Following is the Grand Prize Winning Essay in the "Organic Way to Grow" essay contest conducted by The Organic Trade Association in cooperation with Mambo Sprouts. A special thank you to co-sponsors Stonyfield Farm, Stretch Island Organic Fruit Leathers, Eat Smart from Snyder's of Hanover, Organic Valley, Nature's Gate, Annie's Homegrown, After The Fall, San-J Organic Tamari, and Brown Cow Farm Organic Yogurt

Madeline Olsen, 26, is a graduate student in urban and regional planning at the University of Minnesota' Humphrey Institute. She works at an emergency shelter for homeless adults in Minneapolis.

Why Organic Agriculture is Important to Me and My Family

I envision organic agriculture to be like a seed, starting small, growing into something large and fruitful, creating small seeds to be spread, renewing the life cycle. Organic agriculture, as with many things, begins with one person. I am the seed, and in many ways selfish. I want to be healthy, eating fruits, vegetables, and meats that are free from chemicals and minimally processed.

As I expand my knowledge about organic agriculture, I realize how much the earth's system is affected by the fact that I purchase and eat organic foods. It starts simply: I recognize that when farmers do not spray their plants with pesticides, the soil is free from chemicals. If the soil is not contaminated, then the river by the farm is also not contaminated. The creatures in the river are then safe and the creatures that eat those creatures are safe.

As I comprehend the large impact I am having on the world, I want to spread the word. I teach my friends and family about organic foods and why they are so important. I will pass this knowledge on to my children, and so on. It will become a universal expectation that our food be free from chemicals. The system, from plant to soil, from river to fish, will be returned to what is natural. Selfishly and selflessly, I know that organic agriculture is good for me, my children, and the earth.

The Organic Report