At GrandyOats, we believe in sustainable business practices. We feel that being an organic producer using organically grown ingredients is one of the best ways we can achieve this goal. In 2000, we set out to achieve this, beginning a lengthy, difficult process of sourcing organic ingredients. Through a global search and an attention to high quality, we achieved our ultimate goal of being certified organic in the summer of 2004.

In 2004, we estimate that we used 100 acres of organic oats-grown on land that was not poisoned with chemical fertilizers or pesticides, near rivers and wildlife areas that did not absorb chemicals, and by farmers who did not have to handle chemicals. This year, we expect our number of acres used to reach 150. And we believe, in our own way, we're making our world a better place simply by using food that was grown in a sustainable way-a method that will allow us to continue to use this beautiful earth for years to come.

Organic agriculture protects the health of people and the planet by reducing the overall exposure to toxic chemicals from synthetic pesticides that can end up in the ground, air, water and food supply, and that are associated with health consequences, from asthma to cancer. Because organic agriculture doesn’t use toxic and persistent pesticides, choosing organic products is an easy way to help protect yourself. Organic agriculture also minimizes children’s exposure to toxic and persistent pesticides in the soil in which they play, the air they breathe, the water they drink, and the foods they eat.

Organic growers use biological and cultural practices as their first line of defense against pests. Methods include crop rotation, the selection of resistant varieties, nutrient and water management, the provision of habitat for the natural enemies of pests, and release of beneficial organisms to protect crops from damage. The only pesticides that allowed in organic agricultural must be on an approved use, with restricted use.

10 Reasons to go Organic
Organic products meet stringent standards
Organic certification is the public’s assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without persistent toxic chemical inputs.

Organic food tastes great!
It’s common sense—well-balanced soils produce strong, healthy plants that become nourishing food for people and animals.

Organic production reduces health risks
Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent any more of these chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us.

Organic farms respect our water resources
The elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, done in combination with soil building, protects and conserves water resources.

Organic farmers build healthy soil
Soil is the foundation of the food chain. The primary focus of organic farming is to use practices that build healthy soils.

Organic farmers work in harmony with nature
Organic agricultural respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas.

Organic producers are leaders in innovative research
Organic farmers have led the way, largely at their own expense, with innovative on-farm research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimizing agriculture’s impact on the environment.

Organic producers strive to preserve diversity
The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The good news is that many organic farmers and gardeners have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing unusual varieties for decades.

Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy
USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops.

Organic abundance – Foods and non-foods alike!
Now every food category has an organic alternative. And non-food agricultural products are being grown organically—even cotton, which most experts felt could not be grown this way.

** The information on this page has been provided by the Organic Trade Association (www.ota.com). We thank them for allowing us to share this information. In 2004, we estimate that we used 100 acres of organic oats—grown on land that was not poisoned with chemical fertilizers or pesticides, near rivers and wildlife areas that did not absorb chemicals, and by farmers who did not have to handle chemicals. This year, we expect our number of acres used to reach 150. And we believe, in our own way, we’re making our little corner of the world a better place simply by using food that was grown in a sustainable way—a method that will allow us to continue to use this beautiful earth for years to come.