Organic ingredients are much more environmentally-friendly because they do not contain chemical preservatives that pollute soil and water, plus they tend to be grown on smaller or local farms that reduce transportation emissions.
Organic does not refer to products with natural, eco-friendly or “clean” characteristics, however. Certification standards differ by country; for a product labeled with “organic” to qualify as such it must contain at least 70% certified organic ingredients.
Purity
When purchasing products with an organic label, you know they were produced without synthetic herbicides and pesticides, while organic meat, dairy and eggs come from animals raised using humane farming practices.
Organic ingredients not only support local and small-scale farmers, but they can also improve community resilience and economic diversity. Many consumers report that organic foods taste superior compared to their non-organic counterparts.
Processed products wishing to bear the organic label must contain at least 70% certified-organic ingredients; those containing less than this level may still identify specific organic components on their information panels and label them accordingly. Furthermore, only raw organic ingredients listed on the National List may use the “Made with Organic__” phrase; yeast and baking soda can both count towards less than 70% organic content products.
Safety
Rigorous certification inspections by third-party inspectors ensure that products claiming organic status have been grown and processed according to USDA and international food safety standards, while organic ingredients must also adhere to animal welfare requirements.
Organic packaged food uses no more than 40 synthetic additives approved by independent and government experts; in comparison, conventional food may contain thousands of chemicals such as preservatives, flavors and colors known to pose health issues.
Organic products are safer for the environment as they don’t utilize synthetic pesticides or herbicides that leave harmful residues on crops and in soil. Organic farming practices support sustainable agriculture which benefits both planet earth and local communities.
Effectiveness
Organic produce offers superior nutrition. Without synthetic pesticides and herbicides to use in farming practices, which leave residues that interfere with cell function and hormone regulation when consumed by humans. By choosing organic ingredients instead, they allow your body to function normally while providing your health with maximum nourishment.
Organic farming practices prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship. Organic agriculture helps preserve soil health, minimize water pollution and preserve biodiversity – by choosing packaged goods made with organic ingredients you can support these efforts and contribute to making an impactful difference for our planet.
Organic certification standards also mandate farmers and food processors source animal-derived ingredients from ethically raised animals, in line with many consumers who prioritize animal welfare. By meeting this demand, organic products match up well with consumer values.
Environment
Organic crops are grown without synthetic fertilizers, weed killers or pesticides; instead using natural substances such as compost, hay and mulch as natural weed control agents and insect repellents. Organic producers also employ physical, mechanical and biological techniques of pest management; this approach contributes to lower levels of pesticide residue on organic food than in conventional food production methods.
Organic farming practices have a positive effect on the environment by reducing pollution, conserving water usage, improving soil fertility and decreasing energy use. They can also have positive results for bird and animal life that share organic farmlands with these crops.
Organic standards are designed to promote continuous improvement and full transparency. To gain more insight into these standards, visit Beyond Pesticides’ Keeping Organic Strong page or watch this video of an NOSB meeting.
