ORGANIC REGULATIONS
So, who’s in charge of making sure things are done right, organically speaking? Well, after 10 years of development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture finalized the National Organic Program regulations for organic production. As of October 21, 2002, all growers or processors of organic items must meet or exceed the USDA regulations, including the following:
- First, organic farms must use organic or untreated seeds and apply no prohibited material for 3 years prior to certification. They must implement Organic Plans with proactive soil building, conservation, nutrient management, pest management and crop rotations systems.
- Second, organic livestock operations must provide outdoor access for all animals and pasture for ruminants (cud-chewing animals). Farmers must also use 100% organic feed, and they cannot use antibiotics, growth hormones or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
- Third, organic processing operations must not use ingredients that are genetically engineered, grown with the use of sewage sludge, GMOs, irradiated or produced with volatile synthetic solvents.
These guidelines were put in place to ensure that no products were labeled as organic unless they meet USDA requirements and carry the USDA seal. Only then can you be sure that the product you’re purchasing is truly organic.
What is the organic seal?
The process developed for labeling organic foods is easy and quick to understand. There are four basic categories by which organic foods are labeled. Of these categories, only “100% organic” and “organic” may carry the USDA organic seal. All Borden® Organic products proudly carry the organic seal.
A product labeled “100% organic” means this product contains 100% organically produced raw or processed agricultural products. Mostly, this term refers to unprocessed foods (like produce) where nothing has been added, including vitamins and minerals.
A product labeled “organic” contains at least 95% organically produced raw or processed agricultural product. These products can contain up to 5% non-organic materials as long as they are on the accepted list of ingredients and additives maintained by the USDA. These ingredients can only be added if there is no organic option available.
If you’re questioning your choice of organic product remember this: organic is a process, not a product. The USDA seal indicates how the product was grown and processed. And it’s the only way to ensure you’re getting an organic product.
