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Understanding the Organic Standards
Organic Agriculture and Food Production:
Environmental Protection Agency labels 60% of all herbicides, 90% of fungicides and 30% of pesticides as potentially cancer causing.
Agriculture:
Organic foods are grown without the use of synthetic herbicides or pesticides. By applying earth friendly agricultural methods and practices organic agriculture offers a number of benefits:
• Enhanced soil biodiversity, reduced soil erosion, improved soil physical structure and water holding capacity.
•Cleaner environment
•More efficient use of energy and reduced CO2 emissions
•Better food quality
•Economically and environmentally sustainable
•Organic food handlers, processors and retailers adhere to strict standards and guidelines that maintain the integrity of organically grown products.
Food Production:
Organic production bans the use of genetically modified ingredients and artificial food additives such as hydrogenated fats, phosphoric acid, aspartame and monosodium glutamate, which have been linked to health problems as diverse as heart disease, osteoporosis, migraines and hyperactivity. Studies have shown that, on average, organic food has higher vitamin C and mineral levels as well as higher concentrations of plant phenolics – compounds that can fight cancer and heart disease, and combat age-related neurological dysfunction. In addition, organic food has significantly less nitrates, toxic compounds found in many ingredients.
Organic Standards:
Organic certification is regulated by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Effective October 2002 all products labeled "organic" must meet consistent uniform standards. There are 3 grades of organic product certification:
•"100% Organic" – product must contain only organically produced ingredients. USDA seal may appear on the package.
•"Organic" - product must have at least 95% of organically produced ingredients. The remainder must consist of nonagricultural substances approved on the USDA's National List or non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form. USDA seal may appear on the package.
•"Made with Organic Ingredients" – product must contain at least 70% organic ingredients. Use of USDA seal on the package is not allowed.
Organic Certification:
The use of term "Certified Organic" indicates that a product has been certified by either a private certifying agency or a state government agency that is accredited by USDA. All certifying agencies must act consistently, competently and impartially in the certification process. The name of the certifying agent must be displayed on the information panel of a product package.
Organic Crop Producers and Processors Inc. (OCPP)/Pro-Cert Canada Inc. is a Canadian certifying body accredited by USDA.
For more information or to place an order, please contact us via e-mail at info@gosonsy.com
You may also call us at 1-800-360 2113
from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM Central time.
We appreciate your consideration and look forward to serving you.
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