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Ever wondered what organic really means and what the difference really is between regular products and those that are certified organic? Well, Ryne Brutus has provided you with the answers to all your questions.
 Simply put, organic ingredients are those that are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiations and in the case of animal products such as meats, poultry, eggs and dairy products it means that they are grown without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones.
Is organic food better for me?
It is extremely difficult to make the claim that organic food is more nutritious than other food products because of the many variables that affect nutrients, such as soil type, climate, post-harvest handling and crop variety. However, recent published studies have indicated that organic foods have higher nutritional value. For example, organic tomatoes have been found to have higher levels of phytochemicals and vitamin C than conventional tomatoes.
Does organic food taste better?
While taste is definitely an individual matter, the truth is that hundreds of gourmet chefs around the world are choosing organic food and fresh locally produced food because they believe it has superior taste and quality.
How do I know if something is organic? In the US the USDA is the governing body that regulates weather a product can be labeled organic or not. The defines organic as:
“Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.”
The USDA has identified for three categories of labeling organic products:
- --100% Organic: Made with 100% organic ingredients
- --Organic: Made with at least 95% organic ingredients
- --Made With Organic Ingredients: Made with a minimum of 70% organic ingredients with strict restrictions on the remaining 30% including no GMOs (genetically modified organisms)
Products with less than 70% organic ingredients may list organically produced ingredients on the side panel of the package, but may not make any organic claims on the front of the package.
What does the USDA Organic seal mean?
The USDA Organic seal assures consumers of the quality and integrity of organic products. Organic-certified operations must have an organic system plan and records that verify compliance with that plan. Operators are inspected annually in addition there are random checks to assure standards are being met.
 Why does organic cost more?
While organic food does typically cost more in your local grocery store, organic food doesn’t always cost more. Buy Local!! It is always best to buy local when possible. Locally produced organic foods can often be found at farmers market where costs are usually cheaper than at a grocery store because the costs of transportation is much less and the middle man is being cut out.
As demand for organic foods continues to grow, the cost will continue to come down. However, while the cost is higher here are some facts to consider:
- --Organic farmers do not receive subsidies from the government, which means the price of organic food reflects the true cost of production. Unlike conventional farmers who are heavily subsidized by the federal government.
- --Organic food is more labor and management intensive.
- --Organic farmer tend to be smaller than conventional farms and therefore do not benefit from economies of scale that larger growers get.
- --The price of conventional food does not reflect the true costs of its production because of the cost of environmental cleanups that are paid for by our tax dollars. The grocery store price tag doesn't tell the whole tale!
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Ryne Brutus is an independent writer and organic farming consultant living in Savannah, GA
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