Organic Food Seals
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Organic Food Seals
The organic seal is a guide for consumers to recognize foods that are grown as part of natural systems without synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms (Dessy, 2013, p. 77). Even being organic, it is wise to wash and brush fruits and vegetables before eating them because they have been handled by many people. Here are two products to consider: the Veggie Wash and soft Windmill Palm Brush. When shopping for organic foods, you may find these organic seals described below:
The organic seal is a guide for consumers to recognize foods that are grown as part of natural systems without synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms (Dessy, 2013, p. 77). Even being organic, it is wise to wash and brush fruits and vegetables before eating them because they have been handled by many people. Here are two products to consider: the Veggie Wash and soft Windmill Palm Brush. When shopping for organic foods, you may find these organic seals described below:
USDA Organic seal. Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act in 1990, authorizing the creation of the USDA National Organic Program to establish standards for producers and processors of organic foods, and permit such operations to label their products with a “USDA Organic” seal after being USDA certified. The program was implemented in 2002 (CRS, 2008).
Real Organic Project seal. Farmers who led the movement that persuaded Congress to establish the USDA organic certification now document ways in which the seal is no longer being used as Congress intended, such as certifying hydroponic operations that lack key soil constituents and pastureless feedlots as organic. In 2017, the Real Organic Project seal was initiated to distinguish foods that truly meet the USDA National Organic Standards Board definition of organic. (Real Organic Project)
Oregon Tilth seal. Inspired by poet Wendell Berry’s speech, “Agriculture for a Small Planet” in 1974, the founders launched Oregon Tilth. They provide in-the-field feedback to the USDA National Organic Standards Board and Accredited Certifiers Association on what actions are necessary to maintain the integrity of organic foods. Working with more than 100 grassroots organizations, they advance sustainable agriculture to benefit natural resources and rural communities throughout the United States. (Oregon Tilth)
Ecological Outcome Verified seal. Leading scientists around the world collaborated to develop the Ecological Outcome Verified seal that recognizes regenerative farming practices and organic, pasture-grown food that is produced under holistic land management. Landscape-scale assessments track soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem functions associated with the farms. (Ecological Outcome Verified)
Learning about organic seals gives us insight into which natural foods are genuinely organic and grown with regenerative, sustainable farming practices. When natural foods are grown this way, it reduces our exposure to toxins and best ensures we eat foods that are nutrient-rich.
References
Congressional Research Service. (2008). Organic agriculture in the United States: program and policy issues. (Report 7-5700). Washington, D.C.: R. Johnson. Retrieved from: https://www.everycrsreport.com/files/20081125_RL31595_74bb31a59cd774eb1e6b833c0dfddfcf7ad3f8e0.pdf.
Dessy, M. (2013). The Pantry Principle. The Woodlands, TX: Versadia Press.
Congressional Research Service. (2008). Organic agriculture in the United States: program and policy issues. (Report 7-5700). Washington, D.C.: R. Johnson. Retrieved from: https://www.everycrsreport.com/files/20081125_RL31595_74bb31a59cd774eb1e6b833c0dfddfcf7ad3f8e0.pdf.
Dessy, M. (2013). The Pantry Principle. The Woodlands, TX: Versadia Press.
Amy Wing, Holistic Health Educator,
Nature’s Hearth
Website: www.naturesheart.net
Email: ajw.habitat@gmail.com
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