What does “Certified Organic” mean?
“Certified Organic” means the item has been grown according to strict uniform standards that are verified by independent state or private organizations. Certification includes inspections of farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping, and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers and handlers are meeting the standards which have been set.
In order for a farm to be certified organic it must follow the practices approved by the National Organic Standards Board. Each year the farm must gain approval from a USDA recognized certifying agent. Blooming Glen Farm is currently transitioning to certified organic and will be eligible in spring 2008 after following organic practices for a 3 year period.
Certified organic refers to agricultural products that have been grown and processed according to uniform standards, verified by independent state or private organizations accredited by the USDA. All products sold as “organic” must be certified. Certification includes annual submission of an organic system plan and inspection of farm fields and processing facilities. Inspectors verify that organic practices such as long-term soil management, buffering between organic farms and neighboring conventional farms, and recordkeeping are being followed. Processing inspections include review of the facility’s cleaning and pest control methods, ingredient transportation and storage, and recordkeeping and audit control. Organic foods are minimally processed to maintain the integrity of food without artificial ingredients or preservatives. Certified organic requires the rejection of synthetic agrochemicals, irradiation and genetically engineered foods or ingredients. Since 2002, organic certificat
Many products claim to be Organic but are not necessarily certified Organic. Certified Organic products carry the Organic seal of certifying bodies such as USDA and EU. The seal on the label guarantees that the product is organic. It is authentic and conforms to strict standards laid down by Organic certifying bodies. Himalaya Soliga Forest Honey is 100% certified Organic and it bears the USDA and EU seals.
Our products have met the UDSA National Organic Program Standards. The VOF (Vermont Organic Farmers Association which is the certifier in Vermont) upon providing certification for these products states that they have received the certified producers application of materials, reviewed its records, inspected it fields and facilities and has determined that the products identified are organically grown and/or processed in accordance with the USDA National Organic Program Standards.
