All About Organics

When it comes to food, organic is a delicious way to eat well and support the environment. And with more than 70% of people surveyed in the U.S. saying they understand and trust the organic label and what it represents, it’s safe to say it’s not just a passing trend.

Organic foods meet all government safety standards that other foods must meet, plus the specific requirements outlined for organic certification. It’s a third-party verified, legally protected certification that tells you a lot about how a food was produced.

The USDA Organic label quickly tells you that the farmer and others who helped produce the food avoided using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, bioengineering, irradiation, antibiotics, growth hormones, preservatives and artificial ingredients.

Benefits of organic foods

They’re better for human health

Because organic foods are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, organic farming protects the health and welfare of farmworkers by limiting exposure to toxic persistent chemicals. Research also demonstrates that organic foods may provide better nutrition as organic plants have higher levels of antioxidants and organic animal products show higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. No toxic chemicals means cleaner air and water for everyone else, as well.

They’re better for the climate

Organic is “regenerative” because it focuses on building soil health. Healthy soil is able to hold more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to reduce global warming. Organic farmers don’t spray synthetic nitrogen fertilizers that release greenhouse gases into the environment, either.

They’re better for animal welfare

Animals on organic farms get plenty of fresh air and have access to the outdoors as well as eat a diet of organic feed like grains and grasses. Because habitual antibiotic use and growth hormones are not allowed in organic farming, farmers focus on animal wellbeing and preventative care.

How to identify organic products

If a food is labeled as “made with organic ingredients,” it contains at least 70 percent organic content, while the label “USDA Certified Organic” means that 95% or more of the ingredients are organic.

For more information on food terminology, head over to our Food Glossary.