White House chef confesses: Obama garden not so green
Sam Kass says organic certification is unnecessary because the main purpose of the garden is to educate people on healthy eating.
The White House does not consider First Lady Michelle Obama's vegetable garden to be organic and is not seeking USDA organic certification for the garden, White House Deputy Chef Sam Kass said Monday.
In a discussion with members of the North American Agricultural Journalists, who toured the garden, Kass said that the White House does not use synthetic fertilizers and generally follows organic gardening standards, but would not seek certification because the purpose of the garden is to educate people about good food and eating habits. Of organic certification, Kass said, "There is no need for that."
News stories have described the White House vegetable garden as organic, but USDA standards require that certified organic foods be grown on land that has not been subject to certain fertilizers and pesticides for three years. The Obamas started the garden after they moved into the White House last year.
Kass added that soil tests have debunked rumors that the 1,500-square-foot garden on the South Lawn contains lead or other dangerous residues.