about organic foods
Effective 21 October 2002, all agricultural farms and products claiming to be organic must be
guaranteed by a USDA-approved independent agency to be meeting the following guidelines:
- Abstain from the application of prohibited materials (including synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and sewage sludge) for 3 years prior to certification, then continually throughout their organic license
- Prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms and irradiation
- Employ positive soil building, conservation, manure management and crop rotation practices
- Provide outdoor access and pasture for livestock
- Refrain from antibiotic and hormone use in animals
- Sustain animals on 100% organic feed
- Avoid contamination during the processing of organic products
- Keep records of all operations
Source: Organic Consumers Association
|
