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 on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony. The primary goal of organic agriculture is
to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people.What does "Certified Organic" mean?
"Certified Organic" means the item
has been grown according to strict uniform standards that are verified by independent state or private organizations. Certification includes inspections of farm fields and processing
facilities, detailed record keeping, and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers and handlers are meeting the standards, which have been set.
How will purchasing organic products help keep our water clean?
Conventional agricultural methods can cause water contamination. Beginning in May 1995, a network of environmental
organizations, including the Environmental Working Group, began testing tap water for herbicides in cities across the United States' Corn Belt, and in Louisiana and Maryland. The results
revealed widespread contamination of tap water with many different pesticides at levels that present serious health risks. In some cities, herbicides in tap water exceed federal lifetime
health standards for weeks or months at a time. The organic farmer's elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, in combination with soil building, works to prevent
contamination, and protects and conserves water resources.
How Else Does Organic Protect Our Environment?
Organic agriculture protects the health of people and the planet by
reducing the overall exposure to toxic chemicals from synthetic pesticides that can end up in the ground, air, water and food supply, and that are associated with health consequences from asthma
to cancer. Because organic agriculture doesn't use toxic and persistent pesticides, choosing organic products is an easy way to help protect yourself.
