These days, the word “organic” is everywhere. On food, clothing, pet supplies, lawn care products, and many other types of products on the market.
But what does “organic” really mean?
Organic refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. It includes a system of production, processing, distribution and sales that assures consumers that the products maintain the organic integrity that begins on the farm.
This system, which is governed by strict government standards, requires that products bearing the organic label are made without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering or other excluded practices, sewage sludge, or irradiation.
Guided by these and other standards, organic is the most heavily regulated and closely monitored production system in the U.S., enabling you to choose organic products with confidence.
Read on to learn more about the meaning of organic, why it's the gold standard of eco-labels, why the President's Cancer Panel promotes choosing organic to reduce environmental cancer risk, and why it’s worth it for you, your family, and the environment.