Download "Organic," as a label on produce and other groceries, finally has real

"Organic," as a label on produce and other groceries, finally has real meaning, and a new age of agriculture
has quietly begun. Organic foods usually cost more—and now consumers will know that what they are
getting is really organic, if it carries the "USDA Organic" label. Farmers, too, will know exactly what they
may and may not do. Farmers, processors, and packagers must earn the right to put the new government
seal on their products—and must pass an inspection. Violators making false claims face substantial fines.
The Organic Trade Association and farmers across the country have hailed the new system of labeling and
certification.
When you see the "USDA Organic" label on foods, here's what you can safely assume:
For all foods:

No irradiation.
For plant foods:

The new act prohibits many pesticides, but it permits the use of others, including "botanical"
pesticides and a limited number of synthetic ones. Seeds are produced under the same organic
standards (there are some exceptions, but edible sprouts must come from organic seeds). Farmers
are responsible for preventing any drift of pesticides, pollutants and non-organic seeds onto their
land.

No genetically modified crops can be sold as organic.

No sewage sludge or fertilizers containing anything synthetic. Animal manures, green manures,
and biological pest control must be used. Farmers are supposed to minimize erosion and runoff
and rotate crops to maintain soil fertility.
For meats and dairy products:

No growth hormones or antibiotics can be given to animals. Approved vaccines can be used.

Sick animals must receive appropriate treatment, including antibiotics, but cannot then be sold on
organic markets. No animal removed from organic management can then be sold as organic;
organic dairy products must come from organically managed herds.

Animal feed may not contain plastic, urea, poultry litter, manure, or parts of slaughtered animals.
It can contain fish products.

Animals must have outdoor access for fresh air, freedom of movement, sunlight. They must be
chosen for their adaptability to local climates and resistance to prevalent diseases and parasites.
Animal welfare must be promoted, stress and pain minimized.
For processed, packaged, and combination foods:

"100% organic" means just that.

"Organic" means at least 95% organic, by weight.

"Made with organic ingredients" means that at least 70% of ingredients are organic, by weight. Up
to three organic ingredients may be listed on the package.

Products with less than 70% organic ingredients may not use the term on the front, but can list
their organic ingredients.
Good news, other news
The organic method treats the soil, plants and animals as a living system. From the environmental and
human perspective, this is a better way to grow food, albeit less efficient than conventional farming in terms
of yield per acre. However, "efficiency" must also be measured in terms of the long-term environmental
damage caused by industrial agriculture, and the enormous amount of energy it consumes. Organic farming
produces less contamination of ground water, rivers and the soil itself. It does not require the use of
chemical fertilizers and pesticides, does not erode and deplete the soil, does not allow the systematic abuse
of animals, and does not expose farm workers to toxic substances. Contrary to popular belief, organic foods
are neither more nutritious nor safer for the consumer than conventionally grown ones (see below), but
organic farming is a boon for our ecological future.
But there's a downside to the USDA program. Small farmers may be unable to afford certification. And as
organic foods grow in popularity, these farmers may be squeezed out or bought up by huge conglomerates
such as ConAgra and Archer Daniels Midland. Agribusiness may also decide to import organic foods from
Mexico and Latin America, where labor costs are cheaper. But in any event, the companies must conform to
the new standards, unless they find some way to persuade the government to weaken them. In fact,
consumer confidence in the label is what will make the organic market continue to grow.
Some small local growers are not happy with the new rules and say it's too expensive to get certified. If you
want to buy seasonal produce from local farmers with no certification, that's perfectly okay if the produce is
fresh and good. Simply ask about their methods. Grocery stores and supermarkets often buy local produce
in season. Ask the produce manager how it's grown.
Progress, but not a panacea

"Organic" does not mean more nutritious. Non-organic foods are just as nutritious: You get as
much beta carotene from an ordinary sweet potato as an organic one. There's no evidence that
pesticide residues have been harmful to the public; they do endanger farm workers.

"Organic" is not synonymous with "healthy." Organic foods can be high in saturated fat, sugar and
calories. Organic potato chips are still potato chips, and organic butter is still 100% fat. Buying
organic is not a substitute for choosing healthy foods.

Organic foods can be contaminated or spoiled. Organic meats may contain Salmonella, E. coli, and
other microorganisms. They must be handled just as carefully as other meats, and must be
thoroughly cooked. Organic produce must be washed.

Products packaged without preservatives will spoil faster and must be refrigerated and/or used
quickly.

"Natural" is not synonymous with organic. Something labeled "natural" is not necessarily organic.
Anything can be called natural, which does not mean much.