What Does Certified Organic Mean?

Why does organic matter? Should we eat everything organic? Does organic mean it is also GMO free? Do pesticides actually affect my health?

Let’s start by looking at the technical meaning of organic. Pro-cert, one of the top organic certification agencies has this to say about organic:

“Organic is a claim referring to methods of agricultural production and food processing that minimizes disruption of the natural environment and encourages the health and vitality of the soil, promotes humane animal management and preserves ecological integrity.”

In other words, organic means:
• No synthetic pesticides
• No synthetic preservatives
• No chemical fertilizers
• No hormones or antibiotics
• No genetically modified organisms (GMO’s)
• Humane treatment of animals
• Preservation of ecological integrity

Simply put, organic means growing/raising something NATURALLY…the way nature intended it to be.
A few questions for your consideration.

CAN PESTICIDES REALLY AFFECT YOUR HEALTH?

Yes, most definitely this has been proven over time. The buildup of chemical pesticides and herbicides in our bodies have been linked to many health problems including birth defects, obesity, immune and nervous system disorders, diabetes, cancer, and ADHD. All farmers and their families should also be protected from being exposed to these high levels of pesticides. Also, it is not just about what organic foods DO NOT contain, but what organic foods DO contain. Organic foods have higher amounts of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega, which are all important building blocks for good health.