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The term organic when used in reference to food, means the absence of synthetic substances in the produce or consumable. In terms of crops, it means that the plants where not exposed to pesticides, industrial fertilizers, sewage mire, genetic modification, and irradiation. In livestock, it means that the animals were not given any growth hormones or regular doses of antibiotics. Organic farming utilizes only renewable resources that are considered as infinite in abundance. It aims to support sustainability by preserving the soil and water. The target is to keep the farm fertile and fit for plants and animals decades into the future. A farm can only be called organic upon the certification of a certifier duly acknowledged by the government. The most prominent certification body is the USDA or United States Department of Agriculture. The requirements are kept strict to protect consumers especially since most Organic Food is significantly more expensive than conventional food. Only organic certified companies should also handle the goods until they are made available into the market.
How do I know if something is organic?
In order to know what Organic Food is it is paramount that we discuss the three available categories as stated by the USDA.
1. 100% Organic
Completely has no synthetic substance
2. Organic
Has at most 5% synthetic substance
3. Made with Organic Ingredients
Has at most 30% synthetic substance subject to restrictions and no genetic modifications or genetically modified organisms.
Foods with more than 30% synthetic substance can claim that they contain organic ingredients but must specifically state the organic ingredients on the label.
What does the USDA Organic seal mean?
The next thing to review about what is Organic Food is the seal. The USDA Organic seal is a symbol that is allowed to be used only by certified organic farms. It guarantees the quality of the product bearing it. The farm should have a specific system plan and that plan will be regularly checked by the certification body. Regular annual checks as well as unannounced random checks are conducted to ensure the approved system is being followed.
How does a farmer go about converting land to organic status?
Another thing to discuss about what is Organic Food is the conversion process. A farm does not necessarily have to start organic; it can start as a conventional farm and then undergo a three year conversion process. The first two years is spent on enriching the nutrients in the soil. The produce of the first year will still be considered conventional food. The produce for the second year can be labeled as "In Conversion." And the third year's produce can finally be labeled organic.
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