FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Organic Food ?

 

Organic food is made according to certain production standards. The use of conventional non-organic pesticides, insecticides and herbicides is greatly restricted and avoided as a last resort. If livestock are involved, they must be reared without the routine use of antibiotics and without the use of growth hormones, and generally fed a healthy diet. In most countries, organic produce may not be genetically modified. (Wikipedia)

 

USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) definition :
Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance 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; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled “organic,” a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.

 

What are the different Organic Labels ?

 

Precise USDA rules determine how organic food can be labeled

 

- “100% Organic” : Made with 100% organic ingredients

 

- “Organic” : at least 95% of the ingredients are organic

 

- “Made With Organic Ingredients” : at least 70% of the ingredients are organic with strict restrictions on the remaining 30% including no GMOs (genetically modified organisms)

 

Products with less than 70% organic ingredients may list organically produced ingredients on the side panel of the package, but may not make any organic claims on the front of the package.

 

What does the USDA Organic seal mean?

 

The USDA Organic seal assures consumers of the quality and integrity of organic products. Organic-certified operations must have an organic system plan and records that verify compliance with that plan. Operators are inspected annually in addition there are random checks to assure standards are being met.

 

Is Organic Food more expensive ?

 

If you buy organic produce in a supermarket, organic food is often more expensive. If you want to find organic food at a reasonable price, a local farmers market is the best solution. The distribution is more direct and you know where your money is going.

 

How does a farmer convert his land to an organic status?

 

It takes three years to obtain the organic status. There is a two-year conversion process consisting of building up the fertility of the land. Produce grown in the first year cannot be stated as organic. In the second year produce may be stated as “In Conversion”. It is not until the third year that produce may be stated as fully organic. Soil and natural fertility building are important parts of organic farming.

 

Are there more nutrients in organic food ?

 

Organic food is known to contain 50% more nutrients, minerals and vitamins than produce that has been intensively farmed. Plus, if you buy directly from farmers your food is fresher and therefor contains even more nutrients than supermarket foods often at least a week old.