No, we are not Certified Organic by the USDA. However, this title would not change the way we farm. We decided in the beginning we did not want to add pesticides, herbicides or other non-organic amendments to our soil, plants or farm at all. It has not been easy! Our biggest threat has been weeds, weeds and more weeds. Compared to weeds, lavender grows at a snail's pace. Thank goodness, very few pests pose a threat to lavender. Deer don't like it too much either.
The first year we planted our lavender, we severely underestimated the growth of a weed. We lost 90% of our 600 plants to weed overgrowth. Two years later, we planted another crop after laying down high grade weed fabric and mulching each plant with limestone rock. This was a life-saver for us, but we still have to weed. The key is keeping it under control.
The hard work is worth it. We want to use, sell and offer plants that have not been exposed to chemicals or toxins which could cause harm to the user or surrounding wildlife. We use lavender in our own baths, food, and drink and don't feel it's worth the risk of toxin exposure just to get rid of a few weeds. If we can't do it this way, we just won't do it.
We know a lot of you feel this way too. However, the time and tens of thousands of dollars our colleagues have spent to obtain this certification is out of our reach.
This is why you will not see our products labeled as "organic". One must have USDA certification in order to see this word printed on our labels. If you ever have any questions concerning organic growing on our farm, please ask! We want to be very transparent and earn your trust as a local farmer!
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