ORGANIC FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

By Carlen Stadnik 

 

Based on:  Prof. Edward Jaenicke and National Organic Program, USDA.

What is Organic?

Organic is a label for agricultural products that are produced with approved substances under specific biological, mechanical, and cultural methods that support biodiversity, ecological balance, and the recycling of natural resources.

Under what conditions can the USDA organic seal be used?

            The USDA organic seal can only be used to label, sell, or represent raw or processed products under the USDA organic regulations.  Processors or “handlers” must be certified.  For example, a dairy farm that processes organic cheese needs to be certified for both milk production and cheese processing.  Misuse of the label can result in a fine of up to $11,000 for each individual violation.  The USDA performs investigations and enforcement activities to confirm that organic labeled products satisfy the USDA organic regulations.  CFR Section 205 displays USDA organic standards, prohibited practices, requirements, and the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Materials.

Suppose you were considering buying organic poultry and you saw competing (non-organic) poultry product labeled “no added hormones.”  What would you think of this competing claim?

            In addition to the organic label, “no added hormones” and “raised without hormones” are examples of other labels for livestock that are verified by the USDA Food Inspection Service.  Synthetic growth hormone or steroid use in poultry, pork, or goat has never been permitted by federal regulations.  When considering hormones, organic poultry is no different from non-organic poultry labeled as “no added hormones.”  Therefore, this label should not influence the choice of the consumer.  Other differences between the organic and the non-organic option should instead influence the consumer’s decision. 

            In addition, consumers often confuse hormones with prophylactic antibiotics.  Prophylactic antibiotics are used for prevention purposes.  Antibiotics are fed to chickens, hogs, and cows to keep them healthy, so they can grow faster.  They protect the animals against their exposure to stress, such as being enclosed in a small space with many other animals.  Organic regulations require antibiotic use when animals are diagnosed as sick, but prohibit prophylactic use. 

            Synthetic hormones are only permitted in milk production.  The use of the rBST synthetic growth hormone is permitted for dairy cows.  The use of this hormone was very common, but not anymore because it’s not worth the sum of the direct and indirect costs.  The direct costs indicate the price of the hormone and the indirect costs denote the possible poor long-term health of the cows. 

Based on: National Organic Program, USDA. FAQ: Becoming a Certified Operation.

What are the four (big) things that may not be used in organic agriculture?

            Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s), synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, radiation, and sewage sludge may not be used in organic agriculture.

Suppose you are a small farm growing a few crops using organic methods.  Do you need to get USDA certification to use the word “organic” in any marketing or sales materials?

            A small farm that grows a few crops using organic methods and sells less than $5,000 of products per year does not need to obtain USDA certification to use the word “organic” in any marketing or sales materials as long as the USDA organic seal is not used.  The farm must become certified if sales increase beyond the $5,000 per year threshold.  To become certified, there is a specific organic certification process that must be followed.  The farm owner must apply to a USDA-accredited certifying agent and provide specific information for acceptance.

Is USDA organic certification free?  If not, what can you tell me about certification costs?

         The USDA organic certification is not free.  The certification costs depend on the type, size, and complexity of the operation and the certifying agent.  The costs may be between a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Before applying, it is important to understand the certifier’s fee structure and billing cycle. There is an application fee, assessment on annual production or sales, annual renewal fee, and inspection fee.  The USDA Organic Certification Cost-Share Programs can reimburse the operation up to seventy-five percent of the certification costs after certification. 

Supposed you, a small farmer, became convinced that you wanted to convert to organic methods immediately.  How long, if at all, would you have to wait before you could sell certified organic products?

            An owner of a small farm must use organic methods for three full years before using an organic label.  Labeling with the USDA organic or certifying agent’s seal, selling, or representing products as “organic” is prohibited before three years.  Land used for raw organic produces must not have prohibited substances applied to it for three years, as well.

Based on: Emerging Issues in the U.S. Organic Industry, USDA/ERS, June 2009

Name and explain three challenges facing the U.S. organic industry.

            The U.S. organic production has more than doubled, since the 1990’s.  However, the more rapid growth of the consumer market has caused an input and product shortage in organic supply chains.  High cost products and competition from new environmental labels are also challenges facing the U.S. organic industry.