Organics

Organically grown food is produced in accordance with legally regulated standards. Organic crops are grown without the use of artificial fertilizers, conventional pesticides, sewage sludge, or bioengineering, and processed without ionizing radiation. Additionally, animals are reared without routine use of antibiotics and growth hormones.

National Organic Standards for Certified Organic Products

All foods labeled and sold as organic must be certified by United States Department of Agriculture-accredited, independent certifying agencies.

Organic farming and certified products, defined by the United States Department of Agriculture Organic Foods Production Act, include:

• Three years with no application of prohibited materials (no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms prior to certification);
• No use of prohibited substances while certified; no sewage sludge; no irradiation;
• Proactive soil building, conservation, manure management, and crop rotation systems;
• Mandatory outdoor access for livestock; access to pasture for ruminants;
• No antibiotics or hormones may be used;
• 100% organic feed;
• Organic management from birth or hatching;
• No commingling or contamination of organic products during processing, and mandatory recordkeeping for all operations.

Organic Labeling

100% organic – Product must be made with 100% organic ingredients
Organic – At least 95% organic
Made with organic ingredients – At least 70% – 95%
None – Less than 70% organic ingredients