Organic Certification
Chuck Samuelson • April 17, 2025
In December 3 years ago we closed escrow on our farm. I like to joke that my girlfriend bought a farm and so now I’m a farmer. Truth is that I come from a small farming community on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Northeastern Montana. The planting, tending, harvesting rhythms are in my blood. The crops are different, but much is the same. One of the things that is true across crops and farms and locations is that the healthier the soil, the healthier the crops. It is also true that you only get truly healthy soil by building the soil up through organic and regenerative practices.
Organic certification, which shows to the world that you are using only those techniques and products that will build your soil is a process that takes a minimum of 3 years. We began organic-only farming on our very first day on the farm. Now we have the certification to show it.
While that may seem like a long time, much of my work on the farm is measured in 5-, 10-, and 15-year timeframes. That makes the 3+ years getting our organic certification seem like we only started this yesterday. Nevertheless, this is an important milestone for our farm of which we are very proud.
We need more organic farms. San Diego County is home to more small farms than any other county in America and more organic farms than any other county in America. Still, we need more. In the US, only 1% of farms are organic and in California it is 5%. Better, but still far short of what need.
You can help by buying organic whenever possible, and for heaven’s sake, please buy local. Our avocado trees thank you and so does the farmer who sings to them.
-Chuck
We are proud to be part of a growing movement focused on sustainable agriculture and better food systems. Check out Chuck at the 2024 Food Tank Summit. Together, we can create a healthier planet and a better future for food production.
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SAN DIEGO, CA, APRIL 1, 2024 - In a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture and food equity, Heal The Earth, a San Diego-based non-profit organization, announces the receipt of a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) . This grant is part of a nationwide initiative by the USDA, dedicating $40.5 million to enhance the processing and promotion of domestic organic products, with Heal The Earth being a proud beneficiary. This funding is part of the USDA’s Organic Market Development Grant program, designed to boost the availability and consumption of organic agricultural goods. With an emphasis on local, Southern California produce, Heal The Earth is poised to launch transformative projects that cater specifically to organic grains, legumes, and other organic products, elevating the local organic market scene. Empowering Local Organic Produce Through Innovation and Community Heal The Earth will leverage the grant to deepen its impact within the community, focusing on: Developing and Promoting Local Markets: Initiating projects to nurture new and broaden existing markets for local, Southern California organic produce, increasing consumer access and consumption. Expanding Value-Added Processing : Building upon the infrastructure to enhance the production and processing of organic produce, rescuing surplus food, and addressing essential gaps in the supply chain. "Farmers who choose to grow Organic often access new, more and better markets," said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Torres Small. "At USDA, we are committed to making it easier for farmers who make that choice through programs like the Organic Market Development Grant Program, which supports farmers and increases access to fresh, healthy foods. Fostering a Future of Sustainability and Equity The primary goals of Heal The Earth's initiatives, supported by the USDA grant, include: Enhance Local Food Infrastructure : Support for our Food Hub and Value-Added Processing (VAP) Facility to improve market access and processing for local farmers. Empower Local Farmers : Expand local farmers' market access, positively impacting their sustainability and revenue potential. Promote Sustainable Practices : Advocate and implement sustainable organic farming methods to benefit the environment and reduce food waste. Build Community Wealth : Support the growth of local, organic food businesses, contributing to community empowerment and generational wealth. Innovate in Agriculture : Partner with tech innovators to enhance the efficiency of local organic agriculture operations. Chuck Samuelson, Founder of Heal The Earth, expressed his gratitude, stating, "This USDA grant is a landmark achievement in our quest for a sustainable, equitable, and accessible local food system. It not only recognizes our efforts but also empowers us to make significant advancements in the development of local organic markets. This support will directly benefit our local farmers and communities, aiding in the creation of generational wealth." With this injection of financial support, Heal The Earth is set to launch impactful programs that bring tangible benefits to the local San Diego organic produce market, while also advancing the objectives set forth by the USDA. Join Us in Nourishing Our Community This initiative promises to open new avenues for local organic produce and create a more resilient local food economy. Heal The Earth invites community members, local farmers, and stakeholders to join in this exciting new chapter. For further information, to get involved, or to support Heal The Earth's mission, please contact: Chuck Samuelson, Founder 619-851-4091 chuck.samuelson1@gmail.com About Heal The Earth Heal The Earth is a non-profit organization based in San Diego, California, committed to supporting local farmers, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable and equitable food systems. Focused on the importance of local and farm products, Heal The Earth aims to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Through innovative programs that connect local producers with consumers and markets, the organization strives to enhance food security, promote environmental stewardship, and break the cycle of poverty. Heal The Earth is dedicated to transforming our food system into one that prioritizes community well-being, environmental sustainability, and economic vitality. For more information about Heal The Earth and how to get involved or support their initiatives, visit healtheearth.info .
