What Exactly Does Organic Mean Anyway?

Organic foods used to be something only known to those who frequented specialty health food stores. Now increasingly, thankfully, these foods are more accessible to those of us who need one-stop grocery trips because of our busy schedules. But why buy organic? What does organic really mean? Is it worth the higher cost than its non-organic counterparts? Learning the “what and why” of organic foods will help you answer those questions and see why these foods may be the better choice for you and your family.

So, what exactly does organic mean when it’s plastered across the cauliflower wrapper? Well it’s not just a fancy marketing word. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines organic as foods whose ingredients have not been produced using most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, genetic engineering, growth hormones, irradiation or antibiotics. In 2002, the USDA set uniform rules for producing and labeling organic food. If the food is organic the official label will read “USDA Organic” in the circle of the logo. Also, you may be under the impression that only a low percentage of what is labeled “organic” is really farmed organic. Not true. In order for a food to bear the official USDA Organic circle label it has to be 95 percent or more organic. Products with at least 70 percent organic content can only use the term “organic” on the ingredient information panel. Food containing less than 70 percent organic ingredients cannot even use the organic seal or the word “organic” on their product label; however, they can include the organic items in their ingredient list.

It’s important to note that the USDA doesn’t guarantee greater safety, health, quality or nutritional value of the foods with the organic label. The word organic refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. There are many differences between the two types of farming. For instance:
• Conventional farmers apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth; organic farmers apply natural fertilizers such as manure or compost to feed the soil and plants.
• Conventional farmers spray insecticides to reduce pests and disease; organic farmers use beneficial insects and birds, mating disruption or traps to reduce pets and disease.
• Conventional farmers use chemical herbicides to manage weeds; organic farmers rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to manage weeds.
• Conventional farmers give their animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to prevent disease and spur growth; organic farmers give animals organic feed and allow them to access the outdoors. Preventative measures such as rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing help minimize animal disease.
Yes, the cost of organic foods is higher than conventional foods. The reason for this is that the actual farming of organic foods is more time consuming. There are tighter government regulations and lower crop yields. Organic farmers don’t use herbicides or pesticides so the management tools that control weeds and pests are labor intensive.

When it comes down to buying organic vs. non-organic there are a few things to remember:

• Organic foods are produced using a method of agriculture that supports a healthier environment. Organic foods meet the same quality and safety standards as non-organic foods, the difference is how the food is produced, processed and handled. Organic farming practices are designed to reduce pollution and conserve water and soil.
• Non-organic fruits and vegetables contain pesticide residue and non-organic meat, poultry and milk contain hormones and other medications used to help the animals grow more quickly or produce more milk.
• If cost is a concern, focus on buying organic fruits and vegetables that are on the “Dirty Dozen” list, which can be found on the Mission Good Nutrition link on the Foundation’s Web site at www.pottstownfoundation.org.
• Many say organic foods taste better. Why don’t you be the judge?
Commit to Mission: Good Nutrition
To discover practical, fun, easy and convenient ideas you can use immediately and benefit from every day, tune into “Mission: Good Nutrition,” brought to you by Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, on PCTV Channel 28 every Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

Mission: Good Nutrition is an entertaining educational show designed to motivate, encourage and empower individuals to continue developing healthier dietary habits. Go to “Mission: Good Nutrition” at www.pottstownfoundation.org for a wealth of information — recipes featured on the program, video clips, fitness tips and quizzes.

About the Foundation
The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation’s mission is to enhance the health and wellness of area residents, providing education, funding and programs that motivate people to adopt healthy lifestyles.

PLEASE NOTE: As of July 7, 2008 the Foundation has been informed that some of the information above is inaccurate. According to the USDA website and the Organic Trade Association, the following statement is true: "In order for a food to bear the official USDA Organic circle label it has to be 95 percent or more organic AND THE REMAINING 5% CANNOT INCLUDE ANY OTHER OFFENSIVE INGREDIENTS THAT ARE AVAILABLE IN ORGANIC VERSIONS. Products with at least 70 percent organic content MAY USE THE PHRASE "MADE WITH ORGANIC..." (LISTING THE SPECIFIC ORGANIC INGREDIENT; E.G. "MADE WITH ORGANIC TOMATOES") ON THE FRONT PANEL OF THE PRODUCT AND IN THE INGREDIENT INFORMATION LIST. Food containing less than 70 percent organic ingredients cannot use the organic seal or the word "organic" on their FRONT product label; however, they can include the organic items in their ingredient list."