of a wide variety of services including the supplying of farm inputs and equipment, the processing of food, operations financing, and product distribution.

Agritourism

Visiting a working farm for education, enjoyment or both. Agritourism activities range from farm visits and u-picks to corn mazes and farm site Bed & Breakfasts.

Agrochemical Industry

An industry focused on the production of agricultural chemicals, i.e. pesticides.

Anaerobic Digestion

The breakdown of organic material by bacteria (anaerobes) in the absence of air. Harnessed by an AD facility, this natural process produces biogas that can be used to generate heat and electricity. It also produces a nutrient rich by-product called digestate that can be used as fertilizer.

Animal Husbandry

The production and care of domestic animals.

Antibiotic Free

As standard practice, no antibiotics were fed to or injected into the animal. If an animal is sick, however, antibiotics can be used. These animals are not processed until these medications are out of their systems. Livestock that are allowed a sufficient amount of space and are fed properly are generally much healthier and require fewer antibiotics than those cramped tightly together and given feed that is supplemented with hormones to fatten them quickly.

Antibiotics

As they relate to farmering, antibiotics are administered to conventionally-raised livestock animals to promote faster growth and combat disease. Large doses of antibiotics are used in factory farms where animals are packed tightly together and disease can spread quickly. These animals often become sick due to excessive stress caused by their living conditions. It is also important to note that the animals are often administered antibiotics as a preventative action (as opposed to as a cure for an established illness), and that these antibiotics are thought to be present in the meat produced by them.

Aquaculture

Farming marine and fresh water animals such as fish, shrimp, clams, and oysters.

Aquaponics

The combination of hydroponics and aquaculture. Water from the fish tanks is filtered through the plants. This cleans the tank water while providing nutrients to the plants.

Arable Land

Land that is suitable for growing crops.

Artisan

A skilled craftsperson. Bread and cheese makers are examples of food artisans.

Bio-dynamic farming

Introduced by Rudolf Steiner, Biodynamic farming is a holistic approach to agriculture where all aspects of the farm function in balance with one another as a unique, sustainable, ecosystem. In addition to organic farming methods, biodynamics incorporates astrology, crop rotation, on-farm composting, and natural "medicines" which are applied to compost, soil and crops at specific times of the year. The goal of biodynamic farming is to work with nature to bring about balance and heal the earth.

Biodiversity

Refers to the entire spectrum of plant and animal life that occurs in nature. Increasing biodiversity is an aim of Sustainable Agriculture.

Bioengineered Food

Food grown with artificially altered genes. Examples include soybeans that have been grown with genes that make them resistant to herbicides and potatoes which release a pesticide of their own. Many people are uncomfortable with this practice, feeling that there hasn\'t been enough industry testing and research. Additionally, consumers are increasingly disturbed by the fact that Bioengineered (or Genetically Modified (GM)) food is not labeled.

Biotechnology

Broadly refers to the practice of altering the traits of plants and animals to obtain or enhance certain characteristics. It can refer to natural methods such as grafting or synthetic methods such as genetic engineering.

Bycatch

Also by-kill. The unwanted fish killed while fishing. These fish are commonly dumped overboard and wasted.

Certified Bio-dynamic

Like organic certification, the farm has been inspected by a bio-dynamic certification agency and complies with approved bio-dynamic methods and practices.

Certified Organic

A farm that has been inspected by a government approved organic certification agency and complies with the National Organics Standards. Organic production is regulated from the treatment of the seed and soil to the handling of the finished product.

Civic Agriculture

An approach to agriculture which rests on the development of community. Emphasis is placed on quality products and local production, encouraging small scale farms, and forming direct links between producers and consumers, thus fostering a greater sense of community.

Clay Based Spray

A type of organic pesticide.

Coldframe

Essentially a miniature greenhouse. A bottomless box covered with glass or plastic which traps solar heat and allows plants to grow outdoors in weather that would normally be too cold.

Compost

Decomposed organic matter. Compost is a rich and useful fertilizer often composed of coffee grounds, vegetable trimmings, weeds, and straw. Decomposed correctly, this mixture yields a nutrient rich soil. Composting is a very effective way to use materials that would otherwise be dumped in a landfill.

Compost Tea

Water in which finished compost has been 'steeped' to concoct a liquid fertilizer for plants.

Composting

The biochemical process which occurs when organic matter is broken down by decomposer organisms into a nutrient rich soil conditioner called humus.

Conventional Agriculture

Refers to farms (often large-scale) that are characterized by single crops or single crop rows, grown continuously over many seasons, extensive use of pesticides and other chemical inputs, a dependency on Agribusiness, and/or a large-scale livestock operation that does not employ sustainable practices.

Cover Crop

Crops planted over soil that would usually be left fallow. Cover crops prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and enrich the soil. Nitrogen rich crops such as rye, vetch, and clover are often used as cover crops.

Crop Rotation

The practice of rotating crops to different parts of land. Given that different plants have different soil requirements and attract different pests, a proper crop rotation reduces the need for other forms of pest control while simultaneously improving the soil.

CSA

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Consumers support a local farm by "buying a share," which means paying in advance for a specified amount of product. The goods go directly from farmer to buyer as they become available. Pick-up points are generally conveniently located and goods are typically dropped off once a week.

Deforestation

Removing trees faster than they can grow back. Repercussions include erosion and loss of wildlife habitat.

Desertification

This is the process of arid and semi-arid land turning into desert. Roots of this problem can be located in overcultivation, overgrazing, deforestation, and poor irrigation practices.

Drought

An abnormally dry period which can cause serious damage to crops.

Eliot Coleman

A leading practitioner of organic farming. He pioneered the "plant-positive" approach to horticulture.

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA enforces environmental laws and plays a role in dictating environmental policy by providing information to a broad spectrum of people. The EPA also works with other nations to protect the global environment.

Erosion

The washing away of topsoil. Plant roots and shade help to prevent erosion by keeping soil moist and holding it together.

Factory Farm

These are often very large operations. Animals are packed tightly together and fed grain rations and hormones to maximize and expedite weight gain. Due to stress and unsanitary conditions they are quite prone to illness and are therefore routinely dosed with antibiotics. The antibiotics and hormones are present in the meat that we consume from these animals.

Fallow

Arable land left unplanted and uncovered. Fallow land is more susceptible to erosion than land planted with a cover crop.

Farmers Market

A place where consumers can buy farm fresh produce and provisions from farmers in their local area.

FDA

Food and Drug Administration. The FDA regulates food and drugs for animals as well as people. They are responsible for ensuring that products are safe, properly labeled, and effective.

Feedlot

Place where livestock are fattened for market, usually by being fed large amounts of grain.

Fertilizer

Added to soil to provide additional nutrients, fertilizers can be organic or synthetic. Compost, seaweed, and fish emulsion are all examples of natural fertilizers.

Floating Row Cover

Light weight mesh covers laid over crop rows and supported by the plants.These are used to trap heat and extend the growing season, and to provide protection against insects and birds.

Food Security

The availability of healthy, nutritional food for all to access. Food security is an important element of sustainability.

Foodshed

The local food supply system. Local farmers and markets are part of the foodshed.

Free Range

Refers to fowl and eggs. Technically this means that the animals have access to the outdoors. It does not mean organic.

Genetic Engineering

Artificially changing the structure of a plant's genes.

Gill netting

To fish using a flat net suspended vertically in the water. The holes in the net are large enough to allow a fish to get its head in but not withdraw it.

GMO

Genetically Modified Organism. This is the term used to describe any organism that has been genetically engineered.

Grain Fed

Animals fed on grain. Grain feeding fattens the animal faster and often fosters disease which makes the use of supplemental antibiotics necessary.

Grassfed

Grassfed animals are finished on grass rather than in feedlots. This is considered a lower stress, more natural environment. Grass does not fatten animals as quickly as grain but it is healthier and does not require large amounts of supplemental antibiotics. Meat from grassfed animals is thought to be healthier than grainfed meat for many reasons including the presence of two to six times more Omega-3 fatty acids and substantially lower fat content. For more information about the many health and environmental benefits of grassfed, we recommend www.eatwild.com.

Green Buildings

Buildings that are less wasteful, both in their construction and in their operation, than conventional buildings.

Green House

An enclosed building with a controlled atmosphere for growing plants.

Green Manure

Plants grown specifically to be turned back into the soil. These plants are cut or tilled into the soil and provide fertile organic material. Nitrogen rich crops such as rye, vetch, and clover are often used as green manure.

Hand lining

To fish by hook and line, without using a pole.

Heifer

A young dairy or beef animal that has not had a calf.

Heirloom

A time-tested, open pollinated vegetable. Heirloom varieties are those which were introduced before 1950. They are often of European descent and are passed down from generation to generation. The propagation of heirloom vegetables helps to preserve bio-diversity.

Herb

A plant grown for its flavoring or medicinal properties.

Herbicides

Used to control weeds. There are both synthetic and organic herbicides. Organic herbicides are derived from plant, animal, and mineral sources. Synthetic herbicides are created from man made chemicals.

Holistic Management

A sustainable way to enhance quality of life and the environment. Holistic Management is based on creating a new decision making process that emphasizes a clear focused vision for the future. Holistic management is employed by people in a variety of occupations to reach goals in the most economically, environmentally, and socially sound way. This concept is attributed to Alan Savory. For more information, we recommend www.holisticmanagement.org.

Homogenized

Refers to milk that has had the fat globules, which would normally float to the top, broken down and evenly distributed. This process involves shooting the milk through a small nozzle in order to break down the larger fat particles.

Hormone-Free

Animals that are not injected with or fed growth hormones. Hormones are given to animals for many reasons, including speeding growth in beef cattle and increasing milk production in dairy cows.

Humus

Finished compost, formed through the break down of plants and animal matter. Humus retains and slowly releases nutrients to plants.

Hydroponics

The cultivation of plants without soil using nutrient solutions of water and fertilizer. Plants are often grown in sand, gravel, peat, vermiculite, rock wool, or perlite.

Industrialized Organic

Mass produced organics which resemble big agribusiness in their specialization and distribution. Industrialized organics are a product of the current food system which demands a consistent and uniform product in large quantities.

Insecticides

Used to control insects. There are both synthetic and organic insecticides. Organic insecticides are derived from plant, animal, and mineral sources. Synthetic insecticides are created from man made chemicals.

IPM

IPM stands for "integrated pest management" and is a sustainable approach to pest control. Techniques include crop rotations, increased bio-diversity, the introduction of beneficial insects, monitoring pest levels, and applying pesticides when levels become threatening to crops.

Irradiation

The exposure of food to radiation, which kills pests, reduces the number of microorganisms present and slows down ripening in fruits and vegetables.

J.I. Rodale

Often thought of as the father of the natural food and natural living movements in America, Rodale started Organic Gardening and Farming magazine in 1942, and established an organic farm in Pennsylvania. Today, The Rodale Institute continues to promote natural food and living through various publications, teaching programs, and initiatives.

Joel Salatin

A renowned speaker on pasture-based livestock production and agricultural entrepreneurship. He advocates thinking of plants and animals as partners instead of as units of production, and cultivation of local markets to rebuild the connection between small farms and the consumer.

John Muir

First President of the Sierra club and often called the "Father of our National Parks System," John Muir was a writer, naturalist, and conservationist. Yosemite, Mount Rainer, Petrified Forest and Grand Canyon national park are all results of Muir's efforts.

Land Degradation

Deterioration of the biological potential of the land due to human activities.

Land Trust

A group dedicated to preserving open space and other environmentally important habitats. These are usually small non-governmental organizations. A large, well-known example is the Nature Conservancy.

Leachate

Liquid that has been generated by solid waste decomposition and which has extracted, dissolved or suspended materials in it. The leachate from a compost bin or worm bin is full of nutrients and is an excellent liquid fertilizer.

Legumes

Plants that return nitrogen to the soil, increasing its fertility. Legumes make good cover crops and green manure. Alfalfa, clover, peas and beans are all examples of legumes.

Low Input

Reduced use of off-farm resources (such as fertilizers and pesticides) and a greater dependence on utilizing on-farm resources (such as green manure or compost produced on-site).

Low Spray

Crops which are grown using significantly fewer pesticides than conventional agriculture practices.

Meadow Raised

This is the same as pasture raised. The animals are raised on pasture instead of grain.

Monoculture

In farming terms this is when only a single crop is grown at any given time, i.e. large farms growing only russet potatoes. Monoculture efforts deplete the soil, and fruits and vegetables grown in this manner are more susceptible to pests and disease than those grown in a muti-crop environment, thus requiring larger amounts of chemical spray.

Monsanto

A leading Biotech company. The popular herbicide Roundup is manufactured by Monsanto. The company is also a leader in genetically engineered foods.

Mulch

A soil covering used to prevent weeds, conserve moisture, and moderate soil temperature. Common mulches include wood chips, straw and lawn clippings. A good organic mulch will also provide nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.

Natural

The claim that a product is natural is not defined by any one standard--with the exception of USDA definitions for meat and poultry. The USDA specifies that any meat or poultry labeled as natural must not contain artificial flavoring, colors, chemical preservatives, artificial or synthetic ingredients. However, the USDA does not specify that meat and poultry are hormone- or antibiotic-free. Outside of the USDA narrow definitions, natural eco-labels are not consistent or reliable. Often it is the manufacturer, and not an independent third party, that will decide to use the claim on a product.

Nitrates

The form nitrogen takes when used by plants. Fertilizers put on crops often contain nitrogen which is then converted into nitrate by plants. Legume crops and animal fertilizers contain nitrogen already in nitrate form. Nitrates are necessary for plant growth, but applying more than required can cause nitrate contamination in ground water.

No Spray

The crop has not been sprayed with synthetic pesticides. Organic pesticides and synthetic or organic fertilizer may have been used.

No Till

Soil that is not tilled. Advantages of not tilling soil include the prevention of erosion, maintaining soil structure, protecting beneficial soil creatures such as earthworms, and the slowed breakdown of desirable organic matter.

NOFA

Northeast Organic Farming Association. Divided into 7 chapters for 7 different northeast states, NOFA certifies organic farms. It also informs and educates people on organic farming and provides technical assistance to farmers.

Non-Certified organic

A farm or product that uses or was grown with organic methods but is not certified. When buying any product, it helps to know who is growing it to avoid false claims.

Non-Homogenized

Milk that has not been homogenized. Fat globules, or cream, rise to the surface of the milk.

Non-Renewable Resource

Resources which are permanently depleted as they are used. Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource.

Organic

Food that is grown or raised without the use of synthetic products. Crops are not sprayed with synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, animals are not treated with hormones or antibiotics, and genetically modified organisms are not used.

Organic Agribusiness

Agribusiness relating to organic food. Large scale production and mass marketing of organic products.

Organic Food Production Act

Passed in 1990 this act established uniform standards for production and handling of foods labeled organic. This act also set in motion the creation of the national organic standards by the USDA.

Overwintering

Keeping plants and animals alive through the winter. Pastured animals are brought inside during the coldest time and fed on hay and sometimes grain. Mulch is placed around plants to help keep the soil warm and prevent the roots from freezing.

Paddocks

An enclosed area for pasturing or exercising animals.

Pasture Raised

Animals that are raised in high quality pasture on a diet of grass.

Pasture-based

Refers to the diet of livestock, including poultry. Means that the majority of the animal's diet was grass as opposed to grain and that they spend most of the time in pastures as opposed to being confined.

Pastured

Grazed and moved to greener pasture frequently, animals that are pastured have grass as a significant part of their diet. They may be fed conventional feed as well.

PCBs

Polychlorinated Biphenyls. PCB's are a type of synthetic chemical that were used in a variety of electrical equipment until 1977. Though no longer manufactured, PCBs are still a problem. They stay in the environment for long periods of time and accumulate in human and animal fat tissue. PCB accumulation in fish is a well known problem.

Perennial

A plant that grows year after year without reseeding.

Permaculture

Founded on the idea that the farm should mimic natural ecosystems, permaculture sees each element as effecting every other element. Design is very important in this model as the changing conditions in one part of the farm will effect the other parts. Effective use of this technique creates a sustainable environment that minimizes outside inputs, depending instead on the strategic use and placement of existing elements.

Pesticides

Used to control weeds and insects. There are both synthetic and organic pesticides. Organic pesticides are derived from plant , animal, and mineral sources. Synthetic pesticides are created from man made chemicals.

Pyrethrin

An oily, naturally occurring insecticide found in plants such as the chrysanthemum. Can be used in organic agriculture.

Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH)

rBGH is a hormone injected into dairy cows to increase milk production. Cows injected with rBGH have shorter life spans and are more likely to develop udder infections. rBGH may also cause cancer in humans.

Renewable Resources

A resource which can be replenished. This is generally thought of in terms of energy resources. Wind and water, for example, are renewable resources while fossil fuel is not. Many resources are renewable but this requires correct management. Soil, for example, is a renewable resource but improper management leads to loss of nutrients, erosion and other detrimental effects.

Robyn Van En

A pioneer of the CSA movement, Robyn Van En helped start over 200 CSA's, including the first CSA in the U.S. She was a great spokesperson for the movement in both North America and Russia. Her book "Basic Formula to Create Community Supported Agriculture," lays down the methods for developing a CSA. Van En died in 1997.

Root Vegetables

Vegetable grown for its large edible root. Turnips, carrots, and onions are all root vegetables.

Rotenone

An insecticide obtained from the roots of several tropical plants. Rotenone is minimally toxic to people and animals and works well as a substitute for more hazardous insecticides. Can be used in organic agriculture.

Ruminant

A ruminant is an animal that has a multi-chambered stomach. Cattle, sheep and goats have four sections to their stomachs and thus fall into this category. These animals obtain maximum nutritional value out of fiber-rich grasses including hay and straw. A pasture diet for these animals is thought to be healthier for them, us, and the environment than a diet of grain. For more information, we recommend www.eatwild.com.

Runoff

Excess water that flows over the ground and into rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Runoff can contribute to soil erosion and water pollution as it picks up fertilizers, pesticides, and soil in its migration to lakes and rivers.

Salmonella

A bacteria that causes food poisoning.

Season Extension

Lengthening the growing season using climate modification techniques such as mulch, row covers, and cold frames. By using these devices the temperatures can be kept at a level adequate to grow crops.

Seed Saving

Saving seeds from open pollinated plants in order to replant them. Larger seed companies and conventional agriculture are becoming increasingly dependant on seed which produces sterile seeds, necessitating the purchase of new seeds each year.

Sewage Sludge

Byproduct of wastewater treatment plants used as fertilizer for crops. Sewage sludge can contain PCB's as well as disease and parasites. It can also cause groundwater contamination.

Sir Albert Howard

Founder of the organic farming movement. A highly respected scientist, his book "An Agricultural Testament" was the result of 25 years of agricultural research in India.

Subsidies

Government support for industries, including agriculture. This comes in several forms such as direct grants, loans, debt forgiveness and tax deferrals. The objective is to keep industry production costs low thereby keeping the retail price down as well.

Sustainable

Maintains resources required for present, as well as for future, generations.

Sustainable Agriculture

A way of farming which reduces outside inputs by conserving resources, enhances the environmental quality of the land on which it depends, is economically viable and contributes to a higher quality of life for both the farmer and the community. Cover crops, crop rotation, pasturing livestock, IPM, and a strengthened link between farm and consumer are all part of sustainable agriculture.

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)

SARE is a USDA program designed for studying and spreading information on Sustainable Agriculture.

Sustainable Cuisine

In 1995 Earth Pledge coined the term “Sustainable Cuisine” to describe a derivative of sustainable development that celebrates the pleasures of food and the diversity of cultures, while recognizing the impact of food on our health and our environment. Sustainable Cuisine preserves culinary traditions and addresses the need to safely nourish a growing world population.

Terminator Gene

Seeds from crops grown with the terminator gene will be sterile. This prevents the practice of seed saving and instead forces the farmer to purchase new seeds each year.

Tillage

Tilling is the turning over of soil in order to loosen it and blend the various layers together. Benefits include easy incorporation of compost and fertilizer into soil, and a clean bed that is easy to plant. However, Tilling can damage soil structure, promote erosion and kill beneficial soil creatures such as earthworms.

Transitional

A farm or grower who is converting to organic practices but has not yet completed this transition.

Trawling

To fish by dragging a large cone shaped net along the sea bottom. Produces large quantities of bycatch and is extremely destructive to marine eco-systems.

Trolling

To fish by trailing any number of lure or baited hooks from a moving boat.

Ultra Pasteurization

Like pasteurization this is the exposure to high heat in order to kill organisms. Ultra pasteurization exposes the substrate to such high heat that any organism that was in the liquid will die. This increases the products shipability and shelf life.

USDA

United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA supports the production of agriculture and the development of rural communities. It also cares for agricultural, forest and range lands and works to expand the global food and forestry market and reduce hunger worldwide.

USDA National Organic Standards

Recently developed by the USDA with the advice of the National Organic Standards Board. Organic food production and handling will be regulated, inspected, and labeled on the basis of these standards.

Vermicompost

To carry out composting with worms or the end product from composting with worms. Vermicompost contains worm castings, broken down organic matter, bedding, worm cocoons, worms and other organisms. "Vermicomposting" - the controlled degradation, or composting, of organic wastes, primarily by earthworm consumption.

Vinifera

Derived from a European grape. Some examples are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Riesling.

Wendell Berry

A writer and teacher, Berry is a strong defender of traditional family farms and life in rural communities.

Worm Castings

Worm manure.