Definition of Organic

The 3 Ws (What, Where, & Who)

1. What is the Definition of Organic Food?

Definition of “Organic” refers to food grown without synthetic pesticides, insecticides, herbicides,fungicides, hormones, fertilizers or other synthetic or toxic substances.    No artificial flavors or colors have been added. Organic food does not include foods that have been irradiated or Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). >Organic food is produced by farmers who focus on using reusable resources and to conserve the soil and water so to ensure environmental quality for future generations.

Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones.

Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers, or sewage sludge-based fertilizers, bio-engineering, or ionizing radiation.

Organic foods of all kinds have nutritional characteristics similar to their conventionally produced counterparts. Essentially the same amount of protein, fat, carbohydrate, and dietary fiber in a glass of organic milk is found in a glass of milk produced non-organically,

BUT…

Is all that extras and added chemicals good for your body? Is the nutritional value given through your food all to be taken away because of synthetic and toxic substances added by man?

Know the Definition of Organic - Knowledge is Power

2. Where Can I Find Organic Foods?

Some stores feature an entire section dedicated to natural and organic products.  Many stores incorporate natural and organic products into their usual offerings - you’ll find them on the shelves next to your conventional favorites. Other locations feature select Natural & Organic products grouped together on special racks throughout the store.No matter where these products are located in your local store, look for the organic symbol (see below) green and purple shelf tags which will guide you to natural and organic favorites. 

Also, store manager can teach you the definition of organic.

The certified organic label is the consumer’s guarantee the product has been produced according to the USDA's specific national standards for farmers and food handling organizations.

All these standards must be met for certification:

A public or private certifying organization conducts annual inspections of farms and food handlers and periodic testing of soil and water to verify that a farm meets or exceeds defined standards. Organic farmers are required to keep detailed records of purchases and practices, which inspection agencies examine systematically. All farmers and handlers are also required to maintain written organic management plans. Most farms are required to farm organically for at least three years before the food they produce can be labeled certified organic.

An exception to this rule:   farms that have not been growing organic products for the past three years, but that have not used unapproved chemicals during that time either. All farms, however, must have been under the supervision of a certification agency for the past 12 months before producing food that can be labeled certified organic. No prohibited substances may be applied to the land during that period. Not more than 5% of any organic-labeled processed food may contain non-organic ingredients (excluding water and salt). Don’t forget Look for this symbol:

Once you know the Definition of Organic, this will help you go Shopping.

This search is with A Partner of Organic Organization. Searching in this box will open a new window to allorganiclinks.org

y: Verdana;"> 3. Who Sells Organic Foods?

Stonyfield Farms

Horizon Organic          Organic Valley

Bell & Evans                Laura’s Lean Beef

Cal-Organic Farms      Earthbound Farm

 Kashi                    Nature’s Promise
                                                           

Also check out,

How can You Reduced Your Cost on Organic Foods

Also, read Organic Standards