What it means to be Organic. . .

Organic refers to methods of growing and processing foods that rely on the earth’s natural resources. Pests and weeds are managed using earth-friendly methods such as beneficial insects, mulch and mechanical controls. Organic farmers work to build natural nutrients in soil using compost, which helps to fertilize plants without the need for synthetic, petroleum based fertilizers. All phases of processing and handling organic food is strictly regulated from beginning to end.

• Crops grown without chemicals that can be toxic and have negative effects on your health and the environment.
• Crops are pesticide, herbicide and synthetic fertilizer free.
• Crops are not genetically modified.
• Organic farming does not contaminate our water supply.
• Organic farming helps preserve the viability of small farms in America.
• Organic farming is sustainable agriculture – top soil is increased, not depleted.
• Organic farming is far less dependant on fossil fuels.

Its all About the Soil . . .

Current methods of mono-crop, agri-business is destroying our soil through erosion and depletion. Soil depletion occurs when the components which contribute to fertility are removed and not replaced, and the conditions which support soil fertility are not maintained. This leads to increasingly poor crop yields which have to be compensated for by increasing use of petroleum based herbicides, pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. These chemicals leave residues in our soil, our water, our food and our bodies – all with serious negative repercussions.

Less than 1% of all farmland in the world is being cultivated according to organic principles. While organic farming is more costly, the true costs of petrochemical farming are alarming. The U.S. currently imports approximately 7,000,000 barrels of oil every day – a full 20% of which is used directly in agriculture – not counting the vast amount used in the transport of foods around the country. This makes agribusiness the second largest contributor to global warming and climate change which is having devastating effects on our eco system.

Historically, the fall of many past civilizations has been attributed to the depletion of topsoil. Populations grow when food is cheap and plentiful, as it has been through this era of petrochemical farming and massive government subsidizing of non-organic crops. However, as resources diminish and climate change puts even more stress on global food production capacity, conventional farming will not be able to cope. It is not a sustainable or equitable system. Today, we have the opportunity to slow climate change and safeguard our soil and health by choosing organic products and supporting sustainable agriculture. It is a choice that Fresh Organics is committed to and one that truly makes the world a better place.

Some Hard Facts:

• Amount of cropland lost each year to soil erosion: 4,000,000 acres – an area the size of Connecticut.
• Six inches of fertile soil is needed to grow food naturally, or without petrochemicals
• It takes 6000 years to build 6 inches of top soil in nature.
• Amount of original U.S. cropland permanently removed from production due to excessive soil erosion: one-third.
• Amount of wells and surface streams in the U.S. contaminated by agricultural pollutants: 60%
• Increase in overall pesticide use since 1945: 3,300%
• Increase in chemical fertilizer use since 1945: 5000%
• Increase in overall crop losses due to insects since 1945: 20%
• Increase in the amount of pesticides applied per acre to corn since 1945: 100,000%
• Increase in corn crop losses since 1945: 400%
• Percentage of U.S. mother's milk containing significant levels of DDT: 99%
• Percentage of male college students sterile in 1950: 0.5
• Percentage of male college students sterile in 1978: 25
• Sperm count of average American male compared to 30 years ago: Down 30%
• Principle reason for sterility and sperm count reduction in U.S. males: Chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides.

Organic Standards:

• Organically grown foods do not use chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• Must be separated from non organic farms.
• Requires 7 years of organic cultivation exclusively before certification.
• Water supply must be pristine – free from all known contaminants.
• No genetically modified plants can be cultivated.
• Relies on keeping soil healthy though crop rotation, composting and growing mixtures of crops.
• Animals eat organic food, no routine use of drugs.
• Farms must be certified and regularly inspected by government authorized agencies.
• Must comply with strict international standards.

The organic ingredients used in Fresh Organics products are derived from plants grown according to these standards.

What is Certified Organic?

Products labeled “certified organic” have been grown and processed according to strict standards governed by a third-party certifier who annually inspects all farms and facilities. These agencies ensure that no harmful chemicals have been used for at least seven years, that foods are processed using ecologically-friendly methods, and that growers and processors keep detailed records of their practices. All certifiers must enforce the standards set by the USDA’s National Organic Standards. Products must include the name of the certifier.

Are there (Inter)National Organic Standards?

Since the National Organic Standards were implemented in October 2002 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, all foods labeled “organic” must be certified by a registered third-party Certifier. Now, all products labeled “organic” must comply with those Federal Standards. For more information, or to view the Standards in their entirety, visit the National Organic Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture at: www.ams.usda.gov/nop

The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) publishes the IFOAM Basic Standards of Organic Agriculture and Food Processing, an effort to streamline International organic standards.