The farmer's market season is upon us and I would like to take the time to clue you in on something that has confused several of my friends lately. This morning I checked my email and one friend sent this message "Please explain to me the difference between "Certified Organic" and "Certified Naturally Grown" food? I recently went to the farmers market and found myself confused in which to buy."
After receiving this email I thought, wow, this is something I should have blogged about a long time ago, because it's a question I get asked a lot. Let's first talk about the organic farm movement. And if you aren't interested in a quick history lesson, jumped to the bottom of the article for your answer.
Organic farming is described by Wikipedia as "the form of agriculture that relies on techniques such as crop rotation, green manure,compost and biological pest control. Organic farming uses fertilizers and pesticides but excludes or strictly limits the use of manufactured (synthetic) fertilizers,pesticides (which include herbicides, insecticides and fungicides), plant growth regulators such as hormones, livestock antibiotics, food additives, genetically modified organisms,[1] human sewage sludge, and nanomaterials.[2]"
In the early 20th century, with the invention of the internal combustion engine, research which lead to genetically altered hybrid seeds, and the introduction of nitrogen fertilizers, farming took a decided turn. After WWII came broad use of the pesticides and then in 1944, the US teamed up with Mexico and privately funded the Green Revolution. Basically the Green Revolution was the sharing of research and technology to increase agriculture production. This lead to the development of high-yielding variations of cereal grains, which in turned helped to save 'a billion of people' in under developed countries from starvation.
But, while many were rejoicing in this 'wonderful' direction of agriculture, some people began to worry about the effects of these practices on people's health and the environment. In 1972, several independent organizations around the world banded together to create the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements.
For quite awhile, the organic food movement was seen as 'faddish' and something only followed by those 'crunchy health food' types. But, in the past five years, with the shift in concern about the environment and people educating themselves and becoming more aware of the food they are consuming, organic food is becoming a regular staple on many tables.
While much of the food labeled as 'organic' was truly what it claimed to be, some disreputable farmers/retailers where slapping that tag on non-organic food. This resulted in the movement for 'certified organic' governing parties, which set up guidelines and served as "watchdogs" to ensure that the public was really getting organic food.
In 2002, the USDA National Organic Program went into effect. In order to be 'certified organic' you had comply with the NOP. And while the guidelines were great for big agriculture and offered the public protection and assurance, the cost and paperwork requirements was just too much for most small, local farmers comply. While this helped to regulate organic farming and protect the consumer, it was almost a death nail in the movement for local, sustainable organic farming. In response to this, small farmers banded together and formed the Certified Naturally Grown organization. Just like the "Certified Organic" farmers, "Certified Naturally Grown" farmers do not use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, of GMO seeds. Basically this is a self governing organization the regulates and verifies that the food you are getting is organic. Just like the NOP, the CNG has strict guidelines and routinely inspects farms for compliance.
So in a nutshell? What is the difference between 'Certified Organic' and 'Certified Naturally Grown' food? Nothing more than the governing body that supplies the label. It's all organic. One is not better than the other and some local farmers do have the 'Certified Organic' label, so don't have the misconception that buying "Certified Naturally Grown' is the only way to support local, small farms. My advice to you is to get to know your farmer. This is why I love the Argenta Farmers Market. All the farmers involved are certified local growers.
I hope this blog helped to explain the labels you are encountering involving organic food. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me and I will do my best find you an answer. Until next time, become aware of what you put into your body. I am living proof that a change and awareness can improve your health and general well being.
1. wikipedia-organic farming
2. http://www.organic-nature-news.com/organic-farming.html
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Revolution
4. http://www.naturallygrown.org/
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