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Understanding Organic Terms
Welcome To Live Organic Baby. We want to inspire you to raise healthy children.Below are some terms that you may come across as you learn more about organics.
Biodynamic-Made popular by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, biodynamic farming combines organic methods, including crop rotation and composting with special plant, animal, and mineral preparations and the rhythmic influences of the sun, moon, planets, and stars.
Certified Organic-There are four organic classifications for organic food that meet strict standards set forth by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). For more information, see our Label Guide.
Certified Naturally Grown-A non-profit organization that supports smaller local farmers that cannot afford to participate in the national organic certification program.
Certifying Agent-Certifying agents are associated with independent organizations who visit organic farms to ensure that USDA NOP standards are upheld.
Composting-Compost is composed of organic matter that is recycled back into the earth. Organic matter may include lawn clippings, vegetable scraps from the kitchen, and untreated papers. These materials are combined and become a nutrient-rich mixture that enriches the soil.
Cover Cropping-A crop that provides temporary protection for delicate seedlings and/or provides a canopy for seasonal soil protection and improvement between normal crop-production periods. Except in orchards where permanent vegetative cover is maintained, cover crops are usually grown for one year or less. When plowed under and incorporated into the soil, cover crops are also referred to as green manure crops.
Crop Rotation-A system of planting where crops vary from season to season; one crop is not grown each year as a new one replaces the one before.
Eco-conscious-Someone who is referred to as eco-conscious is conscious of the environment and the ecosystems that support it. People who are eco-conscious are aware of how our buying habits, living habits and eating habits impact the earth.
Fair Trade-Items that bear a fair trade label are internationally produced and include banana, pineapple, coffee, and chocolate that typically come from developing countries where workers aren’t always provided the best conditions. Fair trade labeling assures that farmers are paid better-than-conventional prices, are trained on sustainable agriculture practices, work directly with food cooperatives (co-ops), and are often organic.
Farmers’ Market-Farmers’ markets are typically held weekly, usually outside, and are a place where local farmers in any given area gather to sell their produce or specialty goods. Food sold at the market is not always organic, however the selection of organic food is traditionally broader at a Farmers’ Market than at other outlets. These markets are also a great place to develop relationships with the folks who grow your food.
Free Range-Of, relating to, or produced by animals, especially poultry, that have access to outside spaces and are permitted to graze or forage and range freely for food rather than being confined in an enclosure or feedlot as with free-range chickens. Sometimes referred to as free-roaming. Conditions for the animals are also typically less crowded.
Genetically Engineered (GE)- Genetically engineered foods have had foreign genes inserted into their genetic codes. Genetic engineering can be done with plants, animals, or microorganisms. GE practices are sometimes referred to as bioengineered or biotechnology.
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)-A plant, animal, or microorganism that is transformed by genetic engineering. A product that is the result of genetic engineering is called a “product of genetic engineering” or a “derivative of GMOs” depending on the circumstances. It is felt by some that the use of GM crops unnecessarily risks the health of the population and the environment due to insufficient knowledge to safely and predictably modify plant genomes.
Heirloom-An antique variety of a plant popular in the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries, the seeds of which have been passed down from generation to generation.
Humus-The result of organic material being decomposed into a dark soil-like material that contains plant nutrients.
Irradiation-Exposure to ionizing radiation. Food irradiation is a synthetic process that is not allowed in organic production.
Natural-Natural foods do not contain additives or preservatives but ingredients may have been grown using conventional farming methods or genetically engineered grain. Because natural products are not regulated, it is important not to confuse them with organic!
No Preservatives-A product that is not made with any of the ingredients nitrates, nitrites, BHT, and sulfites.
Organic Farming-Agriculture that does not use chemicals, genetic modification, or irradiation, using only natural products. The term “organic farming” was first printed in the 1940 publication, Look to the Land, by Lord Northbourne. Not just a technique, but a philosophy, as well.
Organic Matter-Any material that was recently living or produced by a living organism and is capable of being decomposed.
Persistent Toxic Chemicals-Detrimental materials that remain active for a long time after their application and can be found in the environment years, and even decades, after they were used.
Pesticide-A general term for chemicals used to destroy living things that people consider pests. More specific terms include the following: “Insecticide,” a substance that kills insects; “herbicide,” a substance that kills plants/weeds; “fungicide,” a substance that kills fungi; “fumigant,” a substance that kills all organisms in the soil-a soil sterilizer; and “rodenticide,” a substance that kills rodents.
Sustainable-Capable of being continued with minimal long-term effect on the environment, as with sustainable agriculture, which integrates three main goals: environmental stewardship, farm profitability, and prosperous farming communities. Sustainable development recognizes the need to work with living environments in a balanced manner.
Wild-Crafted-Also appears as “wildcrafted” and sometimes referred to as “wild crops.” A plant gathered in the wild in its natural habitat from a site that is not maintained under cultivation or other agricultural management for manufacturing into a herbal supplement.
