what's the deal with "organic"?
these days you can buy almost anything boasting 'organic' on its label. but where should we be spending our dollars and why?
first off, it is important to read labels carefully, often times you will see catch words like 'organic', 'organix' or 'organik'. these words don't mean anything in particular, rahter they are most often used as marketing ploys.
instead, look for products that are labeled 'certified organic' and look for a governing certifiying body. often you see one of the following logos:
 | www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca |
| certified organic associations of BC: the only government approved body responsible for over seeing BC's certified organic program | |
 | www.usda.gov |
| united states department of agriculture. | |
 | www.qai-inc.com |
| quality assurance international is an accredited certifying agenct under the usda's national organic programme. they have expterise in organic relations in the eu, japan, canada, & latin america. | |
'certified organic' guidelines:
-exclude the following agriculture practices of: synthetic chemicals as in: fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives and GMO's (genetically modified organisms).
in addition, in order to be certified organic, the land that the food comes from must be free from chemicals for a number of years (usually 3 or more). furthermore, the farmers much keep detailed written production and sales records as well as undergo periodic on-site inspections.
and finally, to earn the 'certified organic' title, the farmer must maintain a strict physical separation of organic products from non-certified organic products.
more on organics:
what types of food should i buy organic?
what else beside produce should i buy organic?
buying organics on the cheap - yes it is possible
find out what meals for mums is made of
what does organic mean?
organic by defintion is a chemical compound containing carbon. in other words, anything that is of plant, animal or fungal origin.
'certified organic', on the other hand, refers to a group of set standards surrounding farming methods and practices. requirements vary from country to country and include standards for stuff like: growing, storage, processing, packaging and shipping.
'certified organic' guidelines:
-exclude the following agriculture practices of: synthetic chemicals as in: fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives and GMO's (genetically modified organisms).
in addition, in order to be certified organic, the land that the food comes from must be free from chemicals for a number of years (usually 3 or more). furthermore, the farmers much keep detailed written production and sales records as well as undergo periodic on-site inspections.
and finally, to earn the 'certified organic' title, the farmer must maintain a strict physical separation of organic products from non-certified organic products.