What Organic and Beyond Organic Stand For
Discover > Farm to Table Eating in Texas > What Organic and Beyond Organic Stand For
Being in Texas, weâve all seen the organic or beyond organic labels in stickers on produce, meats, and dairy. But what do organic and beyond organic stand for? What foods would you treat as organic or beyond organic. Is it about environment or the food being pesticide free?
The beyond organic term is relatively new and meant to supplant additional information not covered by the organic label.
Uncover the true meaning of "organic" in the context of food production, as this article breaks down the key principles behind organic farming.
The USDA-certified label itself is often misleading. Oftentimes it helps to ask or look into these labels to know what kind of stuff you're putting in your body. Its safe to say that these labels helps us with healthy living. Peruse the below sections to learn about food items that are grown with the right ingredients and evaluated on the basis of environmental safety and health.
Abuse of the USDA Label
The process for securing the USDA certified label is easily exploited and abused these days. Because of this, the term organic is quite rightly surrounded by a fair amount of skepticism.
Truly organic foods bought directly from Texas farms and ranches and at farmerâs markets throughout the many communities in the state, can be confidently declared âtrulyâ organic. But where does beyond organic fit in?
Getting an Organic Farming Certification
Explore the process of getting an organic farming certification, paving the way for sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture.
When Was The Terms âBeyond Organicâ First Used?
The term âbeyond organicâ was first used by Michael Pollan over a decade ago but has been gaining steam recently. The term only has a place in food discussions precisely because the USDA label has been so diluted.
Why Growing Organic Is the Way to Go
Learn about the compelling reasons why growing organic is not just a trend but a crucial step towards a healthier and more sustainable food system.
What Does it Apply To?
The beyond organic label only applies to foods that are truly organic, meaning they go beyond the minimum requirements for USDA certification. In truth, this doesnât take much effort given how easy it is for a non-truthfully organic food to get the USDA label.
With beyond organic food, you can rest easy with the knowledge that it is actually organic (has the required natural nutrients) and would assist in healthy living. Beyond organic, could just as easily be referred to as âactually organicâ.
Push For New Certification
In 2018 there was a push to add a new USDA certification for food labels. This new label would be the âregenerative organic certifiedâ label. Referred to shortly as the ROC label, it debuted at the Natural Products Expo West.
The requirements for a food securing this label are completely different from the requirements for the label. To receive the ROC label a food must be made from ingredients from farms that treat or practice regenerative farming. These farms must be independently certified as following regenerative practices as well.
It is a bit unfortunate that we even need the beyond organic label, but it being there conveys an important message to consumers all over Texas. When the label loses its meaning, it is nice to have the beyond organic label take over its original meaning.
It is possible that the same workarounds for the organic label would trickle down to the beyond organic label eventually. If that happens and the beyond organic certification is diluted, there may be another new label to take its place.
Hopefully, this doesnât need to happen, and hopefully, we can see a widespread course correction in the farming world that sees consumers able to trust brands again.
Concerns of Farmers
Many companies who sell directly to customers fear that they are at risk from low-cost, mainstream, big-box, shop, store-brand organics. Farms face the biggest danger from consumer perception. It involves the devaluation of food as it transitions from small-scale, value-driven farms to large-scale, industrial organics sold in big-box stores.
Beyond the Hype: Farm to Table in Texas
Delve beyond the hype and discover the authentic essence of farm-to-table practices in Texas, connecting you with locally sourced, fresh produce.
What Is Organic Production All About?
The good news is that a growing tide of farms and food producers provide the consumer population with "beyond organic" vegetables, meat, and dairy products.
These producers serve as a source of employment for an increasing tide of farmers. Local farms surrounded by communities of concerned and well-informed customers might be considered part of a revolution of sorts.
Discover the meaning behind "biodynamic" and its significance in sustainable agriculture, offering a holistic approach to farming that goes beyond organic practices.
Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food
This expanding trend to "know your farmer, know your food" circumvents the need for organic certification by establishing direct customer ties. It is the future of establishing a real-life connection with the food we eat and towards healthy living.
Although these food producers and consumers don't put much of a focus on any certification, it's reasonable to assume that they have a solid understanding of the why and how behind food production. They do understand what healthy living is all about.
Navigate the world of food labels in Texas with the TexasRealFood guide, empowering you to make conscious and informed choices about the food you consume.
What Is Organic Food Production About?
It is more about the producer's feelings, thoughts, and worldview, along with the scrutinizing eyes and curious questions of his purchasing constituents than a pass/fail certification process that can be fudged or a set of rules that can be bent. This is true even though the pass/fail certification process is required for organic food production.
The Benefit of Certification
The certification procedure is beneficial only when there is some distance between the farm and the plate or from farm to table. Even yet, the only thing that matters is the honesty of the farmer and the organic inspector who works with him.
What Exactly Qualifies as Organic, and Beyond Organic?
It might be difficult for customers to choose clean and healthy components. Terms such as "beyond organic," "super," and "best practices" are often used in the agriculture sector.
Is Pesticide-Free Food Worth the Premium
Explore the debate around the value of pesticide-free food, weighing the benefits against the premium, and make informed choices for a healthier lifestyle.
Final Words
In a nutshell, the terms relate to producing that has been produced or processed using methods that exceed the requirements for organic certification to achieve the desired results.
Sources:
https://www.lexiconoffood.com/link/what-beyond-organic
https://www.farmprogress.com/marketing/organic-labeling-fraud-booming
https://www.nationalreview.com/2017/05/organic-food-false-labeling/
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/beyond-organic-food-labels-seek-supplant-usda-standard
https://www.iowawatch.org/2011/05/30/beyond-organic-a-food-movement-of-defiance-and-devotion/
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