With an ever-growing consumer demand for organics, more and more conventional food companies are getting into the "organic game". But not all organics are created equal.
That is why you, as a consumer, need to do your due diligence. Only then can you be certain that what you are buying and consuming is organic from an "authentic" standpoint. By authentic, we mean good for the environment, good for the food, good for the world, and good for you.
With that in mind, here are some tips to help ensure your food is authentic organic.
Know The Organic Difference
Products with organic ingredients fall into 1 of 4 labeling categories. Only 2 of those levels are allowed to carry the USDA Organic seal.
- "100% Organic" - Requires all ingredients listed in a product be organically grown and derived.
- "Organic" - Requires that 95% of the ingredients be certified organic; the 5% non-organic ingredients must be in the National List for allowable ingredients.
- "Made with Organic" - Must include at least 70% certified organic ingredients, while the remaining 30% of ingredients must be on the National List. These products do not qualify for the USDA Organic seal.
- Specific ingredients that are labeled "Organic" - These ingredients are usually followed by an asterisk or some other symbol to denote "organic" on a product's ingredient list. These products are prohibited from using the USDA Organic seal and cannot be marketed as such.
Please note that there are a lot of small growers and producers who use organic methods or ingredients. But they are often too small or don't make enough money to qualify or be able to purchase the USDA Organic label. Your local farmer at the farmers market likely falls into this category.
TIP #1: Ensure the products you purchase have the 100% Organic label along with the USDA Seal. Alternatively, talk to local farmers and producers directly.
Know The Brand
But is the 100% Organic label on its own enough to justify a product as authentic organic?
Think about it. Lots of companies are trying to cash-in on you: the consumer's good intentions. Therefore, we need to take notice of the brand and its ownership.
Conventional companies are putting out 'organic' versions of their typical products, but how much can we trust in their quality and integrity? Are these traditionally conventional companies just trying to ride the wave and capture some of the organic boom profits? Authentic organic brands are dedicated to the cause, which includes:
- Corporate independence
- Qualitative integrity - use your 5 senses
- Sustainable by design and function
- Antibiotic & hormone-free
- Humanely-raised & pastured animals
- Humane conditions for agricultural workers
- Fair & just prices that reflect the of food
TIP #2: Research the company behind the brand. Find out who they are and what they stand for.
Understand The Growing Method
The content of a plant's soil matters deeply to organic farmers. Because of this, organic farmers spend countless hours on the quality of their soil. They do this to ensure they are:
- Keeping their soil at optimal health
- Farming in alignment with the environment
- Farming in a manner that is non-toxic to people and animals
Recent debate over what constitutes organic produce revolves around how it is grown and in which medium(s). Not only is there a rise in organic demand, but also in sustainably-grown, and for many, that sustainability is hydroponics.
Hydroponically-grown produce does not come from soil, but rather liquid fertilizers and a water bed, grown with artificial lights that mimic the sun, hardly a natural environment.
Sustainability is an important aspect of agriculture. And some consider hydroponics more sustainable than other farming methods.
This sustainability issue is even more apparent in urban areas. Here, vertical farming and hydroponics are often the only way to grow local food and repurpose old buildings.
However, according to organic purists, hydroponic methods do not satisfy the basic requirements for organic because plant roots do not penetrate the earth.
TIP #3: There are viable reasons to grow and purchase hydroponically-grown food. But to be authentic organic, choose organic soil-grown foods over hydroponically-grown.
Notice Excessive Marketing
While growth in the organic market is a positive indicator of a growing consumer consciousness for human and environmental health, brands with heavy marketing campaigns are an indicator of inauthenticity.
Marketing campaigns generally promote mass consumption of something. However, true organic companies know that:
TIP #4: Beware of products that have attractive packaging, use romantic language, and sponsor lots of internet or TV ads.
Differentiate the Quality
While the USDA Organic seal has rules for pesticides and ingredients, it does not guarantee quality. But when we talk about authentic organic, quality is an issue.
Authentic organic is quite similar to craft vs conventional coffee, or craft beer vs conventional beer. Craft organic or craft farming is all about retaining the integrity of the practice and quality of the product.
TIP #5: Ask around, check reviews carefully, and sample some different organic products yourself. You'll know when it's good!