Certified Organic Produce
There is a lot that goes into certifying organic produce for the marketplace.
The USDA's Department of Agriculture has implemented a strict set of national
standards and rules that must be followed, before food can be labeled "organic".
There are many rules and regulations. There is strict enforcement of those
rules. There's inspection, and agency reviews, and certification. At the
end of the long process, there is organically grown and handled foods,
that is safe and clean for you and your family to eat and enjoy.
The organic label can be applied to vegetables, herbs, fruits, dairy products,
eggs and meats. We will focus upon organic vegetables and herbs, often grown
in the home garden. As a home gardener, you won't seek tedious certification.
But, you can replicate the process requirements to produce safe and healthy
herbs and vegetables for you and your family.
For farmers seeking organic certification, contact the USDA, to learn what
you need to do for certification.
Organic Produce's path to your table:
It begins with seeds used in organic gardening. The seeds must be certified
organic. Genetic defects can be carried in the seeds. Only certified organic
seeds are allowed for use in growing organic produce destined for the
marketplace.
Farmers must comply with all rules and regulations. There is a National List
of what can be used and not used in growing organic produce. Farmers must
strictly follow all rules and regulations.
Even shippers, handlers and grocery stores must follow rules and regulations
established by the USDA, to assure that the organic vegetables and herbs
you purchase are indeed organic in every way.
The effort by all involved, is more intensive and tedious. It results in
a somewhat higher price at the grocery store or market. But, the comfort
and safety of eating organically, is well worth the extra cost.
How Do I Know if the food is USDA certified as organically grown and
raised? Simple! Just look for the USDA label on the packaging. Here
is what it looks like..........
More on Organic Gardening:
Organic garden seeds - the all important starting
point
Organic garden soil and soil amendments
Organic fertilizers
Organic insect repellents/insect control
Organic disease control
Related Topics:
About the USDA
Buy Organic Seeds and Supplies - Seeds, fertilizer,
fish emulsion, repellents, and more.
Make your ownorganic fertilizer. The Compact ComposTumbler converts
kitchen and yard waste into, rich, organic compost. It's all part of the
"Go Green" movement.
Buy a Composter now
More
on Composters
|
