We all know “USDA certified organic” products are supposed to be healthier for us, but…
- What does it mean to be labeled “USDA organic”? See below.
- Is the USDA stamp of approval really that important? The short answer is *YES*, having the USDA seal really does matter.
Any brand who claims to be organic but does not carry the seal should be met with skepticism. Moreover, unless you are USDA certified, there are very few exceptions to how the word “organic” can be applied to a product. This is a good thing, since for the word to stand for something tangible, there needs to be some formal entity in charge of verifying it.
- What does it mean to be labeled “USDA organic”. Basically, Organic means that:
- Organic seeds are used for growth
- Crop is grown in a way that cares for the land
- Free of toxins, pesticides, and chemicals
- Free from genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, and sewage sludge
2. Is the USDA stamp of approval really that important? YES, YES and YES!
Did you know that to even be considered eligible for certification, a farm must first prove that either their field(s) have been fallow and/or no prohibited products have been applied to the field(s) during the last three years prior to their application. This requirement helps ensure the soil is completely free of any chemical compounds that could leech into the production of any crops planted or pastures grazed. In addition to the three year fallow period, the USDA mandates organic farmers adhere to the following protocols:
- Soil fertility and crop nutrients will be managed through tillage and cultivation practices, crop rotations, and cover crops, supplemented with animal and crop waste materials and allowed synthetic materials.
- Crop pests, weeds, and diseases will be controlled primarily through management practices including physical, mechanical, and biological controls. When these practices are not sufficient, a biological, botanical, or synthetic substance approved for use on the National List may be used.
- Operations must use organic seeds and other planting stock when available.
- The use of genetic engineering, ionizing radiation and sewage sludge is prohibited.
It is now considered illegal to label a food “organic” if the product has not been certified by a USDA accredited agency. This applies not just for the grower, but any business directly involved in the food production process.
If you like your products, like you like your people – nontoxic, you can grab your USDA certified organic, CBD products here!
A HUGE SHOUTOUT TO GREEN COMPASS FARMS in Wilmington, NC for remaining diligent, organized, and compliant while adhering to the stringent requirements to remain USDA organic certified!