Organic is Sustainable

Certified organic farmers follow a set of production standards that take into account the well-being of the environment, animals and people. Sustainable practices are the foundation of organic; from seed to supper, organic farming takes care to protect the health of current and future generations.

Organic farmers are stewards of the land, taking care from the ground up. They work to improve soil health by keeping the soil covered with growing plants and by adding organic matter like compost and manure.

Organic farmers don’t use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that can upset the natural balance. Healthy soil grows healthy plants and the land becomes more resilient to extreme conditions, like drought or heavy rainfall. Nutrients stay in the soil rather than washing into waterways. And by building organic matter in the soil, it means more carbon in the ground and less in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Organic farming practices are helping to mitigate climate change.

Organic farming promotes biodiversity. Farmers rotate the types of plants they grow in a field and often grow two or more types of plants together. Diverse populations are more resilient because they are less likely to share the same diseases and pests. This is just one example of how taking a holistic view of the farm can prevent problems and avoid the need for direct control measures like pesticides.

If you’re concerned about the impact of your food choices on your health and the environment, you can feel good about choosing Organic: Food with Principles. Guaranteed.

Did You Know?

Organic agriculture is based on the principles of health, ecology, care and fairness.

	Principle of health – Organic agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plants, animals, humans and the planet as one and indivisible.
	Principle of ecology – Organic agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them.
	Principle of care – Organic agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations and the environment.
	Principle of fairness – Organic agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities.