What is Organic Food?

Organic food is becoming more and more common and gaining popularity amongst people. Since COVID more people pay attention to their health and organic food is one of the tools used by many to enhance their immune system. Not only do consumers increasingly prioritized products that align with their own health they also care more about environmental sustainability, and ethical practices. But what does "organic" really mean, and how do certifications ensure that these products meet the highest standards? We unpack the essentials of organic food, exploring certifications, standards, and requirements across the globe.

What Makes Something Organic?

At its core, organic food refers to products grown, harvested, and processed without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or artificial additives. The term also encompasses animal products, such as meat, dairy, and eggs, produced without antibiotics or hormones and under humane farming conditions.

To ensure uniformity and trust, governing bodies establish organic standards. These are detailed guidelines that define what practices qualify as organic. These standards vary by country but share common principles of environmental sustainability, biodiversity preservation, and soil health.

* For international buyers across the world it is of utmost importance to understand there may be different regulations in place in different parts of the world. What can be considered organic in the United States of America, may not be considered as organic in Europe. Both exporters and importers need to understand this to avoid issues when trading abroad. 

What Are Organic Standards?

Organic standards provide the framework that farmers, processors, and manufacturers must follow to label their products as organic. These standards typically cover:

• Prohibited Substances: Synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and GMOs are strictly forbidden.
• Soil Management: Farmers must use natural methods to maintain soil fertility, such as crop rotation, composting, and cover cropping.
• Animal Welfare: Organic standards require humane treatment of livestock, including access to outdoor spaces and organic feed.
• Processing Practices: Organic products cannot include artificial preservatives, flavors, or coloring.

While the underlying principles are consistent, the exact requirements differ across regions, as detailed in the previous and next sections.

What Are the Requirements to Be Certified Organic?

To earn organic certification, producers must undergo rigorous inspections and meet specific criteria set by the certifying authority in their region. Again, there may be differences across the world and perhaps even per region. However here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Transition Period: For farmers their land must be free of prohibited substances for at least 2-3 years before certification.
2. Inspection: Certifying bodies conduct on-site inspections of farms and facilities to ensure compliance with organic standards.
3. Documentation: Farmers and processors must maintain detailed records of their practices, inputs, and processing methods.
4. Certification Approval: Once all requirements are met, the certifying body grants organic certification, allowing the producer to label their products accordingly.

In addition products will be tested along the supply chain. Either by buyers or control bodies, announced and unannounced. This further strengthens the quality standards in the world of organic food. Companies will be inspected by control bodies on a frequent basis. In some cases this can come down to multiple inspections per year and in other cases this could be once every few years. 

What Makes Something Certified Organic?

Certification ensures that products labeled as organic meet the specific standards set by the governing authority. To carry an organic label, a product must:

• Be produced on certified organic land.
• Avoid prohibited inputs like synthetic chemicals or GMOs.
• Comply with all organic standards, from farming to processing.

The certification also provides traceability, allowing consumers to trust that the product aligns with organic principles. 

What Is EU Organic Certification?

The EU Organic Certification is a gold standard for organic products in Europe. Governed by the European Union, it ensures that products meet strict environmental and animal welfare criteria. To qualify:

• Farming Practices: Farmers must use natural pest control methods, avoid synthetic fertilizers, and promote soil health through crop rotation.
• Animal Welfare: Livestock must have access to open air and be fed organic feed.
• Processing: Organic products cannot contain artificial additives or GMOs.

Certified products bear the EU organic logo, a green leaf made of stars, signaling compliance with these standards. Products certified in the EU are often recognized in other regions, making this certification a benchmark for international trade. Within Europe there is a vast network of certifiers active in the field of organic certification. For instance in The Netherlands there is a sole control body responsible for organic certification, called SKAL. However, within Germany and France there are already a multitude of companies active such as: KIWA, Lacon, and ECOCERT.

What Makes Something USDA Organic?

In the United States, the USDA Organic Certification is the primary label for organic products. Managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), it sets forth comprehensive guidelines for both crop and livestock production. Key requirements include:

• No Synthetic Inputs: Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides must be organic or naturally derived.
• Non-GMO: The use of genetically modified seeds or animals is prohibited.
• Soil and Animal Welfare: Farmers must promote biodiversity, maintain soil fertility, and provide humane living conditions for livestock.

Products certified as USDA Organic bear the USDA Organic Seal, which guarantees compliance with these rigorous standards. This certification is widely respected and often serves as a baseline for organic claims in North America.

What Is the Best Organic Certification?

Determining the "best" organic certification depends on the product's target market and the certification's reputation for rigor and reliability. Both EU Organic Certification and USDA Organic Certification are considered among the most stringent and respected standards globally.

• EU Organic Certification: Known for its emphasis on sustainability and animal welfare, the EU organic logo is a trusted symbol in Europe and beyond.
• USDA Organic Certification: A leader in North America, the USDA seal is synonymous with high-quality organic production.

Other notable certifications include JAS Organic Certification in Japan and Canada Organic. Each has unique requirements tailored to its region, but all aim to uphold the principles of organic farming and processing.

Organic certifications are more than just labels—they represent a commitment to environmental stewardship, ethical practices, and consumer transparency. By adhering to strict standards, certified organic products provide consumers with confidence in their quality and origins.