Organic Produce

Organic Foods

If a food is labeled “organic,” that means it meets the organic standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). An organic food is grown without

pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, antibotics, bioengineering, hormones, and ionizing radiation.

Organic animal products including meat, poultry, eggs and dairy foods, come from animals that are fed 100% organic feed products, receive no antibotics or growth hormones, and have access to the outdoors.

If a product is labeled “organic,” it means that a government-approved certifier has inspected the farm where it was produced to ensure that the growers followed all the regulations necessary to meet the USDA’s organic standards. Farmers who produce organic foods use renewable resources that conserve the soil and water for future generations. And any company that handled or processed that food on its way to the grocery store must be certified organic as well.

Foods labeled “organic” can be either:

100% organic: completely organic or made of all organic ingredients.

Organic: They’re at least 95% organic.

“Made with organic ingredients” on the label means the food contains at least 70% organic ingredients, but cannot have the organic seal on its packaging.

Sustainable Foods

Another term you might hear in conjunction with organic and natural foods is “sustainable.” This term means that foods have been grown locally by sustainable agricultural methods or food growth techniques that don’t harm the environment, are seasonal and preserve agricultural land. Sustainable practices also are humane to animals, pay growers fairly, and support local farming communities by distributing their food through farmer’s markets and other venues.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

An exciting way to support the organic farming community in your local area is to support a CSA. CSA is a way for the public to create a relationship with a farm. By making a financial commitment to a farm for the harvest season, people can become “members” or “shareholders” of the CSA and receive a weekly basket of produce. Most CSA farmers prefer that a member pay for the season up-front, but some will accept weekly or monthly payments. A CSA season typically runs from late spring (May) through early fall (August or September).

To get more information about Community Supported Agriculture in your local area try these links: