Healthy Kids: Learn about Organic Farming What's Different about Organic Farmers? As organic farmers, we grow food differently from conventional farmers because we choose to use nature's ways of solving farming problems. We grow plants without herbicides (weed killers) or fumigants (soil sterilizers). All of our fertilizer (plant food) is natural. Sometimes we do use some insecticides (insect killers) or fungicides (fungus killers), but only special ones that are approved for organic farming. And we use them less often than conventional farmers use chemicals on their crops. Substances approved for organic farming are usually made from natural ingredients and are less harmful to people, animals, and the environment. It takes a little more effort to grow food organically, but it is a good way to grow healthy, strong plants. To enrich the soil, organic farmers plant cover crops, such as bell beans and hairy vetch, that make the soil richer as they grow and when they are tilled under. We also use compost, a natural form of fertilizer that comes from different materials that have rotted away and broken down. We keep pests and diseases away by crop rotation, which means switching the location of plants each season. We also use natural insect repellents, and bring in good bugs that like to eat bad bugs. We do most of our weeding with tractors and also by hand with tools like hoes. Even though it takes a little more work, we think farming organically is the healthiest choice. Organic farming helps keep our air, soil, water and food supply clean. We also provide our farm workers and neighbors with a healthier environment. Organic farming helps make healthy food and a healthy planet!