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Organic Battle Brewing Over Hydroponics

b inxee, flickr Creative Commons
Hydroponic vegetables

What it means to grow organic produce may be re-defined. Kristofor Husted reports on infighting in the organic world.

Some farmers grow produce, not in soil, but in water: A system called hydroponics, and they want to be able to label their fruits and vegetables as organic.

But many growers say the very point of organic produce is to nurture soil.

The National Organic Standards Board makes recommendations to the Agriculture Department. Board member Emily Oakley says it plans to send a strong message that hydroponic systems are not organic.

“It’s a difficult issue to take a stand on," Oakley says. "They’re looking for the most clear language possible to allow them to take a stand.”

Hydroponic advocates say the system is sustainable and can facilitate access to healthful food. Ultimately, it’s up to the Agriculture Department.

Kristofor Husted is a senior reporter at KBIA in Columbia, Mo. Previously Husted reported for NPR’s Science Desk in Washington and Harvest Public Media. Husted was a 2013 fellow with the Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources and a 2015 fellow for the Institute for Journalism and Justice. He’s won regional and national Edward R. Murrow, PRNDI and Sigma Delta Chi awards. Husted also is an instructor at the Missouri School of Journalism. He received a B.S. in cell biology from UC Davis and an M.S. in journalism from Northwestern University.