Organic Food

Guide Note

Organic food is grown without the use of pesticides, antibiotics, synthetic fertilizers, growth hormones or irradiation. Organic food is a regulated category of food, and most countries have a set of guidelines and standards for what constitutes organically grown food. Farmers in the U.S. must be organically certified by the USDA's National Organic Program. While once the purview of small family farms, big agriculture is now getting into the organic business. Fruits, vegetables and even meat are labeled organic in grocery stores, and there are also processed foods that carry an organic label. To carry such a label in the U.S., at least 95% of the ingredients have to be certified organic.

Fast Facts

1. Organic food is a fast growing sector of the food industry
2. 1-2% of worldwide food sales
3. Organic farming methods sometimes mean reduced crop size, so organics can be more expensive
4. Organic food can offer greater flavor and nutrition
5. Organic labels are sometimes controversial as critics say the certification requirements are not strict enough
6. "Organic" and "natural" are not the same; natural is not a legally defined term
7. Vocal supporters and opposers
8. Organic farms more sustainable and environmentally sound

Eating organic food is thought to be one way to contribute positively to the environment, however, attention is also being paid to how far organic food is transported to get to the consumer. Local food, which uses fewer resources to get food to the consumer, is a growing movement, as well as sustainable farming, which is part of organic farming, but tries to ensure the impact of the farm on the environment is lessened.