Organics
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Organic Standards
The intent and vision for the first national organic standards for the United States was mandated by an act of Congress in 1990 with the Organic Foods Production Act. The actual standards, however, weren't hammered out and implemented for another 12 years after an unprecedented amount of impassioned public input to the U.S.D.A. — an estimated 275,000 comments, more than any other issue in USDA history.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) implemented the nation's Final Rule on the first organic standards on October 21, 2002. For a history of events toward the National Organic Standards, see A Regulatory History of the USDA National Organic Standards.
The national rules superseded a patchwork of more than 40 separate standards set by the states and private organizations. Washington State had developed an exemplary program, in part because of PCC's active leadership. But consumers in other parts of the country weren't so lucky. Establishing national standards leveled the playing field so foods labeled as certified organic in one part of the country meant the same thing as in another part of the country. See understanding organic labels.
The National Organic Standards as they exist today define a growing process or system of practices. They're designed for sustainability, to enhance the health of farmland, human health and nutrition, and to promote the health of the environment as a whole. The USDA defines organic agriculture this way: "An ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony."
Organic standards prohibit:
- Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), seeds or ingredients
- Bio-solids (sewage sludge) and synthetic fertilizers
- Synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fungicides
- Antibiotics or added growth hormones
- Animal by-products in animal feed
Organic practices require:
- Continual monitoring, maintenance and improvement of soil health
- Crop rotation, mulching and other practices to prevent soil erosion and enhance soil health
- Specific composting methods for both animal and plant waste
- Outdoor access for livestock
- Pasture for all ruminants
- 100 percent certified organic feed for organic animals
- Inspections of all farm fields, processing facilities and production and sales records by agents accredited as USDA Certifiers
- Periodic testing of soil and water used in production
The USDA currently does not include certification standards for fabrics, health supplements, beauty products, household cleaners, pet foods, farmed or wild seafood.