Organic Vs Natural 

The term “Organic” denotes the true meaning of the word natural. Organic means that there are no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, plant growth products, hormones or routine antibiotics. It also means no GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms – another subject. Farmers who subscribe to farming organically rely on crop rotation, companion planting, crop residues, animal manures, mechanical and hand cultivation to maintain soil productivity. Additionally they use hand weeding, tilling, and cover crops to supply plant nutrients, and to control weeds, insects and other pests. Actually, most organic farmer can also be classified as “Sustainable Agriculture” because this term refers to the ability of a farm to produce food with people, land, plants, and animals working in unison.

Additionally Organics are regulated through the NOP (National Organic Program) Standards which were established in 2001. A farm would be certified as organic through a certifying agency such as MOSA (Midwest Organic Services Association) or OCIA (Organic Crop Improvement Association). There is one caveat that clouds the issue and that is that the NOP Standards allows a farm selling less than $5,000 a year to use the term “organic” without being certified organic. This can cause confusion in places like Farmers Markets. Many will say they are organic because they do not know what the term means. You will have to determine their expertise by understanding the term yourself and quizzing them on it.