A recent post on my blog directed readers to a produce buying guide that is available at no charge and help shoppers understand when purchasing organic vs. conventionally grown foods should be a preference A reader left a comment that it seems now the term organic is used rather loosely. It is similar to the "lite" label on foods. Lite can mean less fat, more sugar or less sugar, more calories. She is confused about what organic really means relating to her food purchases.
I totally agree with her. It is rare to have a conversation these days where someone doesn't use the phrase "organic" or "organically grown" and they are not referring to anything in the food chain. They use it to discuss ideas or trends or products totally unrelated to food consumption. It is not an improper use of the word and, actually, can be quite appropriate. Because it is such an ordinary conversation term, it can also diminish the reality of what organic food is really all about. In the case of food products, there are established and regulated guidelines that must be followed for the word organic to be used on a product.
Organic
- Foods labeled organic must be produced without the use of conventional pesticides, any artificial fertilizers, human waste, or sewage residual.
- The foods can not be processed using radiation or food additives.
- The farmland has to free from chemicals for a certain number of years.
- Any non-organic production must be kept completely separate from organic production.
- Sources of food production are also subject to inspections.
- Facilities and methods of production must comply with the standards.
- A written production plan is required to include purchases and sales, field and crop locations, fertilization and pest control activities, and harvest and storage activities.
In 2002, the National Organic Program (NOP) came into being. Because of the legislation creating this program, it restricts the use of the term "organic" to only those producers certified as organic producers. If a grower sells less than ,000 a year, the grower must comply to the standards and audits, but they do not need to formally apply. The certification is handled though state, non-profit, or private agencies. Each of these certification agents are approved by the Department of Agriculture and strict standards are maintained.
Organic really does have meaning relating to the food you purchase. When you see the organic sticker on a product, it is there because it meets the criteria, not just because someone put a sticker on it.
Organic - What Does it Really Mean?
Judy Ferril is a freelance writer in Minneapolis. Are you a stranger in your own kitchen? Do you think eating healthy means no fun or flavor in your meals? Judy is the self-trained executive chef for the Ferril family and loves to share her passion for cooking and healthy foods with others. Join Judy Ferril at Baking With Lemons. What does baking and lemons have to do with fun, flavor, and health? Come see, stretch your imagination and enjoy new tastes and flavors at Baking with Lemons and Local Food Connections for fun and healthy local food options. Judy Ferril