Certified Organic
“Organic” is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods. The organic standards describe the specific requirements that must be verified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent before products can be labeled USDA organic.
“Certified Organic” is a registered trademark that has its own strict standard that has been approved by the government. It means the food or %100 of the ingredients in the product are organic. The strict standards of “Certified Organic” provides a quality guarantee that the products are %100 organic.
Organic Certification is Important
Chemicals used in conventional food production often leach back into the surrounding environment. By using more natural practices, organic production protects wildlife, promotes biodiversity and helps to maintain and improve native ecosystems. The organic process is environmentally conscious.
Six to Ten Weeks Certification Process
Certification typically requires 6 to 10 weeks; however, some cases require lesser times. We generally recommend that you begin the process at least 90 days before harvest or launch of your organic line.
If you are not certified, you must not make any organic claim on the principal display panel or use the USDA organic seal anywhere on the package. You may only, on the information panel, identify the certified organic ingredients as organic and the percentage of organic ingredients.
What Qualifies as Organic?
Simply stated, organic produce and other ingredients are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones.
The certification is issued by testing centers accredited by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the National Program for Organic Production of the Government of India.
Can You Trust Organic Labels?
Can you still trust the USDA Certified Organic label? When we buy organic food, we expect certain qualities; that it’ll be good for us and the planet, that they will be free of harmful chemicals, and that they will not involve genetic engineering.
What is Required for Organic Certification?
Organic operations must follow their Organic System Plans, and they must be inspected at least annually. All producers and handlers who sell over $5000/year in organic products must be certified. Producers and handlers who sell under $5,000/year do not have to be certified, but they still have to follow the NOP.
Right now, no one can say for sure whether organic food is any more nutritious than conventional food. A few studies have reported that organic produce has higher levels of vitamin C, certain minerals, and antioxidants; they thought to protect the body against aging, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Organic Certification Is Necessary!!
Research shows that organic farming practices can improve water quality, conserve energy, increase biodiversity and contribute to soil health.
How to Become Certified Organic?
Certifiers are responsible for making sure that USDA organic products meet all organic standards. There are five basic steps to organic certification:
- The farm or business adopts organic practices, selects a USDA-accredited certifying agent, and submits an application and fees to the certifying agent.
- The certifying agent reviews the application to verify that practices comply with USDA organic regulations.
- An inspector conducts an on-site inspection of the applicant’s operation.
- The certifying agent reviews the application and the inspector’s report to determine if the applicant complies with the USDA organic regulations.
- The certifying agent issues an organic certificate.
With a little shopping knowhow, we can all buy more organic produce. Here are 10 ways to eat organic on a budget:
- Grow your own.
- Eat less meat.
- Reduce waste.
- Buy in bulk.
- Buy seasonal.
- Cook from scratch.
- Know the “Clean fifteen”.
- Join a local organic box scheme.
- Create an organic buying group or co-op.
- Shop wisely and avoid supermarkets.
