What Does the Word Organic Mean?

Organic is a term that is defined by law. Food products that bear the word "organic" on the label have been evaluated and then certified by a certifying agent to have been produced or manufactured by methods that are adhere to organic standards. These food products may then be labeled with organic logos or certifications claiming their organic status. Companies that process organic food for packaging are also required to be certified.

Identification

Foods that are labeled organic are produced by organic farmers who avoid using chemical pesticides and fertilizers. These farmers utilize renewable resources and generally seek to conserve water and soil with the goal of improving or sustaining the environment for succeeding generations.
Meats, dairy products, poultry and eggs that are labeled organic are produced from animals that are not given growth hormones or antibiotics. Fruits and vegetables that are labeled organic must be grown without having fertilizers or pesticides that contain synthetic ingredients placed on them.

Production System

Organic agriculture is not a product, but rather has been defined as a production system. This production system utilizes practices that restore and maintain ecology. Organic agriculture has a goal of increasing and enhancing the health of the soil, plants, wildlife and humans.
Organic farmers must follow a management plan that defines crop production, fertilization plans, crop rotation schedules, a plan of how pests will be managed and how the harvest will be sold. Many farmers also have planned natural areas for attracting helpful insects for pollinating the crops as well as for preying on unwanted insect pests.

Improving the Soil

Organic food production is based on creating an optimal soil condition because soil that is in the best condition will produce healthier food. Organic farmers use fertilizers created from fish meal, animal manure and compost to improve their soil.
Organic fertilizers will improve the quality of the soil and help increase beneficial microbial growth. This will enhance soil characteristics, including the structure and texture of the soil. This process will also improve the soil's ability to hold water, which will reduce the amount of irrigation necessary to grow crops.

Misconceptions

Many people believe that organic farmers don't use pesticides. In actuality, if an organic farmer has an insect infestation or a disease threatening their crops they will first likely attempt to control the problem with natural remedies. However, if this is unsuccessful they might resort to the use of a special kind of pesticide. The pesticide that is used by an organic farmer must be approved to be used by organic farmers and the pesticide must be intended to be used in organic farming.

Switching to Organic

Farmers who want to switch their farming operations over to an organic operation must embark on a three year process for the change. During the first two years, the farmer will focus on improving the soil in which the produce will be grown. The first year any food produced can't be labeled as organic. During the second year, any produce that is grown can be labeled to be "In Conversion" to signify that the production process of the produce is coming close to organic standards. In the third year any produce that is grown can be labeled organic.