Crop losses caused by aminopyralid [a] contaminated manure have hit the headlines once more as the Vegan-Organic Network (VON) urges growers to adopt its climate-friendly stockfree methods.
VON, an international educational charity promoting the benefits of vegan-organic (stockfree organic) horticulture and agriculture, wants to dispel the myth that animal inputs are necessary in order to grow healthy crops in an environmentally sustainable and economically profitable way. Manure does not have to come from animals!
Stockfree organic growers maintain fertility by means of crop rotation, green manures, mulching and composting. Numerous farmers, growers and gardeners have shown the efficacy of these methods over many years. Avoidance of animal manure and slaughterhouse by-products popular with conventional organic growers lessens the chances of pathogens finding their way into food.
“There are still so many dangerous chemicals getting into the food chain” said trustee Peter White. “Going stockfree organic means that growers have far more control over the quality of the crops they produce as, in virtually all cases, fertility is generated on the holding, rather than being brought in from outside. It’s time for growers to look at the viability and many benefits of stockfree organic alternatives.”
Information about the VON standards and the support and advice the charity offers can be found at www.veganorganic.net and a wealth of information about commercial stockfree organic growing at www.stockfreeorganic.net For more information about aminopyralid, see http://tinyurl.com/aminopyralid
[a] Aminopyralid is the active ingredient in a broadleaf herbicide used to control weeds.
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Notes to Editor
(1) Founded in 1996, the Vegan-Organic Network is an ambitious charity with an international network of active supporters. It aims to research and promote vegan-organic (stockfree) methods of agriculture and horticulture so that clean, green, cruelty-free, food becomes widely available. It publishes a magazine “Growing Green International” and advice leaflets. There is also a free advice service for members of the public, home growers, smallholders and farmers. The Network organises farm walks, allotment and garden visits and volunteer placements on stockfree holdings.
(2)VON’s stockfree organic standards inspected by the Soil Association are available for farmers and growers who wish to grow produce in the most ethical and environmentally-friendly way. The stockfree organic symbol is the consumer’s guarantee of “organic plus” food.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sally Ford – Press Officer
01584 872224 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 21 June 2010 ref. S1025
Registered charity number 1080847 A company registered in England number 3869080
If you are interested in our work please support us by becoming a member. You can join at www.veganorganic.net
