Recognize this logo? You can find it in grocery stores and
kitchens across the nation. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Organic symbol is one of the most
recognized labels currently on the market and one that you rightously don't mind paying extra for. When food is stamped with this
approval you can be positive that it has been grown and processed without "synthetic fertilizers." Said fertilizers are harmful to the environment and in some cases our health.
Bearing such a seal on your product requires a lot of commitment and effort, which is why this specific label is so respected. There are other claims on food packages to "hook you in" but they are not all as defined or vigorously enforced as the Organic label is. One to be particularly aware of is the term "all-natural." There is no standard of "natural" for food products other than meat and eggs, so each company has its own definition. This is not to say that you should not buy products labeled "natural," just be aware of what you are buying. Another tricky claim is "no hormones added." The USDA websites says that it has never allowed added hormones to pork, poultry, or goat. This means that the "raised without hormones" chicken is not more qualified than the other chicken on the shelf. It is tough to be a consumer in this day and age, and it is imperative to be able to see through the marketing strategies.
If organic food is so great, why don't all companies make the switch? It is not easy or cheap to become an organic farm and it is hard to maintain as well. Small farms that have a total income of $5,000 or less in organic sales or less do not have to certified, but every other farm must go through extensive lengths to be certified. First of all, there is a three year transition period where you must cleanse the land of the impure fertilizers and pesticides. In this time, you essentially are using the expensive natural pesticides, but must sell your product at normal price. Then you can apply to an organic certifying agency who will charge fees for the application, inspections, and the annual renewal. If you pass all of the inspections and pay all the fess, you will be granted certification and permission to use that popular label. Proper certification covers crops, livestock, processed products, and wild crops.
An upward trend has been observed, as more and more Americans are buying organic products. The high demand along with that tedious process of certification has led to supply shortages, which cause companies to outsource to other countries with USDA certified farms. It is sad that the industry has come to this, considering there are plenty of American farmers in the process of becoming organic.
One important fact to highlight is that "Organic" does not mean "Healthy." When I ask people why they choose to buy organic food, the most popular response is that its healthier. The public eye has made an illegitimate subconscious connection between the two, when in reality organic food does not offer more nutrients or less calories. If anything, GMO's are healthier than organic food. I predict that the misconception is due to the fact that the most common organic products are fruits and vegetables which are naturally a healthy choice, but does this organic product look healthy?
Bearing such a seal on your product requires a lot of commitment and effort, which is why this specific label is so respected. There are other claims on food packages to "hook you in" but they are not all as defined or vigorously enforced as the Organic label is. One to be particularly aware of is the term "all-natural." There is no standard of "natural" for food products other than meat and eggs, so each company has its own definition. This is not to say that you should not buy products labeled "natural," just be aware of what you are buying. Another tricky claim is "no hormones added." The USDA websites says that it has never allowed added hormones to pork, poultry, or goat. This means that the "raised without hormones" chicken is not more qualified than the other chicken on the shelf. It is tough to be a consumer in this day and age, and it is imperative to be able to see through the marketing strategies.
If organic food is so great, why don't all companies make the switch? It is not easy or cheap to become an organic farm and it is hard to maintain as well. Small farms that have a total income of $5,000 or less in organic sales or less do not have to certified, but every other farm must go through extensive lengths to be certified. First of all, there is a three year transition period where you must cleanse the land of the impure fertilizers and pesticides. In this time, you essentially are using the expensive natural pesticides, but must sell your product at normal price. Then you can apply to an organic certifying agency who will charge fees for the application, inspections, and the annual renewal. If you pass all of the inspections and pay all the fess, you will be granted certification and permission to use that popular label. Proper certification covers crops, livestock, processed products, and wild crops.
An upward trend has been observed, as more and more Americans are buying organic products. The high demand along with that tedious process of certification has led to supply shortages, which cause companies to outsource to other countries with USDA certified farms. It is sad that the industry has come to this, considering there are plenty of American farmers in the process of becoming organic.
One important fact to highlight is that "Organic" does not mean "Healthy." When I ask people why they choose to buy organic food, the most popular response is that its healthier. The public eye has made an illegitimate subconscious connection between the two, when in reality organic food does not offer more nutrients or less calories. If anything, GMO's are healthier than organic food. I predict that the misconception is due to the fact that the most common organic products are fruits and vegetables which are naturally a healthy choice, but does this organic product look healthy?
Great blog Ashley, very well written!
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