Below is a list of terms that you may come across while learning about organics.

Biodynamic Agriculture – a way of living, working and relating to nature and the vocations of agriculture based on good common-sense practices, an awareness of the individuality of each landscape, and the inner development of each and every practitioner.

Certified Organic – there are four organic classifications for organic food that meet strict standards set forth by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). See our Label Guide for more information.

Certified Naturally Grown – a non-profit alternate farm assurance certification program created for small-scale organic farmers.  For a list of farms and apiaries participating in the Certified Naturally Grown program follow the link http://www.naturallygrown.org/farms.

Certifying Agent – certifying agents are associated with independent organizations who visit organic farms to ensure that USDA NOP standards are upheld.

Composting – composting is nature’s process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost.

Cover Crop – cover crops (also called green manure) suppress weeds, build productive soil, and help control pests and diseases. Cover crops are also easy to plant and require only basic care to thrive.

Crop Rotation – crop rotation is a planned order of specific crops planted on the same field. Crop rotation also means that succeeding crops are of a different genus, species, subspecies, or variety than the previous crop.

Environmentally-Friendly, Green, Eco-Friendly – are terms used to refer to goods and services, laws, guidelines and policies considered to inflict minimal or no harm on the environment.

Fair-trade – an organized social movement and market-based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries obtain better trading conditions and promote sustainability. The movement advocates the payment of a higher price to producers as well as social and environmental standards.

Farmers’ Market – a public market at which farmers and often other vendors sell produce directly to consumers.

Free Range – are livestock and domestic poultry; permitted to graze or forage rather than being confined to a feedlot.

Genetically Engineered – genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from genetically modified organisms. Genetically modified organisms have had specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering, using a process of either Cisgenesis or Transgenesis.

Genetically Modified Organism – genetically modified organism is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

Natural – this term has no legal definition, but generally refers to food or food products which are minimally processed and remain as close as possible to their whole, original state.

No Preservatives – a product that is not made with any of the ingredients nitrates, nitrites, BHT, and sulfites.

Organic Farming – this is the process of producing food naturally, avoiding the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers and genetically modified organisms to influence the growth of crops.

Organic Matter – is matter that has come from a once-living organism; is capable of decay, or the product of decay; or is composed of organic compounds.

Persistent Toxic Chemicals – these are 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 – is any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest.  A pesticide may be a chemical substance, biological agent (such as a virus or bacterium), antimicrobial, disinfectant or device used against any pest. Although there are benefits to the use of pesticides, there are also drawbacks, such as potential toxicity to humans and other animals.

Sustainable Agriculture – sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals–environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity. Sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Wildcrafting – wildcrafting is the practice of harvesting plants from their natural, or “wild” habitat, for food, medicinal, or other purposes. It applies to uncultivated plants wherever they may be found, and is not necessarily limited to wilderness areas.

Tags: certified naturally grown farms, eco-friendly lifestyle, terms