1. Organic Food Movement
Unit 6

2. This week’s seminar Definition of organic food
Discuss the organic food movement
What foods are labeled or considered organic by the USDA?
What are the USDA national labeling standards for food producers who wish to label their foods as “organic”?

3. According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA),
What is Organic Food?
According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA),
“Organic refers to the way agricultural products—food and fiber—are grown and processed.”
Organic Trade Association, 2008, Author. Retrieved Nov 22,2008

4. What is Organic Food? “Organic foods are minimally
processed without artificial
ingredients, preservatives, or
irradiation to maintain the
integrity of the food.”
Organic Trade Association, 2008, Author. Retrieved Nov 22,2008

5. Organic Food Farming
“Based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers.”
Organic Trade Association, 2008, Author. Retrieved Nov 22,2008

6. National Organic Standards Board
"Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity.
It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony."
Organic Trade Association, 2008, Author. Retrieved Nov 22,2008

7. What does “Certified Organic” Mean?
“Food has been grown according to
strict uniform standards that are
verified by independent state or
private organizations.”
USDA Label is shown on package.
Organic Trade Association, 2008, Author. Retrieved Nov 22,2008

8. How are Foods Certified?
“Certification includes inspections of
farm fields and processing facilities,
detailed record keeping, and periodic
testing of soil and water to ensure that
growers and handlers are meeting the
standards which have been set.”
Organic Trade Association, 2008, Author. Retrieved Nov 22,2008

9. Organic Farm Plan Form
This form is used to have a certifying agent review your farm practices and determine whether your farm products meet organic labeling standards.
A submission of farm maps and field history and all other supporting documents (soil, tissue or water tests, rented or recently purchased land histories, etc.)
USDA AGM Service, 2002, Author. Retrieved on Nov. 22,

10. Who Regulates the Certified Organic Claims?
“Organic Food Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) enacted by the federal government, set standards for
the production, processing and
certification of organic food.”
Organic Trade Association, 2008, Author. Retrieved Nov 22,2008

11. Is the Organic Food Movement A Fad?
U. S. sales of organic food and beverages have grown from $1 billion in 1990 to an estimated $23.6 billion in 2008.
Organic food demand grows an average
of 18% each year.
Organic Trade Association, 2008, Author. Retrieved Nov 22,2008

12. Impact of Organic Food Movement
It’s estimated that ½ of all Americans buy some organic foods.
Fruit or vegetables — 44 percent.
Milk, yogurt or other dairy products — 30 percent.
Cereals, breads, pastas — 29 percent.
Packaged foods such as snacks, beverages and frozen foods — 25 percent.
Eggs — 21 percent.
Meats and poultry — 24 percent.
Soups or sauces — 15 percent.
Food Marketing Institute, June 2007.

13. Organic Foods
Meat, poultry and milk must come from animals that are free of the growth hormones and antibiotics with access to outdoors.
Fruits, vegetables and grains must be grown on land free of prohibited synthetic fertilizers or sewage sludge, and genetic engineering.
Wall Street Journal, Jan 16, 2007, B. McKay. Retrieved on Nov. 22, 2008 from

14. Are Organic Food Better For You?
30% Higher in antioxidant levels than conventional foods.
Pesticide free foods
Concern about safety due to lack of preservatives - Questionable
Food Marketing Institute, June 2007.

15. Pushing the Organic Food Movement
Nov OTA announced its launching a public relations campaign that will reach more than 25 million consumers in 2009.
The campaign goal is to set the record straight and help consumers make the educated choice.
Organic Trade Association, 2008, Author. Retrieved Nov 22,2008

16. Alice Waters – Organic, Local, and Slow Food Movement
Over 35 years ago, Ms. Waters, chef of Chez Panisse, insistence on selecting foods for her restaurant that were local, organic, and seasonal was a precursor to everything from the organic movement, to farmers' markets, to foraging and educating children about what they eat.
Guardian News UK, 2007 Author. Retrieved on Nov 22,

17. 60 minutes interview with Alice Waters
Copy and past this link into a new browser
Watch the 3 minute video and come back when it is over

18. Michael Pollan– Author of the following books:
In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto, 2008.
Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.
The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of four Meals, 2006.
Looks at industrial food, organic or alternative food, and food we forage ourselves
Michael Pollan website, 2008 Author. Retrieved Nov. 22,

19. USDA National Organic Labeling Standards
For 100 percent Organic Labels:
Must contain 100 percent organically produced ingredients, not counting added water and salt.
"Certified organic by ____" or similar phrase, followed by the name of the Certifying Agent.
USDA AGM Service, Jan Author. Retrieved on Nov. 22,

20. USDA National Organic Labeling Standards
For Organic Labels:
Must contain 95 percent organically produced ingredients, not counting added water and salt.
No Added Sulfites
Can have 5% Nonorganic sources
Label can show term "Organic" to modify the product name with X % Organic ingredients and USDA Organic certifying seal.
USDA AGM Service, Jan Author. Retrieved on Nov. 22,

21. USDA National Organic Labeling Standards
For "Made with Organic Ingredients":
Must contain 70 percent organically produced ingredients, not counting added water and salt.
No Added Sulfites
Can have 30% Nonorganic sources
Label can show term "Organic" to modify the product name with X % Organic ingredients.
Can’t use USDA Organic certifying seal.
USDA AGM Service, Jan Author. Retrieved on Nov. 22,

22. USDA Accredited Certifying Agents
The USDA has granted 55 domestic and 40 foreign agents to certify foods as organic for food labeling.
USDA AGM Service, 2008, Author. Retrieved on Nov. 22,

23. National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)
Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 created NOSB whose member comprise farmers, processors, retailers, scientist, consumer/public interest advocates, environmentalists, and USDA accredited certifying agent from all four U.S. regions.
USDA AGM Service, Nov. 2006, Author. Retrieved on Nov. 22,

24. National Organic Program (NOP)
The OFPA and the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations require that agricultural products labeled as organic originate from farms or handling operations certified by a State or private entity that has been accredited by USDA.
USDA AGM Service, Apr. 2008, Author. Retrieved on Nov. 22,

25. Organic Food Producer Facts
Does organic manure for organic plants have to come from organic animals? No!
Can reclaimed water be used on organic crops? As long as it meets state and federal guidelines, it can be used!
USDA AGM Service, Apr. 2008, Author. Retrieved on Nov. 22,

26. Closing Thoughts
Is Organic farming good for the environment?
Are organic foods good for the environment?
What about the sustainable local food movement?
Many thoughts to ponder….

27. The “Dirty Dozen” Apples Celery Strawberries Spinach Nectarines Grapes
Potato
Sweet Bell peppers
Blueberries
Lettuce
Kale and Collards (tie)

28. And a few more …
Fatty meats
Coffee
Wine
Milk

29. Wrap up
We covered a key few concept of this week’s reading assignment.
Remember to make your contributions to the Discussion Board including 2 posts to your colleagues on 3 separate days.
Next week we will explore the globalization of food markets.