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Show - fHE Page HERALD; PreW, Ulifi, Itdfae1 & CaTden,fWedm&daT, April 10f 11 More consumers Booking From BETTER for the first time included organic fanning provisions. This law will establish national quality standards and labeling guidelines for organically produced products, and make it easier to ship them from state to HOMES AND GARDENS Meredith Magazine For AP Newsfeatares Now, more than ever, consumers may consider buying fruits and vegetables labeled "organic." Interest in these foods is growing due to concerns over pesticide residues on produce, reports Better Homes and Gardens magazine. A Government agencies believe that stricter pesticide regulations ensure that our food supply is safe. However, many people feel better about eating organically grown foods. The following information may help a family decide whether organics are right for them. NOT CLEARLY DEFINED In the beginning, there was organic farming. Before pesticides (defined as any agent used to destroy pesta), weeds were hand pulled and beneficial insects were allowed to flourish to eliminate predators. Today, organic farmers may use both of these methods along with such innovations as bug vacuuming. However, the definition of today's organic farming can differ from farmer to farmer, from state to state. Depending on the region, some farmers wean the soil of all pesticide residues for several years before raising crops without chemicals. Other growers reduce the use of pesticides, relying on organic methods as an additional line of defense against predators. Right now, 22 states have laws or regulations defining the term organic. To find out if a given state does, contact the local Department of Agriculture. Last fall, the federal government passed the 1990 Farm Bill, which IMIIII state. Currently, several terms describe reduced-chemicfanning. LISTEN FOR THESE TERMS Biodynamic: Farmers use natural plants and beneficial insects prevalent in their own growing region in place of using chemicals. Certified Organic: Crops grown according to strict guidelines set by an independent group or state guaragency. This is a third-part- y antee that the grower has followed purely organic growing practices. Land on which these crops are grown must be free from pesticide use for several years before it can be certified as organic. Organic: Food grown on land that was not subjected to synthetic fertilizers or pesticides for one to three years. Naturally occurring compounds (such as beneficial may have been used. Pesticide-Fro- e or Crops never directly sprayed with pesticides. However, fertilizers may have been used on the soil. to organic f( Sustainable Agriculture: land using minimal pesticides and chemicals in combination with natural methods (such as insects that kill pests). This is a growing approach to raising produce. Transitional: Land where no pesticides are used. However, the land has not been free of chemicals long enough to be certified as organic by a particular state or trade group. SHOPPING FOR ORGANICS Look for a certification label When a produce label states "organic," look also for certification. This is a guarantee from the grower that strict guidelines have been followed and monitored by an independent agency. Ask questions when shopping. If there is no indication of certification, ask the produce-departmemanager what assurance the store has that the fruit or vegetable is middle-of-- the-road UP TO ORGAN-IC- S With pesticides, consumers enjoy - y, plentiful, affordable fresh fruits and vegetables. And for good health, everyone needs fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. When concerned about pesticide residues on fresh produce, here's how to handle the food at home: Thoroughly rinse produce with water (don't use soap). ' Scrub fruits and vegetables while rinsing, then peel them to . remove any surface residues. Remove outer leaves of leafy vegetables. ': high-qualit- farmer's markets and roadside ; .. stands. some imperfections. OrAccept ganic products aren't waxed or treated to enhance shelf life. Natural imperfections may be noticed on some products, such as tomatoes or citrus fruit, yet no difference on other products, such as ? grapes or melons. - Creative canning possible with now crops on market nt updated since their publication, A current information is your local cooperative extension By The Associated Press good source of Preserving your own summer produce for winter use is as old as the ages, but new techniques make it a smart, modern practice. "New varieties of crops and own vegetables and fruits that are gaining popularity with home gardeners offer a multitude of creative preserving possibilities," says nutritionist Gail L. Becker. Some tips for borne canners: Don't change or substitute ingredients in canning recipes. Fruits and vegetables differ in their acidity, and reducing acid content can cause spoilage. Sugar and salt, called for in many recipes, are traditional preservatives. Use only jars, lids and bands intended for home canning. Make sure they are free of chips, cracks or other defects. Don't use recipes or procedures from old cookbooks, since safe canning techniques may have been agent Don't deviate from processing times specified in recipes. And when processing is completed, remove the jars immediately and let them cool on a rack or dish towel away from drafts. When jars are completely cool in about 12 hours, check the seals. Jars with fiat metal lids are sealed if the Hd has popped down in the center, does not move when pressed down and gives a dear ring sound when tapped with a spoon. If the jar isnt properly sealed, refrigerate or freeze the contents. Becker, who serves as a consultant to Sweet 'N Low, says that the diet sweetener is heat stable and can be used to preserve your own lesser-kn- bac-teria- s) y: AN ALTERNATIVE TO Compare prices." Some organical- -' )y grown fruits and vegetables will be priced 25 to 50 percent higher than regular produce. Other foods will be comparably priced. Health-foo- d stores may charge heftier prices than larger supermarkets, Crop- organic. If the store doesn't know whether an approved organization has OK'd such produce, there's no guarantee that it was organically grown. low-calori- e, sugar-reduce- con- d serves, spreads and relishes. N SUPERIOR PROTECTION Decks & Railings Wood Siding Mc ATU CDM A CTCD Shake OFF SELECTED ITEMS! k yly & 0 f 2 f a Jl A ' ar X a) WEATHER-MASTE- Shingle V Tubs Log Homes Hot Old Wood New Wood Interior & Exterior Wood And Much More The only product on the market that counteracts the processes of wood deterioration. ALL wood color. 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