As consumer demand and popularity for organic products grow, so does The Organic Farm at Bear Creek in Clermont County. The farm, which consists of 51 acres in Washington Township, is USDA certified organic and is also home to a Department of Agriculture licensed cannery. The farm produces a variety of vegetables, greens, lettuce and herbs, taking them directtly from the field to farmers' markets and selected retail outlets. In addition to the fresh vegetables, the cannery enables the owners, Jeff and Sandra Ashba and Darrick and Libby Massey, the opportunity to produce their own product line of salsas, sauces, soups and dressings.
In order to use the USDA Organic seal, the Ashbas and Masseys participated in the lengthy certification process. After certification was received in 2004, the farm has been inspected yearly by the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA). Sustainable agriculture practices and record keeping are crucial for the farm to maintain its organic certification. The Organic Farm at Bear Creek employs a seed saving program, which offers the opportunity to grow most of their own plants, instead of purchasing them, guaranteeing the plants' organic beginning. Other "best practices" the farm implements are fertilization and pest control, which are accomplished using natural fish emulsions, organic minerals, pepper sprays, composted materials and crop rotation.
The Organic Farm at Bear Creek is a family enterprise committed to producing the highest quality certified organic vegetables and herbs employing sustainable agricultural practices. To learn more about The Organic Farm at Bear Creek and its products, visit its web site.
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