Bridgetown Mushrooms is proud to be USDA Certified Organic! Since the company’s inception, we have sourced organic materials for our spawn, substrate, and entire growing process. Honesty and openness are core values for us, and that's why we seek third-party certifications, such as the USDA Organic certification, to build trust with our customers. These certifications assure you that we genuinely stand by our claims.
Journey to Organic Certification
To achieve organic certification, mushroom growers must follow guidelines outlined by the USDA's National Organic Program regulations for crop production. These guidelines include:
- No synthetic fertilizers on the mushroom substrate.
- No synthetic pesticides. Instead, implementation of physical, mechanical, and biological pest control methods are used.
- No harsh chemicals used for facility and tool sanitation.
- Use of organically-produced mushroom spawn.*
- Use of organic substrate materials like soybean meal, alfalfa meal, and minerals.
The Importance of Third-Party Certifications
Third-party certifications, such as the USDA Organic certification, play a crucial role in maintaining transparency and safeguarding against greenwashing. ‘Greenwashing’ involves misleading marketing practices used by certain businesses to portray an environmentally-focused image, even if they do not genuinely adhere to sustainable practices. Terms like "all natural" and "environmentally friendly" can be red flags, often used in this deceptive manner. The presence of certifications that are verified outside of the organization by a third party helps consumers discern authentic Organic products from potentially misleading claims.
While some companies may genuinely follow sustainable practices without formal certification, others may attempt to create a false impression of environmental responsibility. With these certifications, consumers can trust that the Organic produce offered is truly cultivated with care, adhering to standardized practices, and making ethical choices for their health and the environment.
*Important note: USDA does permit non-organic spawn if no suitable organic options are commercially available. However, Bridgetown Mushrooms sources all of our grains for spawn from small organic farms in Oregon.