The organic movement encourages the production of food, cosmetics and other products using natural substances and minimal environmental harm. Organic vegetables are produced in accordance with the requirements set forth by the federal government. The Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7, Part 205 covers the National Organic Program for the United States. It specifies the criteria by which a product may bear the "USDA Organic" label. The USDA has not issued any statement regarding organic produce being any healthier or more nutritious than non-organic produce.
Pesticide Use
The National Organic Program (NOP) tightly regulates the use of pesticides in foods that are labeled "organic." In general, producers are encouraged to manage pests using cultural, biological and ecological methods before using pesticide products. The pesticides that are used must not contain ingredients classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as "high" risk to live organisms. Approved pesticides for organic produce are generally composed of plant or microbial extracts, natural minerals or beneficial organisms. In cases of unavoidable contamination with non-organic pesticides, produce may contain up to 5 percent of the tolerance level established by the EPA for those pesticides in food and still be labeled "organic."
No Genetic Modification
Plants that have been genetically modified using means not possible under natural conditions are not allowed to be labeled as "organic." According to the University of Florida, certain exceptions exist to the NOP, including strains of herbicide-resistant corn and soy. Insect-resistant cotton may also be labeled organic. Generally, genetic modification, which derives from laboratory methods such as gene-splicing--or creating hybrid organisms, which are impossible in nature--are strictly forbidden from using the "organic" label.
Soil & Fertilizer Standards
Another of the areas regulated is soil fertility and the nutrients allowed for organic produce. First, producers must utilize tillage and harvesting practices that improve the condition of the soil and reduce soil erosion as much as possible. Next, the producer should avoid any method that allows contamination of crops, soil or water by plant nutrients, pathogens, heavy metals or residues of prohibited substances such as synthetic pesticides. Fertilizers allowed include composted and uncomposted plant and animal materials meeting certain criteria, mined substances such as minerals, plant or animal ash and certain chemically altered plant or animal fertilizers. Sewage sludge and most synthetic fertilizers are not allowed.
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