What does “Organic” mean:

Organic agriculture is a production method that emphasizes the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality. Organic food products are produced using:

·         Agricultural management practices that promote healthy eco-systems and prohibit the use of genetically engineered seeds or crops, sewage sludge, long-lasting pesticides, herbicides or fungicides.

·         Livestock management practices that promote healthy, humanely treated animals by providing organically-grown feed, fresh air and outdoor access while using no antibiotics or added growth hormones.

·         Food processing practices that protect the integrity of the organic product and disallow irradiation, genetically modified ingredients (GMOs) or synthetic preservatives.

How the National Organic Standards Evolved

In 1990, Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act, which directed the USDA to create a set of national regulations to define “organic” agriculture. The rapid, consistent growth of the organic movement over the previous decades had created the need for a set of national organic standards that would serve as clear guidelines for the industry and its customers as to what can be considered organic. Many individuals and groups involved in the organic industry (including Whole Foods Market®) worked closely with congressional representatives, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and its National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) to help shape what eventually – after 11 years of input and revision – became the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Organic Rule, which became effective on October 21, 2002.

Currently, the Organic Rule applies mainly to organic food products. The USDA and the organic industry are working to create certification standards for other products such as textiles, seafood and pet food.

Reading Organic Labels

All products labeled as organic must be certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agency. Understanding organic labeling may be a bit confusing at first. Here’s a quick reference:

·         Product must contain only organically produced material, excluding water and salt.

·         The name of the certifying agent must appear on packages. Use of the USDA “organic” seal is optional.

·         Product must be at least 95% organically produced ingredients.

·         Remainder must consist of nonagricultural substances approved on the USDA’s National List of non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form.

·         The label may also that the percentage of organic ingredients.

·         The name of the certifying agent must appear on packages. Use of the USDA “organic” seal is optional.

·         Product must contain at least 70% organic ingredients.

·         Remainder can consist of conventionally grown agricultural ingredients or approved nonagricultural substances from the USDA’s National List.

·         Product may display the term “Made With Organic…” and then list up to three of the product’s organic ingredients or types of food. (For example: “made with organic dates, raisins and apricots” or “made with organic grains, nuts and berries”.) The label may also state the percentage of organic ingredients.

·         The name of the certifying agent must appear on packages. Use of the USDA organic seal is prohibited.

Other Labeling Provisions

·         Products made with less than 70% organic ingredients may make no claim other than designating specific organic ingredients in the ingredients list.

·         No restrictions are made upon the use of truthful labeling claims, such as “pesticide free”, “no drugs or growth hormones used”, or “sustainably harvested”.

·         “Transitional” products are those grown in accordance with the Organic Rule regulations on farms that are in transition from conventional to organic. A certified three year transitional period must be completed before these products can use the word “organic” on their label.

The word “integrity” means “a quality or state of being whole, unimpaired and in perfect condition”. When we say that something has “organic integrity”, we mean none of the factors that went into making it “organic” have been compromised by contamination, commingling or mishandling.

The term “Certified Organic” indicates that the product you purchase has been certified by either a private certifying agency or a state government agency that is fully accredited by the USDA. All certifying agencies must act consistently, competently, and impartially in the certification process. This ensures consumers that production and handling practices always meet national organic standards.

Reasons to buy organic

·         Organic farming meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.

·         Growing organically supports a biologically diverse, healthy environment.

·         Organic farming practices help protect our water resources.

·         Organic agriculture increases the land’s productivity.

·         Organic production limits toxic and long-lasting chemicals in our environment.

·         Many organic farms are small, independent and family-run…

·         Organic farmers are less reliant on non-renewable fossil fuels.

·         Organic products meet stringent USDA standards.

·         Buying Organic is a direct investment in the long-term future of our planet.

·         Organic farmers preserve diversity of plant species.

·         Organic food tastes great.