Few can deny that the organic food industry is booming and is expected to continue growing. According to a TechSci Research report, the global organic food market is expected to expand 16 percent by 2020.
While some consumers buy organic because they believe it’s better for the environment, even more do so for health-related reasons. Fruits, vegetables and grains labeled organic are grown without the use of most synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilizers that take a toll on the human body.
Harvard University researcher Philippe Grandjean reports that three long-term birth cohort studies in the U.S. suggest that pesticides are harming children’s brains. The study also shows there are other, though minor, advantages of organic food, such as higher contents of some nutrients, and less cadmium.
Even with such notable benefits, the high price of organic food is a barrier for some consumers. To curb this concern, many are turning to local farmer markets or choosing to grow their own crops—and that’s where the knowledge and expertise of greenhouse owners comes into play.
Greenhouse professionals do everything from developing improved pest control and production methods to working with industry associations and stepping up as leaders in their communities and businesses, reports Greenhouse Management. “They’re growing anything from the unique and unusual to hanging baskets to specialty crops like succulents and cannabis.”
Eric and Pattie Boudier, owners of Peaceful Valley Farm Supply in California, point out that the “organic community is a diverse population with a wide range of age groups, backgrounds, and education levels. Within this diversity, we know there is a common thread. We all want better tasting, more nutritious food that has a lower carbon footprint,” says Eric.
The Boudiers are dedicated to preserving the environment by providing clients with cost-effective, state-of-the-art, organic growing supplies and the information and tools needed to apply them. “We strive to provide growers at every level, from home gardeners to commercial farmers, with great service, low prices and the best selection of quality products available,” Pattie adds.
Toronto’s Len Wong founded The Grow Depot out of his dedication to sustainability and his passion for the role that organic gardening plays for the environment and human health. Whether your preferred crop is kale or cannabis, “organically-derived nutrients, hormones, and soil create an optimal environment for plants to thrive, absorb nutrients, and grow rich in color and flavor,” says Wong who specializes in cultivating specialty strains of cannabis.
“It’s all about quality over quantity,” he explains. “Organic farming brings out different terpenes, which are essential oils that hold numerous medical benefits including anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Not only that, organic farming of cannabis is cleaner and safer for smoking and consumption than synthetic production.”
The team at The Grow Depot focuses on assisting clients with all of their growing needs and love to answer questions, “no matter how big or small because we know that a love of growing doesn’t have an off-season,” says Wong.
