Organic V Conventional
What does it mean for produce to be organic? What does it mean for packaged or processed food to be labeled organic? Why aren’t organic foods labeled conventional, because in the past, food was traditionally organic. The label didn’t exist, because everything was by default, organic.
What changed? Why is there a need to distinguish our food?
I’ve heard and wondered so many questions about the word organic, so I wanted to dive in and share what’s important to know about organic foods and farming.
The label “organic” simply means that something meets the criteria set forth by the USDA. There are different criteria for organic meat, produce, and processed foods. Things that are labeled “organic” have been grown without synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation. There are about 25 synthetic pesticides that are actually allowed in organically grown produce. This is part of the reason why some people claim that organic produce isn’t important.
Organic produce must adhere to stricter pesticide use regulation than conventional. There are about 25 synthetic pesticides that are allowed in organic farming, but they have been tested for safety. There are over 900 different pesticides used on conventional produce. Like I mentioned previously, these crops can also be genetically modified. Farmers must rotate where they plant their crops in organic farming because of the benefits to the soil and produce. The producer must also incorporate plant or animal products (compost or manure) to improve the organic matter in the soil. Soil management is a huge part of organic farming. Organic produce is not only more nutritious, but better for the soil.
Packaged food labeled organic, means a lot more than produce labeled organic. Did you know that the word “natural” means nothing on products? It is not regulated! Packaged foods labeled organic mean that there are no artificial dyes, sweeteners, preservatives, or flavorings. There is no high fructose corn syrup, no partially or hydrogenated oils, no BHT or BHA, GMO’s, or glyphosphate. If putting processed food, definitely look for the organic certification!
For certified organic meat, the animal is not given hormones, antibiotics, animal byproducts, or genetically modified food or any food grown with chemical pesticides and fertilizers. The animal must have access to pastures and is not allowed to be confined unless absolutely necessary. There is also no meat irradiation or preservatives allowed. There are other labels to look for when buying meat. For example, some great labels to see on the meat you buy, are pasture raised or grass fed and finished.
https://www.ams.usda.gov/reports/tip-sheets-organic-standards
https://www.organicfacts.net/organic-products/organic-food/organic-meat.html
