FAQ
What is an organic product?
- Organic refers not to specific agricultural products, but to how those products are produced.
- Organic production is based on a sustainable system of farming that maintains and replenishes the fertility of the soil.
- Organic foods are produced without the use of systemic and persistent chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.
- Organic foods are minimally processed to maintain the integrity of the food without artificial ingredients, preservatives or irradiation.
- Organic ingredients are grown and processed with the health of the earth in mind.
What is organic certification?
- Certified organic products have been grown and processed according to strict stipulated standards which are verified, annually by independent state or third-party certifier organizations.
- Certification includes inspections by trained and qualified inspectors of farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers and handlers are meeting the standards which have been set.
- Certification includes inspections that have a 3 year history free of prohibited substances.
- Please see the Organic Ingredients certification policy
Do organic farmers ever use pesticides?
Yes they do. However, only non-persistent approved pesticides are permitted with restrictions. Organic farmers' primary strategy is prevention. By building healthy soils, healthy plants are better able to resist diseases and insects. When pest populations get out of balance, growers will try various options like insect predators, mating disruption, traps, barriers, botanicals or other non-persistent pesticides. "Botanicals" are derived from plants and are broken down quickly by oxygen and sunlight.Is organic food more nutritious?
There is no conclusive evidence at this time to suggest that organically produced foods are more nutritious. However, well-balanced soils grow strong healthy plants which many believe tastes better and contains more balanced nutrients.Why do organic products sometimes cost more?
Prices for organic foods reflect many of the same costs as non-organic foods in terms of growing, harvesting, transportation and storage. Certified organic foods must also meet strict regulations governing all these steps, so the process is often more labor and management intensive. In addition, prices also depend on the item, time of the year, place of purchase, and retail pricing policy.Are organic products here to stay?
Without a doubt! Sales of organic food totaled $3.5 billion in 1996 and the market has grown at least 20% each year for the past seven years according to The Natural Foods Merchandiser. According to the Organic Farming Research Foundation and the Organic Trade Association, U.S. sales of organic foods exceeded $4 billion in 1997. The Food Marketing Institute reports that 42% of mainstream stores carry organic produce, and that presently grocery sales represent only 1% of the total market which is expected to grow to 3-5% by the year 2000. Worldwide, there are now almost 600 organic producer associations in 70 countries. There are now over 10,000 U.S. farms engaged in commercial production of organic products.See our links page for more information on the history of organic in the Save Organic website under their history page.
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