In 1994, the Agriculture Department's Pesticide Data Program found traces of five to 10 different pesticides -- deemed acceptable by government -- in apples grown in California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and Washington. Produce most likely to test positive were celery (96 percent showing residues), apples (95 percent), peaches (93 percent), oranges (86 percent) and potatoes (78 percent).
All this has given buyers reason to turn to organic produce. To help reassure buyers that they are getting produce grown without chemicals, the Hawai'i Organic Farmers Association four years ago set up a certification procedure.
HOFA has 250 members statewide, including individuals, growers and businesses involved in bringing organic produce to the marketplace. The group has certified 30 organic farms statewide. Twenty more farms are in the process of being certified, according to Kim Clark, Oahu coordinator for HOFA.
One reason more have not rushed to be certified is because there are no national standards for organic produce. Without such standards, Clark said, there is no basis for establishing state laws to penalize those who make false organic claims.
Clark said this will change only with the signing of the 1990 Farm Bill. The bill contains an Organic Foods Protection Act that would set up standards for organic certification on a federal level and an accreditation procedure for certifiers.
"We're watching that very closely, and working with the Department of Agriculture for truth in labeling," Clark said.
Currently, certification by HOFA involves paying a $395 fee which covers administrative costs and various soil tests. Most crucial is the organic-chlorine screen which tests for several toxic chemicals. Growers must also have a three-year history of documented organic practice before being certified, or their land can also be approved if it has been fallow for three years.
HOFA has set guidelines on procedures allowed, recommended and prohibited. Prohibited practices include irradiation and genetic engineering of seeds.
For more information call 947-3683.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday