And to learn more about farming without chemical pesticides and fertilizers, he shuttled one of his employees off to the Midwest for a seminar on composting. Walsh, 30, is a new kind of organic farmer.
Throughout California, more big growers like Walsh have turned to chemical- free growing methods. Organic farming, formerly the province of small, environmentally sensitive farmers, is going mainstream. Walsh, the son of a farmer, got into organic farming because he saw a growing market for it. In the last few years, consumers seemed more concerned about the health effects of produce grown with chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Then the concern reached panic levels a year ago when the Alar apple scare broke.
At least three other large conventional growers in Ventura County--Coastal Valley Ranch, Reiter Brothers, and Nakamura Berry Growers--are experimenting with organic growing methods on small acreages. About farms are certified. Another 80 to 90 applications are in the works--many of them from large conventional growers who are trying it out on a few acres. Another half-dozen grow organically, but without certification from the group. Despite the rise in interest, the organic movement faces considerable challenges.
Most consumers who deluged organic growers after the Alar panic have gone back to their old buying habits. On top of that, growing fruits and vegetables without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers is hard work, costly, and, many farmers are discovering, kind of a learn-as-you-go process.
In addition, some of the old-time organic growers question the motives of the new converts. Ableman, 36, got involved in organic farming when he was a member of the Sunburst commune in Santa Barbara during the s.
