Organic

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.

Organic practices require continual monitoring, maintenance and improvement of soil health; crop rotation, mulching and other practices to prevent soil erosion and enhance soil health; specific composting methods for both animal and plant waste; outdoor access for livestock; pasture for all ruminants; 100% certified organic feed for organic animals; inspections of all farm fields, processing facilities and production and sales records by agents accredited as USDA Certifiers; periodic testing of soil and water used in production.

Below is a brief summary of common organic terms found on packaging:

100% organic

Foods with this label are made from 100% organic ingredients (excludes water and salt). These products may display the USDA Organic seal.

Organic

Food that contains at least 95–99% organic ingredients. The remaining ingredients are not available organically but have been approved by the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP). These products may display the USDA Organic seal.

Made with organic ingredients

Food packaging that reads “Made with Organic Ingredients” must contain 70–94% organic ingredients. These products will not bear the USDA Organic seal; instead, they may list up to three ingredients on the front of the packaging.

Contains organic ingredients

Products with less than 70% organic ingredients;  may only list organic ingredients on the information panel of the packaging. These products will not bear the USDA Organic seal.

 

Source: USDA