A Look at Official Standards for Organic Food: Organic Certifications in the 21st Century

At the present time, there has yet to be established an absolutely definitive set of organic standards pertaining to organic food. There is a general certification process for organic food that remains a bit fluid at this point and time. By that it is meant that when it comes to the definition of organic food, there remains some debate as to what is necessary for organic certifications to issue in regard to certain types of organic food products.

Nevertheless, with that said, there are some general organic standards that have gained fairly wide acceptance amongst people involved in organic certifications and in the production of organic food products. As time has gone on, there are some specific organic standards that have gained nearly universal acceptance in various processes of organic certifications. These organic standards that are widely used in the issuance of organic certifications include:

• Organic good is documented and receives organic certifications by an accurate, standardized and comprehensive record that organic food cultivation and preparation practices have been adhered to throughout the growing, packaging, handling and sales processes.
• Organic food production is undertaken in a manner that promotes the replenishing and maintenance of soil fertility. This is accomplished by engaging in organic food cultivation practices that enhance the optimal conditions necessary the enhancement of soil nutrients and soil biological activity.
• Organic certifications are dependant upon the use of only approved materials on the land and on crops for a period of at least three years. In other words, a person cannot convert land to organic cultivation practices and receive organic certifications during the first growing season.
• Organic food and organic food supplement items are determined to be truly organic through an independent certification process.
• Finally, organic food can obtain organic certifications only if it is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing the safety and quality of the food supply generally.

  If you are interested in ensuring that you are purchasing food that truly meets organic standards and organic certifications, look for the label on all organic food products and items signifying that a particular food has passed organic standards and certifications processes.