USDA ORGANIC
ALLORGANIC® products are USDA certified organic.
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WHAT IS ORGANIC?
Organic is a labeling term for food or other agricultural products that have been produced according to the USDA organic regulations. These standards require the integration of cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. This means that organic operations must maintain or enhance soil and water quality while also conserving wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage, sludge, irrigation, and genetic engineering may not be used.
All organic crops and livestock must be raised in a production system that emphasizes protection of natural resources, plant and animal health; preventative management of pests, diseases, and predators; and compliant use of allowed materials. All organic products must be protected from prohibited substances and methods from the field to the point of final sale, whether it is a raw agricultural commodity or a multi-ingredient, processed product.
WHAT IS ORGANIC CERTIFICATION?
Organic certification verifies that a farm or handling facility complies with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic regulations and allows producers to sell, label, and represent their products as organic and apply to farms and facilities all over the globe. These regulations describe the specific standards required for the use of the word “Organic” or the USDA Organic Seal on food, feed, or fiber products. The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) administers these regulations; with substantial input form its citizen advisory board and the public.
A farm or handling facility is certified by a private, foreign, or State entity. These certifying agents are accredited by the USDA and are located throughout the United States and around the world. Certifying agents are responsible for ensuring the USDA organic products meet or exceed all organic standards. Certification provides assurance of the integrity of the organic product.
WHEN CAN THE USDA ORGANIC SEAL BE USED?
The following products may be labeled with the USDA organic seal:
- Raw agricultural commodities that have been certified organic.
- Processed or multi-ingredient products that have been certified organic and contain 95 to 100 percent organic content.
Source: USDA National Organic Program (NPO) www.ams.usda.gov/nop
CAN GMOS BE USED IN ORGANIC PRODUCTS?
The use of genetic engineering, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), is prohibited in organic products. This means an organic farmer can’t plant GMO seeds, an organic cow can’t eat GMO alfalfa or corn, and an organic soup producer can’t use any GMO ingredients. To meet the USDA organic regulations, farmers and processors must show they aren’t using GMOs and that they are protecting their products from contact with prohibited substances, such as GMOs, from farm to table.