Organically grown food is cultivated and processed without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. While it prohibits synthetic inputs, organically grown food production may utilize pesticides derived from natural sources, such as biological pesticides, as part of its crop management strategy.
The Evolution of Organic Farming
Organic production has been present in the United States since the late 1940s. From humble beginnings in experimental garden plots, the organic sector has expanded to include large-scale farms selling surplus products under specialized organic labels. Food manufacturers have also developed organic processed foods, and many retail chains now specialize in “organic” product sales. This growth highlighted the need for verification to ensure that products were genuinely produced according to specific standards, thus leading to the development of the organic certification industry.
The Patchwork of Organic Certification
Previously, over 40 private organizations and state agencies, acting as certifiers, certified organic food. However, their standards for growing and labeling organic food varied. These differences included:
- Varying regulations regarding the use of different pesticides or fertilizers in organic food production.
- Inconsistencies in the language used in approved seals, labels, and logos.
In response to this fragmentation and to standardize production and certification practices, the organic industry petitioned Congress in the late 1980s to draft the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA), which defined the term “organic”.
The National Organic Program (NOP)
The National Organic Program (NOP) is a marketing program within the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Agricultural Marketing Service. This agency establishes marketing standards. The NOP’s core mission is to:
- Develop and implement consistent national standards governing the marketing of agricultural products as organically produced.
- Facilitate commerce in fresh and processed food that is organically produced.
- Assure consumers that organic products meet consistent standards.
The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 mandated that the Secretary of Agriculture create a National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. This list identifies synthetic substances permitted for use and non-synthetic substances prohibited in organic production and handling operations. This list is crucial for maintaining the integrity of organic certification.
Labeling Pesticides Under the National Organic Program
The Final Guidance on Labeling Pesticide Products Under the National Organic Program (issued January 31, 2003) clarifies how manufacturers can obtain EPA approval for pesticide label language. To be approved, label language for all pesticide ingredients (both active and inert) and all uses of the pesticide must comply with the criteria specified in the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) Rule.
This guidance provides an example of acceptable label language and outlines the procedures for adding this identification to product labels. The information on the pesticide label assists organic growers and organic certification bodies in determining which pesticide products meet the NOP Rule requirements for use in organic agriculture.
Conclusion: Understanding Organically Grown Food
Organically grown food represents a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices that minimize synthetic inputs. The NOP and related guidelines provide a framework for ensuring the integrity of the organic label, allowing consumers to make informed choices about the food they purchase. By understanding the principles and regulations behind organic production, consumers can support farming practices that prioritize environmental health and food safety.
