One of the first U.S. States involved in defining and implementing the organic idea was California and in 1990 was released the California Organic Food Act.
Definition of "organic" by the NOSB (National Organic Standard Board)
In April 1995 the NOSB (Orlando, FL. meeting) gave their definition
of organic within the process of creating a Federal Government Law to be
implemented for the entire United States.
"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. Organic’ is a labeling term that denotes products produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act. The principal guidelines for organic production are to use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming system into an ecological whole. Organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that products are completely free of residues; however, methods are used to minimize pollution from air, soil and water.Organic food handlers, processors and retailers adhere to standards that maintain the integrity of organic agricultural products. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people."IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS HERE ARE SOME ANSWERS:
What are organic products?
Organic refers not to specific agricultural products, but to how
those products are produced. Organic production is based on a
system of farming that maintains and replenishes the fertility of
the soil. Organic foods, fiber, such as cotton, and personal care
items are produced without the use of systemic and persistent
chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Organic foods are minimally
processed to maintain the integrity of the food without artificial
ingredients, preservatives or irradiation. Organic fibers, such as
cotton, are grown with the health of the earth in mind.
What is organic certification?
Certified organic products have been grown and processed according to strict uniform standards which 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.
Who regulates the certified organic claims?
The federal government set standards for the production, processing and certification of organic food in the Organic Food Production Act of 1990. A National Organic
Standards Board was established at that time to advise the U.S. Department of
Agriculture about organic methods and standards. The National Organic Standards
Board now is developing the guidelines and procedures which will regulate organic
agriculture and production, including produce, grains, meat, dairy and eggs as well as
packaged foods and fibers such as cotton. When the Organic Foods Production Act is implemented, all foods sold as organic will be required to be certified.
Is organic food completely free of pesticide residues?
Organic food is not produced with systemic persistent pesticides and fertilizers.
However, there are some instances where residues may be carried to organic fields
from neighboring conventional farms. Unfortunately, on a planet that has been pounded with pollution for decades, even organic farms are exposed to pollutants already in the environment. Choosing organic products encourages farmers to use earth-friendly methods and is one way to cast a vote for a healthier planet.
Do organic farmers ever use pesticides?
Yes. However, only non-persistent pesticides are permitted with restrictions as a last
resort when growers are threatened with crop failure. Organic farmers' primary strategy is prevention. By building healthy soils, healthy plants are better able to resist disease and insects. When pest populations get out of balance, growers will try various options like insect predators, mating disruption, traps, and barriers. If these fail, the certification agency will have the option to grant permission for the grower to apply botanical orother non-persistent pesticides under restricted conditions. "Botanicals" are derived from plants and are broken down quickly by oxygen and sunlight.
Is organic food more nutritious?
There is no conclusive evidence at this time to suggest that organically produced foods are more nutritious. However, well-balanced soils grow strong healthy plants which
many believe taste better and contain more nutrients. What is clear is that buying
organic products supports a system of agriculture that contributes to a healthy
environment, and a healthy environment is better for everyone.
Why do organic products sometimes cost more?
Prices for organic foods reflect many of the same costs as non-organic foods in terms
of growing, harvesting, transportation and storage. Certified organic foods must also
meet strict regulations governing all these steps, so the process is often more labor and management intensive. In addition, prices also depend on the item, time of year, place
of purchase, and retail pricing policy. Farmers markets, farm stands, and consumer
cooperatives are a few outlets which may offer organic products at competitive prices. Eating organic local foods in season may also be a way to save money and get high quality organic products.
Isn't organic just a fad?
Not a chance. Sales of organic food totaled $3.5 billion in 1996 and the market has
grown at least 20% each year for the past seven years. National standards for
certification will open up many new markets for U.S. organic producers.
Between one and two percent of the U.S. food supply is grown using organic methods. Worldwide, there are now almost 600 organic producer associations in 70 countries.Countries like Japan becoming important international organic food markets.
One of the first U.S. States involved in defining and implementing
the organic idea was California and in 1990 was released the California
Organic Food Act.
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The following FAQ (Frequent Asked Questions) are closely related to the California Organic Food Act 1990)
What is organic produce?
Organic produce is the end product of 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 management practices
that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.
The principal guidelines for organic production are to use materials
and practices that enhance the
ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts
of the farming system into an
ecological whole. Organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that
products are completely free of
residues; however, methods are used to minimize pollution from the
air, soil and water. To the
maximum extent feasible, organic farming systems rely on methods and
inputs such as crop rotations, animal and green manure, mechanical cultivation
and aspects of biological pest control to maintain soil productivity and
tilth. These measures are also used to supply plant nutrients and control
insects, weeds and other pests.
What does "certified organic" mean?
In California, labels that read "certified organic" tell the customer
the foods they purchase have been verified as organically grown by an independent
third party. These third party agencies must
enforce, at a minimum, the standards set by the California Organic
Foods Act.
To see if a producer is organic, you can ask the grower or the retailer
to show you a current
certificate.
What is the difference between "organic" and certified "organic"?
Produce sold as organic in California must carry the labeling Grown
in accordance with the
California Foods Act of 1990. This labeling simply means that
the grower is registered with the
State as an organic producer. Registered producers are not necessarily
certified, and may not ever
have been inspected to verify their organic claims.
References:
Rodale’s All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening, 1992
http://www.rodalepress.com
CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers)
http://www.ccof.org
OTA (Organic Trade Association)
http://www.ota.com