De-Mystifying Organic
What is "Organic" anyway?
Americans are buying organic products for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons include belief that organic foods are better: for the environment; for their health; and for quality and taste. Organic food has both a popular meaning, and, a legal definition. In everyday conversation, it usually refers to all "naturally produced" foods, or the product of organic farming. As a legal term, it means certified organic. The distinction is important, as the two definitions can represent quite different products.
In the United States "Organic" is defined by the U.S. Dept of Agriculture (USDA) . As of October 21, 2002, all agricultural farms and products claiming to be organic must be guaranteed by a USDA-approved independent agency to be meeting the following guidelines:
Producers must abstain from the application of prohibited materials (including synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and sewage sludge) for 3 years prior to certification and then continually throughout their organic license.
Prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms and irradiation.
Employ positive soil building, conservation, manure management and crop rotation practices.
Provide outdoor access and pasture for livestock.
Refrain from antibiotic and hormone use in animals.
Sustain animals on 100% organic feed.
Certified organic meat, eggs, poultry and dairy are produced from animals not inoculated with antibiotics or growth hormones.
Avoid contamination during the processing of organic products.
Keep records of all operations.
So Organic is the Best Standard - Right?You may think that "Organic" is the highest standard for our food. Unfortunately there are a number of other factors that you may assume come along with the "Organic" label - that are not necessary so. Click Here to see entire article.
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