Organic - What Is It?

Nearly one-third of the U.S. population has recently purchased an organically grown food product, and sales are expected to more than double in the next four years-making organic one of the hottest growth trends in the food industry today. Organic foods set the standard for top quality freshness, texture, flavor and variety. These foods are produced without the standard array of potentially harmful, environmentally long-lasting agricultural chemicals commonly used on conventional food products since the 1950s. Yet organic farming isn't primitive, it's actually farming with our future at heart. Following are some frequently asked questions and answers.

How is organic processing better for the environment?
Organic farming, by definition, does not use environmentally harmful chemicals that may contaminate rain and groundwater. Organic farming also replenishes and maintains healthy, fertile topsoil with rich biological matter, which does not erode into waterways. Additionally, unusual varieties of crops and livestock are more likely to be raised organically, which helps to keep the gene pool for food products diversified.

What are the most popular organic products?
According to researchers at The Hartman Group, the most frequently purchased organic products are vegetables (70% of organic buyers have purchased in last three months), followed by fruit (68%) and cereal/grains (61%). New purchasers of organic products usually start by putting produce, dairy items and baby food in their cart. Consumers who buy organic products cite health/nutrition, taste and food safety as the top motivators for their purchase.

What is unique about organic produce?
The availability of organic produce tends to indicate that a particular fruit or vegetable is at its height of seasonality, according to Edmund Lamacchia, National Produce Procurement Coordinator for Whole Foods Market. "With few exceptions, organic growers cannot force ripen produce, so when consumers see those items at the store or market, they know the product is at its culinary peak. A good example is oranges. When organic oranges are available, they have been naturally ripened and will represent an immediate quality difference over conventional oranges that have been forced to ripen."

What are good products for consumers to begin trying as organic?
Consumers wishing to experiment with organic produce should start with basic commodity items, such as apples, pears, oranges, broccoli, green beans, cucumbers and tomatoes. Because these items are in ample supply from organic farmers, consumers will notice the least price differences versus conventional produce; whereas, exotic or specialty produce will command a higher premium if it is difficult to grow organically.

What does "organic" mean?
Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and utilizes management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony. "Organic" is a labeling term that denotes products produced under the authority of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Organic Rule. The principal guidelines for organic production are to use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming system into an ecological whole.

What are the standards that define "certified organic"?
When a grower or processor is "certified organic," a USDA accredited public or private organization has verified that the business meets or exceeds the standards set forth in the USDA Organic Rule. In October 2002, the first U.S. National Organic Standards will be introduced. Margaret Wittenberg, Vice President of Governmental and Public Affairs for Whole Foods Market, played a leading role in the development of the standards. According to Wittenberg, "These standards will help consumers make more informed choices, as they establish the first national guidelines for the production and handling of organically produced products, including labeling requirements for products that are 100 percent organic, organic and made with organic ingredients." Consumers can rest assured that the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), sewage sludge and ionizing radiation (irradiation) are strictly prohibited throughout organic food production.


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Natural Organic Food

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