The concept of organic food (food produced by organic methods) first appeared in the US in 2001 and is now popular in Vietnam. However, to deploy production according to this standard model is not simple.
1. What is organic agriculture?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a product that wants to be certified Organic must comply with very strict rules and standards.
Farms that use organic farming methods and process organic vegetables must follow organic food and fiber production standards. These standards will cover the entire production and product process from the time on the farm to the consumer’s meal, including soil quality, irrigation water, pest control, insect habits, etc.
Organic agriculture must ensure as follows:
• Conservation of natural resources and biodiversity
• Protecting the health and safety of consumers and farmers
• Do not use genetically modified vegetables
• Do not use any pesticides
• Do not use any herbicides
• Do not use any stimulant drugs
• Do not use any fertilizer that is not from organic
Certified by agencies, inspect the farm every year
2. Organic standards
Organic crops:
Planting land must ensure that no banned substances are used for at least 3 years before cultivation; Soil fertility and plant nutrients must be provided through tillage, cultivation, rotation, intercropping, organic fertilizers from livestock and other crops, synthetic materials in the permitted list; using physical, mechanical and biological methods to treat pests, weeds, and diseases for plants. Only when the above measures are not strong enough, use organisms, herbs or synthetic substances on the permitted list; use only organic seeds; Prohibit the use of genetically modified ingredients, radiation, and sewage sludge.
Labeling:
• Label “100% organic”: all ingredients must be certified organic; all production and processing methods must be organic; product labels must clearly state the name of the certification body on the product information section; Sealed or certified by USDA.
• “organic” label: product with more than 95% certified organic ingredients; non-organic ingredients accounting for 5% must be in the allowed list; product labels must clearly state the name of the certification body on the product information section; Sealed or certified by USDA.
• The label “made with organic”: the product has at least 70% certified organic ingredients; product labels must clearly state the name of the certification body on the product information section; No USDA seal appears on these products.
• Label “specific organic ingredients”: multi-ingredient products with less than 70% certified organic ingredients; No USDA seal appears on these products.
Violations of USDA’s labeling regulations will result in a $10,000 fine for each violation finds.
And at HELOLIFE is a 100% organic label!
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