Profile: Dennis Holbrook
 Dennis Holbrook has been the proud owner of South Tex Organics since 1984, when he decided farming organically was not only nature’s way but also the way to grow the most nutritious and best tasting citrus. Dennis and his wife Lynda, along with family members, work together to manage the citrus and vegetable production and distribution business, along with a new retail store called Earth Born Market. You can read the full interview here.
Have you taken our survey yet? It’s quick, painless, and completely anonymous.
Test Your Organic IQ
 The organic standards of the USDA:
1. Allow the use of sewage sludge in crop production.
T or F?
2. Allow properly managed residential backyard gardens to be certified organic.
T or F?
3. Allow cut flowers to be certified organic.
T or F?
(Answers at the end of the newsletter.)
 Quote of the Week
“I believe in organic certification because the consumer has to be confident that what they are buying meets a standard.”
– Dennis Holbrook
Myths & Misconceptions
Myth: Certified organic growers are not allowed to use fertilizers or pesticides.
Truth: Most synthetic products are prohibited, but hundreds of fertilizers and pesticides are approved for organic farming. The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) at www.omri.org publishes a current list of products allowed in organic production. For further reading, see the eOrganic website, this list of ATTRA publications, or ATTRA’s list of organic pesticides.
 Only in Texas
As of 2012, only 188 Texas farms and ranches were certified under USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards, and 105 others were officially transitioning to organic certification. The total value of Texas organic products at farm gate was about $72 million.
2012 Census of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistical Service
Questions from the ATTRA Vault
Q: Where can I source organic seeds in my area?
A: The ATTRA website offers several databases, including a directory of organic seed suppliers Read the full answer here.
Q: How can I treat irrigation water to meet GAP standards?
A: For GAP certification, surface water that is being used for overhead irrigation of crops should be tested to ensure that it meets the EPA's coliform limits for recreational use of water. Read the full answer here.
TOFGA Corner
On June 24 there will be a Region 4 get-together to plan upcoming seminars and farm tours for the DFW region. The event will take place at the Collin County Farmer's Market in Plano, starting at 7 PM. Details here.
There's info here about an 86 acre farm in Nueces County that the owner wants to transition to organic, as well as job listings and farm equipment for sale.
Answers: 1 F; 2 T; 3 T
Texas Organic Chronicles is funded in part by the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program as administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
ATTRA has been a trusted source of information about organic and sustainable agriculture for over 25 years. Visit www.attra.ncat.org, for over 400 (mostly free) publications, as well as many other tools and resources. Send us a question by e-mail, using the form on our website. Text your question to askanag@ncat.org. Or phone us at 800-346-9140 (English) or 800-411-3222 (Spanish). Funded by the USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service, ATTRA is a program of the National Center for Appropriate Technology.
TOFGA is a grassroots membership organization, proudly supporting organic and sustainable farming in all parts of Texas. TOFGA hosts an annual conference, regional meetings and workshops, farm tours, and other events. Whether you're a farmer, gardener, or consumer, please join TOFGA today. www.tofga.org.
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