What does the USDA Organic label really mean?

Find out the basics of what is behind the USDA's certified organic label.

Submit your comments to the National Organic Program: http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#viewTopics?id=4294966956&...

Kimberlie Cole
Livestock Farmer: West Wind Farms | http://www.grassorganic.com/

Alfred Farris
Grain Farmer: Windy Acres Farm | http://www.windyacresfarmshop.com/

Mary Rogers
Organic Crops Research Associate: University of Tennessee Department of Agriculture | http://organics.tennessee.edu/

Dr. Forbes Walker
Soil Scientist: University of Tennessee Department of Agriculture | http://organics.tennessee.edu/

Created by Michael Tapp | http://www.michaeltapp.com

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Organic
• USDA
• Certified
• Food
• label
• seal

[jtsmith602]

True, all of those things define the basic guidelines of organic, but most producers do not follow the guidelines beyond those basic rules. None of those livestock represent the majority of "organic" meat, which still comes out of CAFO's. Those livestock in the background of the video represent people going the extra mile who don't as much benefit from USDA labels. The creator of the video ought to do one on the USDA definition of "non-synthetic". It's not synonymous with "healthy" or "safe"

[michaelwtapp]

@jtsmith602 - The "Access to Pasture" rule was clarified a few months back and certified organic livestock will have year-round access to the outdoors. This revision should put a big dent in certified organic CAFOs when it goes into effect next year. Btw, the driving force behind the changes was consumer feedback.

[TravisMorien]

Higher standards? I dunno about that necessarily. Truth in labelling, sure. Absence of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, yep. No synthetic preservatives and the like, alright. No genetic modification, fine.

But "standards" are a bit harder to specify with a label. It's no guarantee of freshness for example, or the absence of pathogens, insect damage or of superior nutrition.

I'm no critic of true labelling, in fact I'm a stickler for truth in advertising.

[michaelwtapp]

@TravisMorien - Standards can be subjective. I am trying to cover a lot of ground in a 3 minute video. Conventional growers are pretty much given free reign and the USDA organic label gives you more details on how you're food was created.

Higher standards do not always yield a superior product, but the label lets you know what isn't in your food.

[LendMeYourHand]

We are making a change, but still regualtions are not strict enough. Monsantos is at it again with unregulated neotame. Not to mention it is important for us to make sure they are tested frequently, not just slapping labels on fancy packages.. What about the packaging?? benzene & fluoride in plastics is still an issue. I dont think the scare for a PET 1 is as bad as it sounds considering how Coka Cola still sells cups for PET 7. KEEP FIGHTING!!!

[satellitetune]

Great vidio

[AQUAMARINETMI]

what are the regulations of the USDA??? and is it regulated???

[undakova]

cool

[organicauthority]

Despite the flaws the the National Organic Program has, organic foods is still some of the highest quality food on store shelves today. Anyone who puts that seal on their food product is subject to way more regulation and rules from seed to shelf, than a conventional farmer is, which creates a safer food supply for consumers. While this program is not perfect, it is better than the conventional system.Consumers must do due diligence & read labels & know exactly what's in your food & vote with $