Is Hydroponic Farming Considered Organic?

Hydroponic farming is a method of growing plants in a nutrient-rich solution, rather than in soil. While hydroponics can be a highly efficient and sustainable method of growing crops, it is not considered organic under the standards set by the National Organic Program (NOP) in the United States.

The NOP regulations specify that organic farming must use methods that “mimic natural systems” and that “promote ecological balance.” Because hydroponic systems are not based on natural soil systems, they are not considered to meet these requirements.

However, some countries have different regulations for organic farming and Hydroponic farming may be considered as organic by those countries.

It’s worth noting that there are other certification programs for sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, such as “Beyond Organic” and “Regenerative Organic,” that may include hydroponic systems.