When looking for aloe vera products, you may find that often the products will say that they are organic or organically farmed. What does it mean when your aloe vera is organically farmed?

We see labels that all talk about trans fat, sodium, and other various nutrition facts every day. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been a big part of the discussion around what should be in the products that we consume and use on our bodies.

Many aloe vera juices, aloe vera gels, and aloe vera lotions claim to be organic, but what does that entail? Organic foods have been trending since the early 2000s and have become a part of our daily lives. It’s essential to understand what it means to be organic and how organic farming is a critical component of obtaining quality organic aloe vera.

At Aloe Laboratories, we produce various aloe products directly from our 100% organic aloe vera farm in Texas. Today we’ll take a look at what goes into organic farming and the benefits it has for the aloe products we create.

What is Organic Farming?

Organic farming is a holistic approach to the growth of food or crops. This holistic approach creates an ecological balance in agriculture involving soil fertility, natural pest control, and crop rotation. 

The USDA defines organic farming as a managed response to the site conditions of a production system — this means anything that is integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that are a part of the cycle of resources that promote ecological balance.

The History Behind Organic Farming

The agricultural system of organic farming started in the 19th century due to rapidly changing farming practices. However, organic farming techniques have been practiced for thousands of years due to the lack of artificial chemicals and fertilizers. However, in the 1940s, pesticides became more popular. Though some short-term pesticides were beneficial, the long-term effects created compaction, erosion, and a decline in soil fertility. These complications resulted in concerns about toxic chemicals being used on food and other agricultural products.  

Then Albert Howard and Gabrielle Howard pioneered the organic movement. They banded together to found the Institute of Plant Industry to remedy pesticides’ harmful effects and bring attention to the alternatives available to modern farmers. They incorporated Indian techniques and farming rotations to develop new ways to develop  organic farming.

What Makes a Good Organic Farm?

The high demand for organic products has caused organic crops to demand a premium price over conventionally grown products. They are resulting in a mass flux of organic farming, which has made it a driving factor for farmers to be successful in their craft.

Economics aside, most organic farmers get into organic farming because their methods are better for the environment. Many strive to create a safer and healthier food supply for their customers. For an excellent organic farm, the primary motivation should be stewardship towards the earth and humankind.

When deciding if where you are seeking products has an ethical and successful organic farm, consider:

1. The Culture Of The Farm. Is the farm eager and flexible to try new techniques and practices to their farm? This could be an indicator of how the farm works. An excellent organic farm will strive to make the highest quality and most ethically sourced products.
2. Commitment To Sustainability. An excellent organic farm will be fully committed to protecting the environment and providing a safer food supply for its customers.
3. Organic Certification And Standards. When looking at an organic farm, be sure to be on the lookout for the farm’s certification through the National Organic Program.

Four Methods of Organic Farming

There are many methods of what makes good organic farming. However, the primary methods are crop diversification, soil management, weed management, and pest control.

1. Crop Diversity

Crop diversity is highly encouraged for both conventional and organic farming. Crop diversity provides a massive benefit for polyculture. Planting various crops will promote a wide range of beneficial insects, soil microorganisms, and other factors that help the overall farm health. Crop diversity is the best way to see that an organic farm is thriving.

2. Soil Management

Organic farming relies on the natural breakdown of other organic materials. This organic material usually consists of green manure and compost. Green waste and composting are used to replace nutrients that the soil takes from the previous crops for the new ones to flourish. Organic farmers will use various methods to improve soil fertility, consisting of cover cropping, reduced tillage, and compost. These methods make it so that organic matter is not lost to the atmosphere and has the added benefit of carbon sequestration.

3. Weed Management

To promote the success of organic farming, implementing a way to manage pesky weeds organically. Rather than using weed elimination, organic weed management promotes weed suppression by increasing crop competition and phytotoxic effects on the weeds. Organic farmers avoid synthetic herbicides by integrating biological, cultural, and physical techniques to weed suppression.

4. Pest Control

Aside from weeds, other pests can cause problems that farmers need to take care of organically. Organic farmers try to encourage the growth of predatory insects to control pests that destroy crops. Rotating crops to different locations is also an organic way that farmers diver pests from their crops. Often, companion and pest repelling plants are popular in organic farming to keep pests away.

Organic Aloe Vera For Your Private Label Brand.

The best way to ensure that you’re getting the highest quality aloe gel possible is to choose a company with complete control over the manufacturing process, from growing to harvesting and processing. 

At Aloe Laboratories, we maintain our aloe vera farm and production site, allowing us to craft the most satisfactory products possible while keeping bulk and wholesale prices low. We pride ourselves on producing aloe vera gel, juice, and powder specific to each customer’s needs.

If you’d like to learn more about how aloe vera gel can enhance your products, or if you have some ideas of your own, reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you make your product a reality.