Then we planted bean seedlings while we discussed some of the many challenges organic farmers face every day. I learned that contamination from nearby, non-organic farms is a big issue. It is very easy for chemicals and pesticides to become airborne, travel downwind and infect an organic farm. Further, one farm adjacent to Ted’s actually has some GMO patents. Ted needs to be very careful in deciding what to plant, because if he produces the same food as his neighbor’s, and the patented GMOs become airborne and reach Ted’s crop, he can then be liable for patent infringement! That really struck a chord with me – organic farmers can’t seem to catch a break, whether it’s fear of patent violation, or merely fending off airborne chemicals or roaming pests. As a consumer I rely on organics as the healthiest, toxin-free foods to put in my body, and I’m willing to pay for this. Visiting Ted enlightened me and gave me a better understanding of the organic farmer’s difficulties in producing these foods, from dealing with shorter shelf life upon harvest, to finding and discarding any contaminated crops, to tackling pests and disease in a natural way.