Why We Went Organic
Fieldsource Food Systems, Inc. is proud to have earned an official USDA Accredited Organic Certificate (Certificate No. 15-076).
We decided to comply with the annual Organic Certification because we knew our customers have a growing demand for Certified Organic ingredients, and we knew our standards were probably already close to or at organic level. The Certified Organic certification process is not easy, nor should it be. A strict outline of detailed standards have to be met, along with passing a thorough on-site inspection.
What is Organic?
Organic is a labeling term for food or other agricultural products that have been produced according to the USDA organic regulations. These standards require the integration of cultural,
biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. This means that organic operations must maintain or enhance soil and water quality while also conserving wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.
All organic crops and livestock must be raised in a production system that emphasizes protection of natural resources; plant and animal health; preventative management of pests, diseases, and predators; and compliant use of allowed materials. All organic products must be protected from prohibited substances and methods from the field to the point of final sale, whether it is a raw agricultural commodity or a multi-ingredient, processed product. This publication provides an overview of organic certification and provides some additional resources for prospective organic farms and businesses.1
What is Organic Certification?
Organic certification verifies that your farm or handling facility located anywhere in the world complies with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic regulations and allows you to sell, label, and represent your products as organic. These regulations describe the specific standards required for you to use the word “organic” or the USDA organic seal on food, feed, or fiber products. The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) administers these regulations, with substantial input from its citizen advisory board and the public.
Your farm or handling facility would be certified by a private, foreign, or State entity. These certifying agents are accredited by the USDA and are located throughout the United States and around the world. Certifying agents are responsible for ensuring that USDA organic products meet or exceed all organic standards. Certification provides the consumer, whether end-user or intermediate processor, assurance of the organic product’s integrity.2
1,2 Organic certification and information from Organic Certifiers.