Organic Labeling: What does it all mean? by C.J. Wong

There are so many labels out there that it is hard to determine what organic means any more. Traditionally we think of organically grown items as those being grown without the use of pesticides and artificial fertilizers in a sustainable manner. However with the advent of the National Organic Program many items that would actually be considered organically grown are not being labeled that way. This is because small farmers are finding it hard to deal with the costs and extensive documentation in order to get certified as organic.

Items that have the seal "USDA ORGANIC" have been grown according to the National Organic Program Standards and are certified to contain at least 95% organic ingredients. Growers must be certified by an organic certification agency such Oregon Tilth, NOFA - NY, or the Midwest Organic Services Association, Inc.

The certification system called Certified Naturally Grown™ is an alternative program that does not require the extensive paper work that the National Organic Program requires. However, foods that are Certified Naturally Grown™ are grown in accordance with the National Organic Program Standards. Farms receive a site inspection once a year and 10% are randomly selected for laboratory pesticide residue testing.

I recently heard about a group of Amish farmers in Ohio working together on a new co-op. Buying Amish products is another way to support sustainable agriculture with even more stringent requirements than the USDA Organic Certification. I will report more on that as I hear about it.
Be wary of labels however. In some cases, exceptions have been made by the Federal government in the case of organically fed livestock. It turns out that if the cost of organic feed is twice as much as conventional feed, livestock can be fed conventional feed and still remain “organic.”

This is a dynamic area and consumers need to keep reading and staying alert to changes. The best way to make sure your foods are truly grown without chemical applications is by growing them yourself or knowing the person you are buying from. In the summer it is easier with local farmer's markets popping up all over the place. Talk to the growers and ask them how they grow their items. Do not assume that just because it is locally grown and at a farmer's market that it was grown without chemicals. You need to ask. I have always found people are helpful and willing to share. It is nearly impossible to eat 100% organic especially in areas where organic has not caught on yet. Cut yourself some slack and do the best you can.

See:
National Organic Program: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/indexIE.htm
Certified Naturally Grown : http://www.naturallygrown.org/