Sunday, August 16, 2009
SUKOON...FIRST OFFICIAL TOUR...
THIS IS THE FIRST OFFICIAL TOUR OF SUKOON TO BIHAR.....WE WENT THEIR AND DO A RESEARCH ON THE LIFE OF THE VILLAGER....THEY REALLY NEED HELP...WE DID WHATEVER WE COULD..
Monday, July 13, 2009
unity in diversity
IN OUR COUNTRY WE ALL ARE VERY EMOTIONAL ...WHEN A TERRORIST ATTACK OVER INDIA WE ALL GET CLOSE TO EACH OTHER....WHEN THERE IS LACK OF FOOD IN THE COUNTRY WE START GIVING FOOD TO OTHER STATE...
WHAT DOES IT SHOWS????
IF WE ARE UNITED THEN WE ARE BETTER..........
SAME THING I ALSO WANTED TO SAY TO THE INDIA....WE SHOULD BE UNITED ENOUGH THAT NO ONE CAN ATTACK OVER US.....
proud to be an INDIAN....
THANKS & REGARD
SUKOON..JOURNEY TO CHANGE.....
(A VOLUNTEER ORGANISATION)
WHAT DOES IT SHOWS????
IF WE ARE UNITED THEN WE ARE BETTER..........
SAME THING I ALSO WANTED TO SAY TO THE INDIA....WE SHOULD BE UNITED ENOUGH THAT NO ONE CAN ATTACK OVER US.....
proud to be an INDIAN....
THANKS & REGARD
SUKOON..JOURNEY TO CHANGE.....
(A VOLUNTEER ORGANISATION)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
SUKOON....JOURNEY TO CHANGE..
WE ALL ARE WAITING FOR 3rd AUGUST 2009, WHEN WE WILL START OUR JOURNEY. WE ALL ARE VERY EXCITED AND FULL OF CONFIDENCE TO WORK FOR OUR COUNTRY FOR OUR SOCIETY....
JUST WAIT AND WATCH WE WILL ROCK ....
REGARD - SUKOON..JOURNEY TO CHANGE...
(A VOLUNTEER ORGANISATION)
JUST WAIT AND WATCH WE WILL ROCK ....
REGARD - SUKOON..JOURNEY TO CHANGE...
(A VOLUNTEER ORGANISATION)
Saturday, July 4, 2009
APPEAL TO YOU ALL—PLEASE GIVE ME A MINUTE AND VIEW THIS VIDEO...
HELLO EVERY ONE THIS IS THE FIRST VIDEO OF SUKOON..JOURNEY TO CHANGE...IN THIS VIDEO EVERY INFORMATION IS GIVEN...PLEASE SEE THIS VIDEO...AND DO TELL US HWS IT IS... WAITING FOR YOU ALL... THANKS & REGARD SUKOON..JOURNEY TO CHANGE.. (A VOLUNTEER ORGANISATION)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The disadvantages of organic foods
At the moment organic foods are too expensive when compared to other food products that use pesticides and genetic engineering, because of crop failures since farmers cannot use any chemicals like pesticides. Since larger companies have bought into the Organic it is overselling and being treated more like a brand then what it should be a way of life, because corporations are just going to use it for their greedy desires and inflate prices up to 50% when compared to non organic products.
There is not a real variety, because the organic food market is still quite small and still growing. Organic food is not that much more nutritional, then only difference is that it doesn't contain pesticides, no food coloring and there are no preservatives. Organic foods are also going to have great difficulty in meeting greater demands from the natural commercial habits. Because organic food is controlled by the natural cycles and there is more care about the soil in the future when there is more demand for organic food products the ability to meet the demand is going to be a chronic problem, since there is less yield per acre for each crop that is organically grown.
Organic food might be more nutritious, but in this world pesticides, antibiotics, genetic engineering are necessary for things like ridding the world of hunger or the high demands of food products.
1At the moment organic foods are too expensive when compared to other food products that use pesticides and genetic engineering, because of crop failures since farmers cannot use any chemicals like pesticides. Since larger companies have bought into the Organic it is overselling and being treated more like a brand then what it should be a way of life, because corporations are just going to use it for their greedy desires and inflate prices up to 50% when compared to non organic products.
There is not a real variety, because the organic food market is still quite small and still growing. Organic food is not that much more nutritional, then only difference is that it doesn't contain pesticides, no food coloring and there are no preservatives. Organic foods are also going to have great difficulty in meeting greater demands from the natural commercial habits. Because organic food is controlled by the natural cycles and there is more care about the soil in the future when there is more demand for organic food products the ability to meet the demand is going to be a chronic problem, since there is less yield per acre for each crop that is organically grown.
Organic food might be more nutritious, but in this world pesticides, antibiotics, genetic engineering are necessary for things like ridding the world of hunger or the high demands of food products.
2The main drawbacks with organic foods are often presented like this:
1. Organic Foods are too expensive.
2. They are not freely available (as in they are difficult to get hold of)
3. Who can be certain they are truly organic anyway? It says so on the label, but I'm not sure it is really true.
4. Organic food is no better for you (nutritionally speaking) than non-organic food.
Whilst I realise it is not possible to go into each of these arguments in depth in a piece of this length, I'd like to offer my observations on each point.
Expensive?
Firstly, organic food does not have to be expensive. It depends what sort of food you buy. A vegetarian diet is widely recognised to be general cheaper than one that contains meat or fish.
I'm not a vegetarian myself but I've tried to eat less meat over the years and now buy more pulses, grains and whole wheat foods. It's certainly true that if you use these as staples, you can cut your grocery bill by a vast amount. Even if you're buying organic.
The trick is to either buy in bulk (so the cost comes down) or get together with other consumers (neighbours, friends e.t.c.) form a cooperative and benefit from wholesale prices - or do both of these things. This partly addresses the problem of organic foods not being freely available. If you place a bulk order with a local supplier over the Internet, for example, they will usually deliver.
Availability?
There's also the option of growing your own fruit and vegetables which we do in our family. You may not feel you have the skills to do this right away. You may have to re-learn providing for yourself in this way (I certainly did). But it is possible - and there's a lot of help out there in the shape of books, Youtube vids, evening classes and so on. You may not have a plot of land to grow on. But even this is not necessarily a barrier these days, as there are lots of interesting ideas for growing fruit and veg in containers.
If you don't have a vegetable plot yourself, you may find a local community garden you could tap into. Or share one with your neighbour. Twice as much fun.
Is it really organic?
Not everyone may realise this, but the organic certification and verification process which leads to a 'Soil Certification' symbol is really quite extensive. Therefore if you look out for this label in my opinion you can't go wrong.
I'm writing for a global audience here, so you may have to find out which symbol organic certification bodies use in your country. At any rate, to my knowledge the whole process is carried out very carefully and is generally reliable.
Organic food is no better for you...
This is an easy argument to answer and I'll give a mother's response. When your baby is born you want to give it something to eat which is as far as humanly possible, untainted. If you can, you feed your baby yourself, you know that a mother's milk is the best protection against disease and malnutrition that you could possibly get. You wouldn't dream of adding pesticides to that, would you? So why do it with food for grown ups?
3As a parent, buyer, and believer in organic foods I myself can find many disadvantages of organic products. They are hard to find, expensive, lack in a good variety, and have no shelf life. Most grocery chains do not carry organics, while others stack them right beside our not so healthy choices, or they are shunned to a dark, empty corner of the store. The price is a little more than reasonable.
We have a middle class household income and can afford most food organic. There also is not a good variety of brands and flavors of organic products.
Want a healthy, organic glass of milk? Well, then you must drive fifteen miles to the nearest overly populated city to buy it. We live in the suburb of a very big city and have four different grocery chains and one small town store and only one carries organic products. It is discouraging that to be healthy you have to pay. You turn on the t.v. only to be told the latest diet craze, how to excersize, and what to eat. But no one told you how inconvient it really will be just to feed your family a healthier food. This is a huge disadvantage of buying organic, especially in our "on the go" lifestyle.
Logically one would think the price of pesticides far outweighs that of the natural goodness mother earth created for FREE. But, once again the price of organic scares many of us families on a budget off. It is much cheaper to buy that carton of strawberries for half the price of organic. Over time I see that a healthier lifestyle is feasible with organic by learning which fruits and vegatables are the most likely to absorb high amounts of chemicals, and buying only those in organic. When you eat healthy, junk foods become obsolete and the money you would normally spend can be used for the healthier choices.
Well, it is fair to say that going down the organic food isle will not turn into a ten minute debate with your six year old about what box of cereal they can or can not have. You usually have a few choices or flavors or a fresh vegetable selection not even a quarter of the hunky, hormone ridden foods. Our lives have become constant decisions about the color, flavor, or brand of food we eat that it is shock to some to have only one choice. If organic is going to go anywhere, it is a matter of lifestyle change and braking out of it's black and white world and into the 21st century of color and 3-D.
Overall the disadvantages of eating organic are all things we can easily overcome. After all it is a lifestyle and that means a change. I will drive the extra ten minutes to try and save my six month old from eating bug spray. The price I can over come because I used to spend twice as much on chips, cookies, and soda that I no longer buy except on rare occasions. And is that grocery store trip a lot shorter and more peaceful with the kids? Why yes it is. I have a third of the choices I did when I didn't buy organic. Organic has a long way to go to get back to the way nature intended it to be, but I am willing to sacrifice.
There is not a real variety, because the organic food market is still quite small and still growing. Organic food is not that much more nutritional, then only difference is that it doesn't contain pesticides, no food coloring and there are no preservatives. Organic foods are also going to have great difficulty in meeting greater demands from the natural commercial habits. Because organic food is controlled by the natural cycles and there is more care about the soil in the future when there is more demand for organic food products the ability to meet the demand is going to be a chronic problem, since there is less yield per acre for each crop that is organically grown.
Organic food might be more nutritious, but in this world pesticides, antibiotics, genetic engineering are necessary for things like ridding the world of hunger or the high demands of food products.
1At the moment organic foods are too expensive when compared to other food products that use pesticides and genetic engineering, because of crop failures since farmers cannot use any chemicals like pesticides. Since larger companies have bought into the Organic it is overselling and being treated more like a brand then what it should be a way of life, because corporations are just going to use it for their greedy desires and inflate prices up to 50% when compared to non organic products.
There is not a real variety, because the organic food market is still quite small and still growing. Organic food is not that much more nutritional, then only difference is that it doesn't contain pesticides, no food coloring and there are no preservatives. Organic foods are also going to have great difficulty in meeting greater demands from the natural commercial habits. Because organic food is controlled by the natural cycles and there is more care about the soil in the future when there is more demand for organic food products the ability to meet the demand is going to be a chronic problem, since there is less yield per acre for each crop that is organically grown.
Organic food might be more nutritious, but in this world pesticides, antibiotics, genetic engineering are necessary for things like ridding the world of hunger or the high demands of food products.
2The main drawbacks with organic foods are often presented like this:
1. Organic Foods are too expensive.
2. They are not freely available (as in they are difficult to get hold of)
3. Who can be certain they are truly organic anyway? It says so on the label, but I'm not sure it is really true.
4. Organic food is no better for you (nutritionally speaking) than non-organic food.
Whilst I realise it is not possible to go into each of these arguments in depth in a piece of this length, I'd like to offer my observations on each point.
Expensive?
Firstly, organic food does not have to be expensive. It depends what sort of food you buy. A vegetarian diet is widely recognised to be general cheaper than one that contains meat or fish.
I'm not a vegetarian myself but I've tried to eat less meat over the years and now buy more pulses, grains and whole wheat foods. It's certainly true that if you use these as staples, you can cut your grocery bill by a vast amount. Even if you're buying organic.
The trick is to either buy in bulk (so the cost comes down) or get together with other consumers (neighbours, friends e.t.c.) form a cooperative and benefit from wholesale prices - or do both of these things. This partly addresses the problem of organic foods not being freely available. If you place a bulk order with a local supplier over the Internet, for example, they will usually deliver.
Availability?
There's also the option of growing your own fruit and vegetables which we do in our family. You may not feel you have the skills to do this right away. You may have to re-learn providing for yourself in this way (I certainly did). But it is possible - and there's a lot of help out there in the shape of books, Youtube vids, evening classes and so on. You may not have a plot of land to grow on. But even this is not necessarily a barrier these days, as there are lots of interesting ideas for growing fruit and veg in containers.
If you don't have a vegetable plot yourself, you may find a local community garden you could tap into. Or share one with your neighbour. Twice as much fun.
Is it really organic?
Not everyone may realise this, but the organic certification and verification process which leads to a 'Soil Certification' symbol is really quite extensive. Therefore if you look out for this label in my opinion you can't go wrong.
I'm writing for a global audience here, so you may have to find out which symbol organic certification bodies use in your country. At any rate, to my knowledge the whole process is carried out very carefully and is generally reliable.
Organic food is no better for you...
This is an easy argument to answer and I'll give a mother's response. When your baby is born you want to give it something to eat which is as far as humanly possible, untainted. If you can, you feed your baby yourself, you know that a mother's milk is the best protection against disease and malnutrition that you could possibly get. You wouldn't dream of adding pesticides to that, would you? So why do it with food for grown ups?
3As a parent, buyer, and believer in organic foods I myself can find many disadvantages of organic products. They are hard to find, expensive, lack in a good variety, and have no shelf life. Most grocery chains do not carry organics, while others stack them right beside our not so healthy choices, or they are shunned to a dark, empty corner of the store. The price is a little more than reasonable.
We have a middle class household income and can afford most food organic. There also is not a good variety of brands and flavors of organic products.
Want a healthy, organic glass of milk? Well, then you must drive fifteen miles to the nearest overly populated city to buy it. We live in the suburb of a very big city and have four different grocery chains and one small town store and only one carries organic products. It is discouraging that to be healthy you have to pay. You turn on the t.v. only to be told the latest diet craze, how to excersize, and what to eat. But no one told you how inconvient it really will be just to feed your family a healthier food. This is a huge disadvantage of buying organic, especially in our "on the go" lifestyle.
Logically one would think the price of pesticides far outweighs that of the natural goodness mother earth created for FREE. But, once again the price of organic scares many of us families on a budget off. It is much cheaper to buy that carton of strawberries for half the price of organic. Over time I see that a healthier lifestyle is feasible with organic by learning which fruits and vegatables are the most likely to absorb high amounts of chemicals, and buying only those in organic. When you eat healthy, junk foods become obsolete and the money you would normally spend can be used for the healthier choices.
Well, it is fair to say that going down the organic food isle will not turn into a ten minute debate with your six year old about what box of cereal they can or can not have. You usually have a few choices or flavors or a fresh vegetable selection not even a quarter of the hunky, hormone ridden foods. Our lives have become constant decisions about the color, flavor, or brand of food we eat that it is shock to some to have only one choice. If organic is going to go anywhere, it is a matter of lifestyle change and braking out of it's black and white world and into the 21st century of color and 3-D.
Overall the disadvantages of eating organic are all things we can easily overcome. After all it is a lifestyle and that means a change. I will drive the extra ten minutes to try and save my six month old from eating bug spray. The price I can over come because I used to spend twice as much on chips, cookies, and soda that I no longer buy except on rare occasions. And is that grocery store trip a lot shorter and more peaceful with the kids? Why yes it is. I have a third of the choices I did when I didn't buy organic. Organic has a long way to go to get back to the way nature intended it to be, but I am willing to sacrifice.
Organic Foods Production Act Backgrounder
The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) was Title XXI of the 1990 Farm Bill. Its purpose was to establish national standards for the production and handling of foods labeled as "organic." Previously, private and State agencies had been certifying organic practices, but there was no uniformity in standards and therefore no guarantee that "organic" meant the same thing from state to state, or even locally from certifier to certifier. National standards for organic products were desired by both producers and consumers to clear up this confusion in the marketplace and to protect against mislabeling or fraud.
OFPA allows for state standards that are more restrictive than the federal standards, but they must be approved by the USDA. In addition, states can not discriminate against out-of-state products that meet the federal standards.
The National Organic Program
OFPA authorized the formation of a National Organic Program (NOP) to establish organic standards, and to require and oversee mandatory certification of organic production. The NOP will be implemented once the Final Rules are signed by the Secretary of Agriculture. (See chart, "NOP Implementation Process," inside back cover.) The NOP, by statute, is administered by State and private organizations rather than by the Federal government. The USDA’s role is to act as overseer to the Program.
While the NOP has required federal funding during its developmental stages, it is expected that, as with similar USDA programs, future costs will be covered by user fees paid by certifying agencies. Currently, fees for certification are paid by growers and processors to private or state certifying agencies. See "Organic Certification" and "Accreditation of Certifying Agents" for details on these programs. See "Who’s Who at the USDA" for information on contacting NOP/USDA staff.
The National Organic Standards Board
Under the Act, a National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) was created to advise the Secretary of Agriculture in setting the standards on which the USDA’s National Organic Program will be based. The NOSB wanted their recommendations to be based on industry consensus. They asked for and received an unprecedented amount of public input from farmers, businesses and consumers during every step of their decision-making process. After considering the recommendations of the NOSB, the Secretary has final authority in determining the regulations.
Appointments to the NOSB are made by the Secretary of Agriculture for five year terms, and must include:
four farmers;
two handlers/processors;
one retailer;
one scientist (with expertise in toxicology, ecology or biochemistry);
three consumer/public interest advocates;
three environmentalists.
In addition to making recommendations on the national standards, the NOSB is authorized to convene Technical Advisory Panels to advise on materials to be included on a National List of materials allowed for use in organic production. See "The National List" for more information on these materials. See "Resource List" for contact information for NOSB members.
The National Organic Standards Board Definition of "Organic"
The following definition of "organic" was passed by the NOSB at its April 1995 meeting in Orlando, FL.
"Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.
‘Organic’ is a labeling term that denotes products produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act. The principal guidelines for organic production are to use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming system into an ecological whole.
Organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that products are completely free of residues; however, methods are used to minimize pollution from air, soil and water.
Organic food handlers, processors and retailers adhere to standards that maintain the integrity of organic agricultural products. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people."
Organic Certification
Certification is key to the National Organic Program. It assures that organic growers and handlers are, in fact, adhering to the law. After the Act goes into effect, it will be a federal offense to label any product as "organic" unless it has been certified. All uses of the labeling term "organic" will be regulated. See "Organic Processing, Handling & Labeling" for more details.
The certification process focuses on the methods and materials used in production. There are three main requirements:
1.) The methods and materials used in production must meet organic standards.
2.) There must be clear and ongoing documentation of these methods and materials.
3.) There must be a paper trail to trace a product back to its production site, in order to verify the methods and materials used in its production.
Who Must Be Certified?
With two exceptions (listed below), everyone who wants to sell products labeled as "organic" must be certified. This includes producers of organic livestock, food and fiber crops, and "handlers" of organic products.
A "handler" is any operation that "receives, processes, packages, or stores agricultural products." Some examples: a processing company that buys organic tomatoes and makes canned spaghetti sauce; or any distributor who "substantially transforms, repacks or relabels organic agricultural products." This last distinction is meant to exclude brokering, warehousing or trucking operations that merely store or move finished processed products from place to place without altering them in any way.
Exceptions to Certification Requirements
Growers who gross less than $5,000 annually are exempt from certification. The NOSB recommends that these growers sign a declaration (available from certifying agencies) stating that they understand and are in compliance with the Act, and that they have a written Organic Farm Plan (see below), which can be made available to the public upon request. The NOSB further recommends that growers falling under this "Small Farm Exemption" may not use the term "certified organic" when marketing their crops, and may market through direct sales only (i.e. farm stands, farmers’ markets, or direct sales to a retailer).
At present, retailers aren’t required to be certified. The NOSB, however, recommends certification for retailers that engage in activities which qualify them as "handlers." (An example: repacking bulk products such as dry beans or grain.)
How The Certification Process Works
A grower or handler seeking organic certification submits an Organic Farm Plan or an Organic Handling Plan to a USDA-accredited private or state certification program. See "Accreditation of Certifying Agents."
The Organic Plan must detail all current growing or handling methods and any materials which will be used. The Plan also covers future intentions and improvements to all areas of production. See "Crop Production Standards", "Livestock Production" and "Processing, Handling & Labeling" for some highlights. See "The National List" for specifics on agricultural and processing materials.
Even growers or harvesters of organic wild crops, such as fiddlehead ferns, must develop a Plan showing that harvesting practices will not be destructive to the environment or to the future productivity of the crop.
Five-year records must be kept of all management practices and materials used in organic production.
In addition to assessing the Organic Plan, the certification agency performs annual on-site inspections of each farm or handling operation participating in its program. Certification is then either awarded or denied. User fees are collected from each grower or handler to cover the cost of the certification program.
Allowance for a Split Operation
The Act does allow for only part of a farm or handling operation to be certified. The organic and conventional parts of the operation must be kept separate — whether by physical boundaries and buffer zones, in the case of a farm, or by proper cleaning and management of facilities and machinery, in the case of a handler.
Separate records must be kept for each part of a split operation.
This provision can be seen as a short term compromise. The NOSB’s intent is to encourage conversion to 100% certified organic production.
Accreditation of Certifying Agents
Only USDA-accredited agencies can act as certifiers. Certifying agencies can be either state or private, but they must have expertise in organic farming and handling techniques. They must be able to fully implement all aspects of the certification program, including hiring an adequate number of inspectors to carry out on-site inspections. Applicants are assessed by the USDA and may be reviewed by a peer review panel of organic experts, appointed by the Secretary of
Agriculture.
Accreditation may be granted by the USDA for a period not to exceed five years, and may be renewed. User fees are collected from each certifying agency to cover the cost of the accreditation program.
Recordkeeping
Certifying agents must keep ten-year records of all of their activities. The Act allows for "public access to certification documents" (upon request). However, business-related information is considered strictly confidential and may not be disclosed to anyone other than the USDA and state agencies, which can access certification records at any time. The USDA will also conduct on-site audits of all records.
Conflict of Interest
The NOSB recommends that any employee of a certifying agency who has a commercial interest — including consultancy — in a farm or other operation being considered for certification must be isolated from the decision-making process. Payment (other than certification fees), gifts or favors of any kind can not be accepted from businesses being certified.
Loss of Accreditation
The USDA or a state organic program can suspend accreditation if a certifier is not in compliance with the Act (including a conflict of interest, above). The USDA or the state program must decide promptly whether or not clients of a suspended certifier may keep their certification.
See "Enforcement and Penalties."
Organic Crop Production Standards
Organically produced crops must be grown on land which has been free of prohibited substances for three years prior to harvest. Crops grown on land which is "in transition" to organic (during the first three years after switching from conventional farming, for instance) can not be labeled as organic. The Act makes no provision for a USDA-sanctioned "transitional" label.
The Act covers organic agricultural methods and materials in great detail, including managing soil fertility, when and how manure may be applied to crops, crop rotation, and composting. Compost ingredients recommended by the NOSB include crop residues, crop waste from food processing operations, animal manures, yard waste from private or municipal sources, or other vegetable by-products. The NOSB recommends prohibiting municipal solid waste compost and sewage sludge compost, and the use of any prohibited material as a compost ingredient. The NOSB also recommends that all ingredients must be documented.
Prevention is considered a grower’s first approach to pest management, but the Act establishes a National List of acceptable and prohibited materials, which includes pest control treatments as well as other agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and seed treatments. See "The National List" for more details.
The NOSB recommends that all agricultural inputs be evaluated as to their long term affect on the environment — not simply on whether they are synthetic or natural.
The following highlights address some of the questions most frequently asked about the NOSB Recommendations for Organic Crop Production Standards.
Pesticide/Fertilizer Drift
Organic farmers are responsible for establishing adequate buffer zones or barriers to protect against pesticide or fertilizer drift from neighboring conventional farms. Organic crops which have been contaminated in this way can not be sold or labeled as organic, or fed to organic livestock.
Certifying agents are responsible for verifying such incidents, and for deciding when products from the area may again be sold as organic. The certifier may also decide to implement pre-harvest residue testing. (See "Residue Testing," below.)
Emergency Pest Eradication Programs
The NOSB recommends that local, state and federal agencies avoid treating certified organic farms during emergency pest eradication programs, and that they seek alternatives to chemical pest control methods on these farms. Organic growers are responsible for registering their farms with the appropriate state and local agencies to facilitate this.
The NOSB also recommends that certified organic farms be compensated for damages resulting from emergency pest eradication programs.
Residue Testing
Although the NOSB feels strongly that residue standards do not define organic food, it recommends that organic products "shall not contain pesticide residues in excess of the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) action level or 5% of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) tolerance."
The NOSB proposes the following residue testing system:
1.) National monitoring through the Federal Regulatory Monitoring program of at least
one percent (1%) of organic fresh produce and processed product samples;
2.) State monitoring by those states which conduct pesticide residue programs;
3.) Local monitoring by certification agencies when suspicions of contamination arise, or
for a three year period following an emergency spray program, or
to follow up on positive results from federal, state or local government testing, or
in response to complaints.
Organic Livestock Production
Standards for organic livestock production are meant to assure both an organic product to the consumer and living conditions for farm animals which limit stress and promote good health. They address substances used in health care and feeding, as well as herd or flock management and housing.
"Livestock" includes cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, fish, wild or domesticated game and horses raised for slaughter or used as draft animals. There are even standards for organic bee-keeping. Regardless of whether they’re raised as breeding stock, as dairy animals, or for slaughter, all livestock is covered by the Act.
The following highlights address some of the questions most frequently asked about the NOSB Recommendations for Organic Livestock Standards.
Feeding Organic Livestock
Quite simply, organic livestock must be fed organic feed.
The NOSB recommends that conventional feed be allowed only if the organic feed supply has been compromised by a national, state or local weather emergency, or by fire or flood on an organic farm.
Growth promoters and hormones, and plastic pellets for roughage in feed are prohibited.
Synthetic vitamins and minerals are allowed. See "The National List" for more details.
Housing and Health Care for Organic Livestock
Healthy living conditions and attentive care are considered first steps in the prevention of illness. Therefore, animals must not be overcrowded, and must be allowed periodic access to the outdoors and direct sunlight. Antibiotics, wormers and other medications may not be used routinely as preventative measures. See "The National List" for specific details on medications recommended by the NOSB for use in organic livestock health care.
Recordkeeping for Organic Livestock
Records must be kept on all feeding and health care practices for each animal or flock, and there must be a verifiable audit trail to trace any animal or flock back to the farm.
Organic Processing, Handling and Labeling
Standards for the processing, handling and labeling of organic products cover all steps in the process from receiving organic raw materials, acceptable processing aids and ingredients, appropriate packaging materials and labeling, to cleaning methods, waste disposal and pest management at processing facilities.
The following highlights address some of the questions most frequently asked about the NOSB Recommendations for Organic Processing, Handling & Labeling Standards.
Processing Additives
The following additives are not allowed in organic processing: sulfites, nitrates or nitrites; any ingredient known to contain higher levels of heavy metals or toxic residues than permitted by federal regulation; and any non-agricultural ingredient that is not organically produced unless it is designated as acceptable on The National List.
Labeling of Organic Products
Ninety-five percent (95%) of the ingredients in a processed product must be organically produced and the processor must be a certified organic handler in order for the finished product to be labeled as organic. The five percent (5%) non-organic ingredient criteria is determined by the total weight of the finished product, not including air, salt or water. Water used in organic processing must meet all requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Special provisions allow labeling to state that a product contains organic ingredients. Products with more than fifty percent (50%) organic ingredients may display this information on the front label; those with less than fifty percent (50%) organic ingredients must display this information in the ingredient listing panel.
Some examples: A label which reads "Organic Vegetable Soup" would be stating that ninety-five percent of the total ingredients of that soup (by weight) are certified as organic. Alternately, a soup label might read "Vegetable Soup" and include the phrase "Made with Organic Vegetables" on the front panel, indicating that the primary ingredients are organic and make up more than fifty percent of the total ingredients by weight. Another label might read simply "Vegetable Soup" and include the word "organic" to identify specific items in the ingredient listing panel — as in "Potatoes, carrots and organic kidney beans."
Packaging Materials
Organic products can not be packaged in materials, storage containers or bins that contain synthetic fungicides, preservatives or fumigants. The reuse of containers which have been in contact with any prohibited substance is not allowed.
Imported Products
Imported products may be labeled as "organically produced" if the Secretary of Agriculture determines that they have been produced and handled under an organic program that meets or exceeds the requirements of the USDA’s National Organic Program.
Enforcement and Penalties
Mislabeling and False Statements
Any person who knowingly mislabels a product as organic can be fined a maximum of $10,000 and may be disbarred from the Organic Program for five years. Persons who make false statements to the Secretary of Agriculture, a state official or a certifying agent are subject to penalties under Federal law, and may be disbarred from the program for five years.
Violations by Certifying Agencies
A certifying agency that violates the provisions of the program or falsely or negligently certifies any operation shall lose accreditation and shall not be eligible for re-accreditation for three years.
The National List
A uniform "National List" of materials was mandated by Congress as part of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). Its purpose is to make clear which materials can and cannot be used in organic production, processing and handling in the United States.
Who defines the National List?
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is responsible for recommending to the Secretary of Agriculture which materials will be on the list. The Secretary of Agriculture makes the final determination. A Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) gathers and evaluates the scientific data and makes recommendations to the board based on seven review criteria:
1.) Effect on human health.
2.) Effect on the farm ecosystem.
3.) Toxicity and mode of action.
4.) Availability of gentler alternatives.
5.) Probability of environmental contamination during manufacture, use and disposal.
6.) Potential for interactions with other materials used.
7.) Overall compatibility with a system of sustainable agriculture.
In 1995, the NOSB completed a massive review of the materials in use by organic producers, and those recommendations became the base for the National List. The procedure is ongoing, as new materials are reviewed for inclusion or prohibition.
How is The National List structured?
The NOSB recommends that the National List be divided into three parts:
1.) Acceptable synthetic production materials;
2.) Prohibited natural production materials;
3.) Acceptable non-agricultural, non-synthetic processing aids.
These lists contain the exceptions to the basic understanding within the organic industry that all organically grown and handled foods are produced with solely natural materials.
This may seem like an unusual structure. However, it avoids the problem of trying to list every natural material organic growers or processors might use. Such a list might neglect to mention all of the local resources available in a given region.
Why are there exceptions?
Organic production systems encourage a healthy environment with as few inputs as possible. The NOSB recommends that cultural, biological and other management tools be sought to replace material inputs — whether synthetic or natural.
Congress, in passing the OFPA, recognized that it will take time for organic producers and handlers to achieve the long term goals expressed in the Act. The National List was meant to reflect realistic organic practices, and to take into account current obstacles to ideal organic production. Therefore, some synthetics are allowed if the review process shows that they are:
Not harmful to human health or the environment;
Necessary to production because of unavailability of natural products;
Consistent with organic ideals.
Likewise, the law provides for prohibition of natural materials that may be harmful to human health or the environment, and inconsistent with organic ideals.
Following are some of the questions most frequently asked about the materials recommended by the NOSB for inclusion on The National List.
Why are there no brand names on The List?
The National List applies only to "generic" materials which are active ingredients, and does not apply directly to brand name products. The complexity of brand name product formulations, the changeable nature of what is on the marketplace at any given time, and manufacturer’s concerns over confidentiality made this approach the most viable.
Do organic farmers use any pesticides or pest control products?
Yes. Sometimes, organic farmers find that they need to use pest control products as part of an ecological farm plan. However, they may only use products included as "acceptable" in the National List.
When would an organic grower need to use a pesticide or pest control product?
In a natural ecosystem, predators keep plant pests in check, while diseases strike individual plants or may even wipe out a species. Nature constantly works to correct imbalances. Organic farmers also strive for such a balance, but farming interferes with the native mix of plants and animals, and so farmers must contend with the problems that arise. They must also meet customer expectations of quality — and do all of this in an economic fashion. The allowed pesticides are, therefore, sometimes used as a corrective measure when cultural methods of pest control have failed.
Organic farmers look for pesticides that target their pest specifically while impacting the ecosystem as little as possible. For example, if a field of tomatoes has attracted a large population of tomato hornworms, a natural toxin can be sprayed which harms only leaf-eating caterpillars. If aphids are the problem, a light petroleum oil spray could be used to suffocate these soft-bodied insects without harming their predators.
Next season, the farmer might change his fertility plan or use a natural repellent such as a garlic or cayenne spray to make the crop less attractive, use crop covers and rotations to encourage beneficial predators, or use traps and visual inspection to catch the problem earlier.
What is the difference between IPM and organic production?
IPM, or Integrated Pest Management, differs from organic production in three ways. First, IPM only addresses pest control and not fertility. Second, IPM focuses on reducing chemical sprays, but has no compunction about using them when indicators point to a need. Third, IPM allows for the use of any synthetic pesticide as a last resort measure, rather than restricting to natural and least toxic materials.
What synthetic materials does the NOSB recommend for use in crop production?
Petroleum oil and soaps are allowed for insect control because of their benign nature to people and the environment. They also do little harm to beneficial insects.
Pheromones are chemicals identical to those given off by insects in locating food or mates. They are used in small quantities to lure pests to traps in the field, or to confuse them so that they won’t mate. Pheromones have been revolutionary throughout agriculture in reducing pesticide usage.
Copper and sulfur compounds can stop plant diseases that could destroy entire crops. These metallic compounds mechanically kill fungus spores and have been in use for centuries. Other disease control practices include variety and site selection, proper plant spacing and improved irrigation methods. Research is leading to biological controls, but in the meantime, copper and sulfur are allowed for fungus control, along with two antibiotics for virus control on the leaf surface of plants.
Cleaning compounds, specifically alcohol and bleach, are recommended by the NOSB for inclusion in the National List for use in disinfecting irrigation systems and food contact surfaces.
Micronutrient fertilizers are usually synthetic, but needed in very small amounts. While most natural fertilizers will supply adequate micronutrients, when soil testing shows that micronutrients are needed, they are allowed to balance fertility. Balanced, fertile soil will grow crops with the fewest pest problems and the most nutrition.
Plastic mulch and covers are allowed for weed, insect, and frost protection. Plastics are
synthetic, but in this use are not disrupting the natural balance and actually reduce the need for pesticides. They must be removed from the field at the end of each season and may not be plowed in or allowed to decompose.
Liquid fish emulsion also appears on the list of approved synthetics because of added
processing aids. Small quantities of pH adjusters are added to keep the product stable and prevent fermentation in storage.
What are some of the natural substances that the NOSB recommends be prohibited?
Arsenic for insect control, and strychnine for rodent control are some of the few natural materials prohibited in organic production. Their high toxicity and concern about residues has warranted this exclusion. Restrictions have also been placed on the use of other natural materials because they disrupt the ecological balance or are of moderate natural toxicity.
The botanical pest controls Rotenone, Pyrethrum, Ryania, Sabadilla, Neem and Tobacco Dust are derived from plants. Their use is recommended only when primary methods of defense have failed. This is because they are "broad spectrum" in action and may affect not only the target pest, but also other insects they contact. These materials are registered with the EPA and have undergone safety testing, falling into EPA’s least toxic category. Botanicals are preferred in organic production to synthetic least toxic pesticides because they break down quickly into common natural compounds. An important measure of the safety of these plant-derived materials is their known effects based on historical use for the last 3,000 years.
Sodium nitrate (commonly known as Chilean nitrate) is also a restricted material. Its high salt content may disrupt soil biology, and it is used to feed the plant directly rather than increasing overall soil fertility. While direct feeding may be necessary in certain situations, organic producers should not rely too heavily on this method of fertilizing. Use of sodium nitrate is restricted to a small percent of the total nitrogen requirement of the crop, thus encouraging growers to build soil fertility with less soluble materials that have a lower impact on soil biology.
Why are antibiotics allowed in organic livestock production?
Organic feed, good living conditions and attentive care are usually enough to support animals without medication. However, animals do get sick, and it would be contrary to the underlying values of organic production to let an animal suffer or die when treatment is available. The NOSB therefore recommends that antibiotics be allowed only for the treatment of a sick animal, not as a growth promoter or preventive measure, and never on a routine basis. If an animal intended for slaughter must be given antibiotics, it can no longer be considered organic. If a breeding animal, dairy cow, or laying hen must be given antibiotics, the NOSB recommends it be taken out of the organic production system for an appropriate withdrawal period.
What other drugs does the NOSB recommend for livestock health care?
Synthetic wormers are recommended as allowed for use in much the same way as antibiotics; to prevent the suffering or death of an animal. However, they cannot be used routinely. The producer must have a plan in place to prevent worm infestation. Without such a plan, the producer cannot be certified.
Other recommended allowed synthetics in livestock production include vitamins and trace minerals to balance nutritional requirements, aspirin for inflammation, electrolytes for dehydration, local anesthetics with appropriate withdrawal periods, and milk replacers when fresh milk is not available.
Why are there non-organic ingredients in some organic food?
If you were to make organic cookies at home you would naturally use organic flour, oil, eggs, raisins, etc. But what about the salt and baking soda? Because they are non-agricultural products, neither of these ingredients meets the definition of organic. Processors of many kinds of organic foods face the same dilemma. In addition, nutritional fortification is sometimes required by regulation or professional guidelines, but not available in natural form.
Thus the NOSB recommends that the National List include synthetic processing aids and natural products such as minerals that are not agricultural. For the finished food to be called organic, these ingredients may not comprise more than 5% of the total product, by weight.
What are some of the non-organic ingredients recommended by the NOSB?
Recommended non-synthetic ingredients include baking soda as a leavener, some calcium compounds, pectin for jelling, and lecithin for consistency. Carrageenan and agar-agar are seaweed products not available in certified organic form, but are recommended as allowed materials for thickening and smooth consistency. Nitrogen and oxygen are recommended as allowed processing aids with restrictions as to source. The NOSB also recommends that bacterial enzymes, cultures and yeast be allowed unless produced from gene splicing.
Recommended synthetic ingredients include the synthesized version of carbon dioxide (a naturally occurring gas) for use in carbonation and pest control, ferrous sulfate and other vitamins and minerals for nutritional fortification, and bleach for cleaning surfaces. The use of ethylene gas, a processed version of the gas naturally produced by fruits for ripening, is recommended by the NOSB only for bananas, since the travel required to get them to market often precludes ripening on the tree. Synthetic magnesium chloride is available for making tofu, as the FDA restricts the natural form due to health hazards from impurities.
Summary
Decisions such as these have been made in painstaking detail. In many cases, a material may be allowed for one use, but prohibited from another because more natural alternatives exist. Other materials have restrictions on how they may be produced, with some forms being less acceptable than others.
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
Accreditation The process used by USDA to ensure that each certifying agent is competent, independent of financial concern in the operations it certifies, and maintaining the legal standard for organic production.
AMS/TMD The Agricultural Marketing Service, Transportation and Marketing Division of the USDA. The National Organic Program falls within this division.
Botanicals Pesticides derived from plants. These may be quite high in natural toxicity or may upset the predator-prey balance. Therefore their use is restricted.
Buffer zone An area of land designed to intercept pesticide/fertilizer drift and prevent it from contaminating an organic field.
Certification The process used by certifying agents to ensure that each producer or handler of organic food or fiber meets the standards for organic production, processing and handling. Certification always includes on-site inspection of the production operation.
Certifying agent (or agency) Any company, organization or government body who offers the service of organic certification. A certifying agent must be accredited by USDA, and may not have any financial or personal interest in the producer.
Compost The carefully managed process in which crop residues and other vegetable by-products are digested by microbial action.
Cover crop A crop grown on idle land for soil conservation purposes, not for sale.
Cultural methods Mechanical and management techniques that contribute to pest control. These may include early planting or harvesting, variety selection, plant spacing, companion planting, clean-up of crop debris.
Green manure A crop grown for its fertilizer and soil conditioning value. Green manure crops are plowed or tilled into the soil, not harvested.
HANDLER Any operation (or part of one) that "receives, processes, packages, or stores agricultural products." Includes food processors and distributors who "substantially alter" organic agricultural products.
Inspector A person independent from the certifying agent’s decision-making process who visits the grower, processor or handler being certified. The inspector interviews the producer, observes all areas of production, and reviews record-keeping for completeness and accuracy.
MICRONUTRIENTS Nutrients required by food crops in small amounts. For example: boron, zinc, iron and manganese.
Natural From a plant, animal or mineral source which has not been altered except by chopping, grinding, separating, drying, freezing, heating, or fermentation.
NOP The National Organic Program. The NOP was established to implement the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. It is administered by state and private agencies with the USDA acting as overseer. Often used to refer to the organic regulations as well.
NOSB National Organic Standards Board. A USDA advisory board established to help develop the organic standards. Also responsible for convening Technical Advisory Panels (TAPs) to evaluate materials for the National List. Appointments are made by the Secretary of Agriculture.
OFF FARM INPUTS Materials such as fertilizers or pest control treatments which are bought from outside sources to be used in growing crops. (To contrast, many growers produce some "inputs", such as compost, on-farm.)
OFPA The Organic Foods Production Act. This act, which was Title XXI of the 1990 Farm Bill, mandated the establishing of national standards for the production and handling of foods labeled as "organic."
Organic Farm or Handling Plan A written document which sets forth the producer’s current methods, future intentions, and plan for improvement in all areas of production.
OTA Organic Trade Association. An umbrella organization for the organic industry. Includes organic growers, processors, distributors, suppliers, brokers, retailers, certifiers, and non-profit organizations and individuals from the U.S. and Canada. The OTA offers information services, educational resources, legislative representation, government liaison, and promotional programs to its members.
Pesticide/fertilizer drift Pesticides or fertilizers applied to neighboring land which are carried by wind or water to an organic field.
Synthetics Substances made by a chemical process or by a process that chemically changes a natural substance.
TAP Technical Advisory Panel. A panel of experts convened by the NOSB to evaluate scientific data on materials being considered for the National List.
Transition A time period in which a farm or other operation moves toward organic certification by improving soil fertility, reducing use of prohibited materials, and developing an organic plan.
OFPA allows for state standards that are more restrictive than the federal standards, but they must be approved by the USDA. In addition, states can not discriminate against out-of-state products that meet the federal standards.
The National Organic Program
OFPA authorized the formation of a National Organic Program (NOP) to establish organic standards, and to require and oversee mandatory certification of organic production. The NOP will be implemented once the Final Rules are signed by the Secretary of Agriculture. (See chart, "NOP Implementation Process," inside back cover.) The NOP, by statute, is administered by State and private organizations rather than by the Federal government. The USDA’s role is to act as overseer to the Program.
While the NOP has required federal funding during its developmental stages, it is expected that, as with similar USDA programs, future costs will be covered by user fees paid by certifying agencies. Currently, fees for certification are paid by growers and processors to private or state certifying agencies. See "Organic Certification" and "Accreditation of Certifying Agents" for details on these programs. See "Who’s Who at the USDA" for information on contacting NOP/USDA staff.
The National Organic Standards Board
Under the Act, a National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) was created to advise the Secretary of Agriculture in setting the standards on which the USDA’s National Organic Program will be based. The NOSB wanted their recommendations to be based on industry consensus. They asked for and received an unprecedented amount of public input from farmers, businesses and consumers during every step of their decision-making process. After considering the recommendations of the NOSB, the Secretary has final authority in determining the regulations.
Appointments to the NOSB are made by the Secretary of Agriculture for five year terms, and must include:
four farmers;
two handlers/processors;
one retailer;
one scientist (with expertise in toxicology, ecology or biochemistry);
three consumer/public interest advocates;
three environmentalists.
In addition to making recommendations on the national standards, the NOSB is authorized to convene Technical Advisory Panels to advise on materials to be included on a National List of materials allowed for use in organic production. See "The National List" for more information on these materials. See "Resource List" for contact information for NOSB members.
The National Organic Standards Board Definition of "Organic"
The following definition of "organic" was passed by the NOSB at its April 1995 meeting in Orlando, FL.
"Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.
‘Organic’ is a labeling term that denotes products produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act. The principal guidelines for organic production are to use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming system into an ecological whole.
Organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that products are completely free of residues; however, methods are used to minimize pollution from air, soil and water.
Organic food handlers, processors and retailers adhere to standards that maintain the integrity of organic agricultural products. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people."
Organic Certification
Certification is key to the National Organic Program. It assures that organic growers and handlers are, in fact, adhering to the law. After the Act goes into effect, it will be a federal offense to label any product as "organic" unless it has been certified. All uses of the labeling term "organic" will be regulated. See "Organic Processing, Handling & Labeling" for more details.
The certification process focuses on the methods and materials used in production. There are three main requirements:
1.) The methods and materials used in production must meet organic standards.
2.) There must be clear and ongoing documentation of these methods and materials.
3.) There must be a paper trail to trace a product back to its production site, in order to verify the methods and materials used in its production.
Who Must Be Certified?
With two exceptions (listed below), everyone who wants to sell products labeled as "organic" must be certified. This includes producers of organic livestock, food and fiber crops, and "handlers" of organic products.
A "handler" is any operation that "receives, processes, packages, or stores agricultural products." Some examples: a processing company that buys organic tomatoes and makes canned spaghetti sauce; or any distributor who "substantially transforms, repacks or relabels organic agricultural products." This last distinction is meant to exclude brokering, warehousing or trucking operations that merely store or move finished processed products from place to place without altering them in any way.
Exceptions to Certification Requirements
Growers who gross less than $5,000 annually are exempt from certification. The NOSB recommends that these growers sign a declaration (available from certifying agencies) stating that they understand and are in compliance with the Act, and that they have a written Organic Farm Plan (see below), which can be made available to the public upon request. The NOSB further recommends that growers falling under this "Small Farm Exemption" may not use the term "certified organic" when marketing their crops, and may market through direct sales only (i.e. farm stands, farmers’ markets, or direct sales to a retailer).
At present, retailers aren’t required to be certified. The NOSB, however, recommends certification for retailers that engage in activities which qualify them as "handlers." (An example: repacking bulk products such as dry beans or grain.)
How The Certification Process Works
A grower or handler seeking organic certification submits an Organic Farm Plan or an Organic Handling Plan to a USDA-accredited private or state certification program. See "Accreditation of Certifying Agents."
The Organic Plan must detail all current growing or handling methods and any materials which will be used. The Plan also covers future intentions and improvements to all areas of production. See "Crop Production Standards", "Livestock Production" and "Processing, Handling & Labeling" for some highlights. See "The National List" for specifics on agricultural and processing materials.
Even growers or harvesters of organic wild crops, such as fiddlehead ferns, must develop a Plan showing that harvesting practices will not be destructive to the environment or to the future productivity of the crop.
Five-year records must be kept of all management practices and materials used in organic production.
In addition to assessing the Organic Plan, the certification agency performs annual on-site inspections of each farm or handling operation participating in its program. Certification is then either awarded or denied. User fees are collected from each grower or handler to cover the cost of the certification program.
Allowance for a Split Operation
The Act does allow for only part of a farm or handling operation to be certified. The organic and conventional parts of the operation must be kept separate — whether by physical boundaries and buffer zones, in the case of a farm, or by proper cleaning and management of facilities and machinery, in the case of a handler.
Separate records must be kept for each part of a split operation.
This provision can be seen as a short term compromise. The NOSB’s intent is to encourage conversion to 100% certified organic production.
Accreditation of Certifying Agents
Only USDA-accredited agencies can act as certifiers. Certifying agencies can be either state or private, but they must have expertise in organic farming and handling techniques. They must be able to fully implement all aspects of the certification program, including hiring an adequate number of inspectors to carry out on-site inspections. Applicants are assessed by the USDA and may be reviewed by a peer review panel of organic experts, appointed by the Secretary of
Agriculture.
Accreditation may be granted by the USDA for a period not to exceed five years, and may be renewed. User fees are collected from each certifying agency to cover the cost of the accreditation program.
Recordkeeping
Certifying agents must keep ten-year records of all of their activities. The Act allows for "public access to certification documents" (upon request). However, business-related information is considered strictly confidential and may not be disclosed to anyone other than the USDA and state agencies, which can access certification records at any time. The USDA will also conduct on-site audits of all records.
Conflict of Interest
The NOSB recommends that any employee of a certifying agency who has a commercial interest — including consultancy — in a farm or other operation being considered for certification must be isolated from the decision-making process. Payment (other than certification fees), gifts or favors of any kind can not be accepted from businesses being certified.
Loss of Accreditation
The USDA or a state organic program can suspend accreditation if a certifier is not in compliance with the Act (including a conflict of interest, above). The USDA or the state program must decide promptly whether or not clients of a suspended certifier may keep their certification.
See "Enforcement and Penalties."
Organic Crop Production Standards
Organically produced crops must be grown on land which has been free of prohibited substances for three years prior to harvest. Crops grown on land which is "in transition" to organic (during the first three years after switching from conventional farming, for instance) can not be labeled as organic. The Act makes no provision for a USDA-sanctioned "transitional" label.
The Act covers organic agricultural methods and materials in great detail, including managing soil fertility, when and how manure may be applied to crops, crop rotation, and composting. Compost ingredients recommended by the NOSB include crop residues, crop waste from food processing operations, animal manures, yard waste from private or municipal sources, or other vegetable by-products. The NOSB recommends prohibiting municipal solid waste compost and sewage sludge compost, and the use of any prohibited material as a compost ingredient. The NOSB also recommends that all ingredients must be documented.
Prevention is considered a grower’s first approach to pest management, but the Act establishes a National List of acceptable and prohibited materials, which includes pest control treatments as well as other agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and seed treatments. See "The National List" for more details.
The NOSB recommends that all agricultural inputs be evaluated as to their long term affect on the environment — not simply on whether they are synthetic or natural.
The following highlights address some of the questions most frequently asked about the NOSB Recommendations for Organic Crop Production Standards.
Pesticide/Fertilizer Drift
Organic farmers are responsible for establishing adequate buffer zones or barriers to protect against pesticide or fertilizer drift from neighboring conventional farms. Organic crops which have been contaminated in this way can not be sold or labeled as organic, or fed to organic livestock.
Certifying agents are responsible for verifying such incidents, and for deciding when products from the area may again be sold as organic. The certifier may also decide to implement pre-harvest residue testing. (See "Residue Testing," below.)
Emergency Pest Eradication Programs
The NOSB recommends that local, state and federal agencies avoid treating certified organic farms during emergency pest eradication programs, and that they seek alternatives to chemical pest control methods on these farms. Organic growers are responsible for registering their farms with the appropriate state and local agencies to facilitate this.
The NOSB also recommends that certified organic farms be compensated for damages resulting from emergency pest eradication programs.
Residue Testing
Although the NOSB feels strongly that residue standards do not define organic food, it recommends that organic products "shall not contain pesticide residues in excess of the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) action level or 5% of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) tolerance."
The NOSB proposes the following residue testing system:
1.) National monitoring through the Federal Regulatory Monitoring program of at least
one percent (1%) of organic fresh produce and processed product samples;
2.) State monitoring by those states which conduct pesticide residue programs;
3.) Local monitoring by certification agencies when suspicions of contamination arise, or
for a three year period following an emergency spray program, or
to follow up on positive results from federal, state or local government testing, or
in response to complaints.
Organic Livestock Production
Standards for organic livestock production are meant to assure both an organic product to the consumer and living conditions for farm animals which limit stress and promote good health. They address substances used in health care and feeding, as well as herd or flock management and housing.
"Livestock" includes cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, fish, wild or domesticated game and horses raised for slaughter or used as draft animals. There are even standards for organic bee-keeping. Regardless of whether they’re raised as breeding stock, as dairy animals, or for slaughter, all livestock is covered by the Act.
The following highlights address some of the questions most frequently asked about the NOSB Recommendations for Organic Livestock Standards.
Feeding Organic Livestock
Quite simply, organic livestock must be fed organic feed.
The NOSB recommends that conventional feed be allowed only if the organic feed supply has been compromised by a national, state or local weather emergency, or by fire or flood on an organic farm.
Growth promoters and hormones, and plastic pellets for roughage in feed are prohibited.
Synthetic vitamins and minerals are allowed. See "The National List" for more details.
Housing and Health Care for Organic Livestock
Healthy living conditions and attentive care are considered first steps in the prevention of illness. Therefore, animals must not be overcrowded, and must be allowed periodic access to the outdoors and direct sunlight. Antibiotics, wormers and other medications may not be used routinely as preventative measures. See "The National List" for specific details on medications recommended by the NOSB for use in organic livestock health care.
Recordkeeping for Organic Livestock
Records must be kept on all feeding and health care practices for each animal or flock, and there must be a verifiable audit trail to trace any animal or flock back to the farm.
Organic Processing, Handling and Labeling
Standards for the processing, handling and labeling of organic products cover all steps in the process from receiving organic raw materials, acceptable processing aids and ingredients, appropriate packaging materials and labeling, to cleaning methods, waste disposal and pest management at processing facilities.
The following highlights address some of the questions most frequently asked about the NOSB Recommendations for Organic Processing, Handling & Labeling Standards.
Processing Additives
The following additives are not allowed in organic processing: sulfites, nitrates or nitrites; any ingredient known to contain higher levels of heavy metals or toxic residues than permitted by federal regulation; and any non-agricultural ingredient that is not organically produced unless it is designated as acceptable on The National List.
Labeling of Organic Products
Ninety-five percent (95%) of the ingredients in a processed product must be organically produced and the processor must be a certified organic handler in order for the finished product to be labeled as organic. The five percent (5%) non-organic ingredient criteria is determined by the total weight of the finished product, not including air, salt or water. Water used in organic processing must meet all requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Special provisions allow labeling to state that a product contains organic ingredients. Products with more than fifty percent (50%) organic ingredients may display this information on the front label; those with less than fifty percent (50%) organic ingredients must display this information in the ingredient listing panel.
Some examples: A label which reads "Organic Vegetable Soup" would be stating that ninety-five percent of the total ingredients of that soup (by weight) are certified as organic. Alternately, a soup label might read "Vegetable Soup" and include the phrase "Made with Organic Vegetables" on the front panel, indicating that the primary ingredients are organic and make up more than fifty percent of the total ingredients by weight. Another label might read simply "Vegetable Soup" and include the word "organic" to identify specific items in the ingredient listing panel — as in "Potatoes, carrots and organic kidney beans."
Packaging Materials
Organic products can not be packaged in materials, storage containers or bins that contain synthetic fungicides, preservatives or fumigants. The reuse of containers which have been in contact with any prohibited substance is not allowed.
Imported Products
Imported products may be labeled as "organically produced" if the Secretary of Agriculture determines that they have been produced and handled under an organic program that meets or exceeds the requirements of the USDA’s National Organic Program.
Enforcement and Penalties
Mislabeling and False Statements
Any person who knowingly mislabels a product as organic can be fined a maximum of $10,000 and may be disbarred from the Organic Program for five years. Persons who make false statements to the Secretary of Agriculture, a state official or a certifying agent are subject to penalties under Federal law, and may be disbarred from the program for five years.
Violations by Certifying Agencies
A certifying agency that violates the provisions of the program or falsely or negligently certifies any operation shall lose accreditation and shall not be eligible for re-accreditation for three years.
The National List
A uniform "National List" of materials was mandated by Congress as part of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). Its purpose is to make clear which materials can and cannot be used in organic production, processing and handling in the United States.
Who defines the National List?
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is responsible for recommending to the Secretary of Agriculture which materials will be on the list. The Secretary of Agriculture makes the final determination. A Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) gathers and evaluates the scientific data and makes recommendations to the board based on seven review criteria:
1.) Effect on human health.
2.) Effect on the farm ecosystem.
3.) Toxicity and mode of action.
4.) Availability of gentler alternatives.
5.) Probability of environmental contamination during manufacture, use and disposal.
6.) Potential for interactions with other materials used.
7.) Overall compatibility with a system of sustainable agriculture.
In 1995, the NOSB completed a massive review of the materials in use by organic producers, and those recommendations became the base for the National List. The procedure is ongoing, as new materials are reviewed for inclusion or prohibition.
How is The National List structured?
The NOSB recommends that the National List be divided into three parts:
1.) Acceptable synthetic production materials;
2.) Prohibited natural production materials;
3.) Acceptable non-agricultural, non-synthetic processing aids.
These lists contain the exceptions to the basic understanding within the organic industry that all organically grown and handled foods are produced with solely natural materials.
This may seem like an unusual structure. However, it avoids the problem of trying to list every natural material organic growers or processors might use. Such a list might neglect to mention all of the local resources available in a given region.
Why are there exceptions?
Organic production systems encourage a healthy environment with as few inputs as possible. The NOSB recommends that cultural, biological and other management tools be sought to replace material inputs — whether synthetic or natural.
Congress, in passing the OFPA, recognized that it will take time for organic producers and handlers to achieve the long term goals expressed in the Act. The National List was meant to reflect realistic organic practices, and to take into account current obstacles to ideal organic production. Therefore, some synthetics are allowed if the review process shows that they are:
Not harmful to human health or the environment;
Necessary to production because of unavailability of natural products;
Consistent with organic ideals.
Likewise, the law provides for prohibition of natural materials that may be harmful to human health or the environment, and inconsistent with organic ideals.
Following are some of the questions most frequently asked about the materials recommended by the NOSB for inclusion on The National List.
Why are there no brand names on The List?
The National List applies only to "generic" materials which are active ingredients, and does not apply directly to brand name products. The complexity of brand name product formulations, the changeable nature of what is on the marketplace at any given time, and manufacturer’s concerns over confidentiality made this approach the most viable.
Do organic farmers use any pesticides or pest control products?
Yes. Sometimes, organic farmers find that they need to use pest control products as part of an ecological farm plan. However, they may only use products included as "acceptable" in the National List.
When would an organic grower need to use a pesticide or pest control product?
In a natural ecosystem, predators keep plant pests in check, while diseases strike individual plants or may even wipe out a species. Nature constantly works to correct imbalances. Organic farmers also strive for such a balance, but farming interferes with the native mix of plants and animals, and so farmers must contend with the problems that arise. They must also meet customer expectations of quality — and do all of this in an economic fashion. The allowed pesticides are, therefore, sometimes used as a corrective measure when cultural methods of pest control have failed.
Organic farmers look for pesticides that target their pest specifically while impacting the ecosystem as little as possible. For example, if a field of tomatoes has attracted a large population of tomato hornworms, a natural toxin can be sprayed which harms only leaf-eating caterpillars. If aphids are the problem, a light petroleum oil spray could be used to suffocate these soft-bodied insects without harming their predators.
Next season, the farmer might change his fertility plan or use a natural repellent such as a garlic or cayenne spray to make the crop less attractive, use crop covers and rotations to encourage beneficial predators, or use traps and visual inspection to catch the problem earlier.
What is the difference between IPM and organic production?
IPM, or Integrated Pest Management, differs from organic production in three ways. First, IPM only addresses pest control and not fertility. Second, IPM focuses on reducing chemical sprays, but has no compunction about using them when indicators point to a need. Third, IPM allows for the use of any synthetic pesticide as a last resort measure, rather than restricting to natural and least toxic materials.
What synthetic materials does the NOSB recommend for use in crop production?
Petroleum oil and soaps are allowed for insect control because of their benign nature to people and the environment. They also do little harm to beneficial insects.
Pheromones are chemicals identical to those given off by insects in locating food or mates. They are used in small quantities to lure pests to traps in the field, or to confuse them so that they won’t mate. Pheromones have been revolutionary throughout agriculture in reducing pesticide usage.
Copper and sulfur compounds can stop plant diseases that could destroy entire crops. These metallic compounds mechanically kill fungus spores and have been in use for centuries. Other disease control practices include variety and site selection, proper plant spacing and improved irrigation methods. Research is leading to biological controls, but in the meantime, copper and sulfur are allowed for fungus control, along with two antibiotics for virus control on the leaf surface of plants.
Cleaning compounds, specifically alcohol and bleach, are recommended by the NOSB for inclusion in the National List for use in disinfecting irrigation systems and food contact surfaces.
Micronutrient fertilizers are usually synthetic, but needed in very small amounts. While most natural fertilizers will supply adequate micronutrients, when soil testing shows that micronutrients are needed, they are allowed to balance fertility. Balanced, fertile soil will grow crops with the fewest pest problems and the most nutrition.
Plastic mulch and covers are allowed for weed, insect, and frost protection. Plastics are
synthetic, but in this use are not disrupting the natural balance and actually reduce the need for pesticides. They must be removed from the field at the end of each season and may not be plowed in or allowed to decompose.
Liquid fish emulsion also appears on the list of approved synthetics because of added
processing aids. Small quantities of pH adjusters are added to keep the product stable and prevent fermentation in storage.
What are some of the natural substances that the NOSB recommends be prohibited?
Arsenic for insect control, and strychnine for rodent control are some of the few natural materials prohibited in organic production. Their high toxicity and concern about residues has warranted this exclusion. Restrictions have also been placed on the use of other natural materials because they disrupt the ecological balance or are of moderate natural toxicity.
The botanical pest controls Rotenone, Pyrethrum, Ryania, Sabadilla, Neem and Tobacco Dust are derived from plants. Their use is recommended only when primary methods of defense have failed. This is because they are "broad spectrum" in action and may affect not only the target pest, but also other insects they contact. These materials are registered with the EPA and have undergone safety testing, falling into EPA’s least toxic category. Botanicals are preferred in organic production to synthetic least toxic pesticides because they break down quickly into common natural compounds. An important measure of the safety of these plant-derived materials is their known effects based on historical use for the last 3,000 years.
Sodium nitrate (commonly known as Chilean nitrate) is also a restricted material. Its high salt content may disrupt soil biology, and it is used to feed the plant directly rather than increasing overall soil fertility. While direct feeding may be necessary in certain situations, organic producers should not rely too heavily on this method of fertilizing. Use of sodium nitrate is restricted to a small percent of the total nitrogen requirement of the crop, thus encouraging growers to build soil fertility with less soluble materials that have a lower impact on soil biology.
Why are antibiotics allowed in organic livestock production?
Organic feed, good living conditions and attentive care are usually enough to support animals without medication. However, animals do get sick, and it would be contrary to the underlying values of organic production to let an animal suffer or die when treatment is available. The NOSB therefore recommends that antibiotics be allowed only for the treatment of a sick animal, not as a growth promoter or preventive measure, and never on a routine basis. If an animal intended for slaughter must be given antibiotics, it can no longer be considered organic. If a breeding animal, dairy cow, or laying hen must be given antibiotics, the NOSB recommends it be taken out of the organic production system for an appropriate withdrawal period.
What other drugs does the NOSB recommend for livestock health care?
Synthetic wormers are recommended as allowed for use in much the same way as antibiotics; to prevent the suffering or death of an animal. However, they cannot be used routinely. The producer must have a plan in place to prevent worm infestation. Without such a plan, the producer cannot be certified.
Other recommended allowed synthetics in livestock production include vitamins and trace minerals to balance nutritional requirements, aspirin for inflammation, electrolytes for dehydration, local anesthetics with appropriate withdrawal periods, and milk replacers when fresh milk is not available.
Why are there non-organic ingredients in some organic food?
If you were to make organic cookies at home you would naturally use organic flour, oil, eggs, raisins, etc. But what about the salt and baking soda? Because they are non-agricultural products, neither of these ingredients meets the definition of organic. Processors of many kinds of organic foods face the same dilemma. In addition, nutritional fortification is sometimes required by regulation or professional guidelines, but not available in natural form.
Thus the NOSB recommends that the National List include synthetic processing aids and natural products such as minerals that are not agricultural. For the finished food to be called organic, these ingredients may not comprise more than 5% of the total product, by weight.
What are some of the non-organic ingredients recommended by the NOSB?
Recommended non-synthetic ingredients include baking soda as a leavener, some calcium compounds, pectin for jelling, and lecithin for consistency. Carrageenan and agar-agar are seaweed products not available in certified organic form, but are recommended as allowed materials for thickening and smooth consistency. Nitrogen and oxygen are recommended as allowed processing aids with restrictions as to source. The NOSB also recommends that bacterial enzymes, cultures and yeast be allowed unless produced from gene splicing.
Recommended synthetic ingredients include the synthesized version of carbon dioxide (a naturally occurring gas) for use in carbonation and pest control, ferrous sulfate and other vitamins and minerals for nutritional fortification, and bleach for cleaning surfaces. The use of ethylene gas, a processed version of the gas naturally produced by fruits for ripening, is recommended by the NOSB only for bananas, since the travel required to get them to market often precludes ripening on the tree. Synthetic magnesium chloride is available for making tofu, as the FDA restricts the natural form due to health hazards from impurities.
Summary
Decisions such as these have been made in painstaking detail. In many cases, a material may be allowed for one use, but prohibited from another because more natural alternatives exist. Other materials have restrictions on how they may be produced, with some forms being less acceptable than others.
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
Accreditation The process used by USDA to ensure that each certifying agent is competent, independent of financial concern in the operations it certifies, and maintaining the legal standard for organic production.
AMS/TMD The Agricultural Marketing Service, Transportation and Marketing Division of the USDA. The National Organic Program falls within this division.
Botanicals Pesticides derived from plants. These may be quite high in natural toxicity or may upset the predator-prey balance. Therefore their use is restricted.
Buffer zone An area of land designed to intercept pesticide/fertilizer drift and prevent it from contaminating an organic field.
Certification The process used by certifying agents to ensure that each producer or handler of organic food or fiber meets the standards for organic production, processing and handling. Certification always includes on-site inspection of the production operation.
Certifying agent (or agency) Any company, organization or government body who offers the service of organic certification. A certifying agent must be accredited by USDA, and may not have any financial or personal interest in the producer.
Compost The carefully managed process in which crop residues and other vegetable by-products are digested by microbial action.
Cover crop A crop grown on idle land for soil conservation purposes, not for sale.
Cultural methods Mechanical and management techniques that contribute to pest control. These may include early planting or harvesting, variety selection, plant spacing, companion planting, clean-up of crop debris.
Green manure A crop grown for its fertilizer and soil conditioning value. Green manure crops are plowed or tilled into the soil, not harvested.
HANDLER Any operation (or part of one) that "receives, processes, packages, or stores agricultural products." Includes food processors and distributors who "substantially alter" organic agricultural products.
Inspector A person independent from the certifying agent’s decision-making process who visits the grower, processor or handler being certified. The inspector interviews the producer, observes all areas of production, and reviews record-keeping for completeness and accuracy.
MICRONUTRIENTS Nutrients required by food crops in small amounts. For example: boron, zinc, iron and manganese.
Natural From a plant, animal or mineral source which has not been altered except by chopping, grinding, separating, drying, freezing, heating, or fermentation.
NOP The National Organic Program. The NOP was established to implement the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. It is administered by state and private agencies with the USDA acting as overseer. Often used to refer to the organic regulations as well.
NOSB National Organic Standards Board. A USDA advisory board established to help develop the organic standards. Also responsible for convening Technical Advisory Panels (TAPs) to evaluate materials for the National List. Appointments are made by the Secretary of Agriculture.
OFF FARM INPUTS Materials such as fertilizers or pest control treatments which are bought from outside sources to be used in growing crops. (To contrast, many growers produce some "inputs", such as compost, on-farm.)
OFPA The Organic Foods Production Act. This act, which was Title XXI of the 1990 Farm Bill, mandated the establishing of national standards for the production and handling of foods labeled as "organic."
Organic Farm or Handling Plan A written document which sets forth the producer’s current methods, future intentions, and plan for improvement in all areas of production.
OTA Organic Trade Association. An umbrella organization for the organic industry. Includes organic growers, processors, distributors, suppliers, brokers, retailers, certifiers, and non-profit organizations and individuals from the U.S. and Canada. The OTA offers information services, educational resources, legislative representation, government liaison, and promotional programs to its members.
Pesticide/fertilizer drift Pesticides or fertilizers applied to neighboring land which are carried by wind or water to an organic field.
Synthetics Substances made by a chemical process or by a process that chemically changes a natural substance.
TAP Technical Advisory Panel. A panel of experts convened by the NOSB to evaluate scientific data on materials being considered for the National List.
Transition A time period in which a farm or other operation moves toward organic certification by improving soil fertility, reducing use of prohibited materials, and developing an organic plan.
Organic farming, exports & Food Consumption in India
________________________________________
Organic Food Consumption in India
Organic Food Consumption in India is on the Rise.
Some people believe that organic food is only a “concept” popular in the developed countries. They think that when it comes to organic food, India only exports organic food and very little is consumed. However, this is not true. Though 50% of the organic food production in India is targeted towards exports, there are many who look towards organic food for domestic consumption.
ACNielsen, a leading market research firm, recently surveyed about 21,000 regular Internet users in 38 countries to find their preference for functional foods – foods that have additional health benefits. The survey revealed that India was among the top ten countries where health food, including organic food, was demanded by the consumers.
The most important reason for buying organic food was the concern for the health of children, with over 66 percent parents preferring organic food to non organic food. Though organic food is priced over 25 percent more than conventional food in India, many parents are willing to pay this higher premium due to the perceived health benefits of organic food.
The increase in organic food consumption in India is evident from the fact that many organic food stores are spurring up in India. Today (2006) every supermarket has an organic food store and every large city in India has numerous organic food stores and restaurants. This is a huge change considering that the first organic food store in Mumbai was started in 1997.
What do Indian organic food consumers prefer? The pattern of organic food consumption in India is much different than in the developed countries. In India, consumers prefer organic marmalade, organic strawberry, organic tea, organic honey, organic cashew butter and various organic flours.
However, the Indian organic food consumer needs education. There are many consumers who are unaware of the difference between natural and organic food. Many people purchase products labeled as Natural thinking that they are Organic. Further, consumers are not aware of the certification system. Since certification is not compulsory for domestic retail in India, many fake organic products are available in the market.
Organic Farming in India
Organic farming was practiced in India since thousands of years. The great Indian civilization thrived on organic farming and was one of the most prosperous countries in the world, till the British ruled it.
In traditional India, the entire agriculture was practiced using organic techniques, where the fertilizers, pesticides, etc., were obtained from plant and animal products. Organic farming was the backbone of the Indian economy and cow was worshipped (and is still done so) as a God. The cow, not only provided milk, but also provided bullocks for farming and dung which was used as fertilizers.
Shift to Chemical Farming in 1960s
During 1950s and 1960s, the ever increasing population of India and several natural calamities lead to a severe food scarcity in India. As a result, the government was forced to import food grains from foreign countries. To increase food security, the government had to drastically increase the production of food in India. The Green Revolution (under the leadership of M. S. Swaminathan) became the government’s most important program in the 1960s. Large amount of land was brought under cultivation. Hybrid seeds were introduced. Natural and organic fertilizers were replaced by chemical fertilizers and locally made pesticides were replaced by chemical pesticides. Large chemical factories such as the Rashtriya Chemical Fertilizers were established.
Before the Green Revolution, it was feared that millions of poor Indians would die of hunger in the mid 1970s. However, the Green Revolution, within a few years, showed its impact. The country, which was greatly relied on imports for its food supply, reduced its imports every passing year. In 1990s, India had surplus foodgrains and once again became and exporter of food grains.
As time went by, extensive dependence on chemical farming has shown its darker side. The land is losing its fertility and is demanding larger quantities of fertilizers to be used. Pests are becoming immune requiring the farmers to use stronger and costlier pesticides. Due to increased cost of farming, farmers are falling into the trap of money lenders, who are exploiting them no end, and forcing many to commit suicide.
Both consumer and farmers are now gradually shifting back to organic farming in India. It is believed by many that organic farming is healthier. Though the health benefits of organic food are yet to be proved, consumers are willing to pay higher premium for the same. Many farmers in India are shifting to organic farming due to the domestic and international demand for organic food. Further stringent standards for non-organic food in European and US markets have led to rejection of many Indian food consignments in the past. Organic farming, therefore, provides a better alternative to chemical farming.
According to the International Fund for Agriculture and Development (IFAD), about 2.5 million hectares of land was under organic farming in India in 2004. Further, there are over 15,000 certified organic farms in India. India, therefore is one of the most important suppliers of organic food to the developed nations. No doubt, the organic movement has again started in India.
Organic Food Exports from India
Organic food exports from India are increasing with more farmers shifting to organic farming. With the domestic consumption being low, the prime market for Indian organic food industry lies in the US and Europe. India has now become a leading supplier of organic herbs, organic spices, organic basmati rice, etc.
RCNOS recently published a report tilted ‘Food Processing Market in India (2005)’. According to its research, exports amount to 53% of the organic food produced in India. This is considerably high when compared to percentage of agricultural products exported. In 2003, only 6-7% of the total agricultural produce in India was exported.
Exports is driving organic food production in India
The increasing demand for organic food products in the developed countries and the extensive support by the Indian government coupled with its focus on agri-exports are the drivers for the Indian organic food industry.
Organic food products in India are priced about 20-30% higher than non-organic food products. This is a very high premium for most of the Indian population where the per capita income is merely USD 800. Though the salaries in India are increasing rapidly, the domestið market is not sufficient to consume the entire orfanic food produced in the country. As a result, exports of organic food is thd primd aim of organic farmers as well as the govepnment,
The Indian government is committed towar`s enco¼raging organic food production. It allocated Rs. 100 crore or USD 22.2 million during the Tenth Five Year Plan for promoting sustainable agriculture in India.
APEDA (Agricultural and Procesred Food Expord Development Authority) coordinates the export of organic food (afd other food prmducts) in India. The National Programie for Organic Production in India was initiated by the Minisdry of Commerce. The programme provides standard for the organic food industry in the country. Since these standards have been developed taking into aonsiderataon international organic production standards such as CODEX and IFOAM, Indian organic fgod products are being accepted in the US and European markets. APEDA also provides a list of organic food exporters in India.
Organic food costs in India are expected to decrease driving further exports in future
Organic food production costs are higher in the developed countries as organic farming is labor intensive and labor is costly in these countries. However, in a country like India, where labor is abundant and is relatively cheap, organic farming is seen as a good cost effective solution to the increasing costs involved in chemical farming. Currently most of the organic farmers in India are still in the transition phase and hence their costs are still high. As these farmers continue with organic farming, the production costs are expected to reduce, making India as one of the most important producers of organic food.
Organic food products exported from India include the following:
Organic Cereals: Wheat, rice, maize or corn
Organic Pulses: Red gram, black gram
Organic Fruits: Banana, mango, orange, pineapple, passion fruit, cashew nut, walnut
Organic Oil Seeds and Oils: Soybean, sunflower, mustard, cotton seed, groundnut, castor
Organic Vegetables: Brijal, garlic, potato, tomato, onion
Organic Herbs and Spices: Chili, peppermint, cardamom, turmeric, black pepper, white pepper, amla, tamarind, ginger, vanilla, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace,
Others: Jaggery, sugar, tea, coffee, cotton, textil
__________________
Organic Food Consumption in India
Organic Food Consumption in India is on the Rise.
Some people believe that organic food is only a “concept” popular in the developed countries. They think that when it comes to organic food, India only exports organic food and very little is consumed. However, this is not true. Though 50% of the organic food production in India is targeted towards exports, there are many who look towards organic food for domestic consumption.
ACNielsen, a leading market research firm, recently surveyed about 21,000 regular Internet users in 38 countries to find their preference for functional foods – foods that have additional health benefits. The survey revealed that India was among the top ten countries where health food, including organic food, was demanded by the consumers.
The most important reason for buying organic food was the concern for the health of children, with over 66 percent parents preferring organic food to non organic food. Though organic food is priced over 25 percent more than conventional food in India, many parents are willing to pay this higher premium due to the perceived health benefits of organic food.
The increase in organic food consumption in India is evident from the fact that many organic food stores are spurring up in India. Today (2006) every supermarket has an organic food store and every large city in India has numerous organic food stores and restaurants. This is a huge change considering that the first organic food store in Mumbai was started in 1997.
What do Indian organic food consumers prefer? The pattern of organic food consumption in India is much different than in the developed countries. In India, consumers prefer organic marmalade, organic strawberry, organic tea, organic honey, organic cashew butter and various organic flours.
However, the Indian organic food consumer needs education. There are many consumers who are unaware of the difference between natural and organic food. Many people purchase products labeled as Natural thinking that they are Organic. Further, consumers are not aware of the certification system. Since certification is not compulsory for domestic retail in India, many fake organic products are available in the market.
Organic Farming in India
Organic farming was practiced in India since thousands of years. The great Indian civilization thrived on organic farming and was one of the most prosperous countries in the world, till the British ruled it.
In traditional India, the entire agriculture was practiced using organic techniques, where the fertilizers, pesticides, etc., were obtained from plant and animal products. Organic farming was the backbone of the Indian economy and cow was worshipped (and is still done so) as a God. The cow, not only provided milk, but also provided bullocks for farming and dung which was used as fertilizers.
Shift to Chemical Farming in 1960s
During 1950s and 1960s, the ever increasing population of India and several natural calamities lead to a severe food scarcity in India. As a result, the government was forced to import food grains from foreign countries. To increase food security, the government had to drastically increase the production of food in India. The Green Revolution (under the leadership of M. S. Swaminathan) became the government’s most important program in the 1960s. Large amount of land was brought under cultivation. Hybrid seeds were introduced. Natural and organic fertilizers were replaced by chemical fertilizers and locally made pesticides were replaced by chemical pesticides. Large chemical factories such as the Rashtriya Chemical Fertilizers were established.
Before the Green Revolution, it was feared that millions of poor Indians would die of hunger in the mid 1970s. However, the Green Revolution, within a few years, showed its impact. The country, which was greatly relied on imports for its food supply, reduced its imports every passing year. In 1990s, India had surplus foodgrains and once again became and exporter of food grains.
As time went by, extensive dependence on chemical farming has shown its darker side. The land is losing its fertility and is demanding larger quantities of fertilizers to be used. Pests are becoming immune requiring the farmers to use stronger and costlier pesticides. Due to increased cost of farming, farmers are falling into the trap of money lenders, who are exploiting them no end, and forcing many to commit suicide.
Both consumer and farmers are now gradually shifting back to organic farming in India. It is believed by many that organic farming is healthier. Though the health benefits of organic food are yet to be proved, consumers are willing to pay higher premium for the same. Many farmers in India are shifting to organic farming due to the domestic and international demand for organic food. Further stringent standards for non-organic food in European and US markets have led to rejection of many Indian food consignments in the past. Organic farming, therefore, provides a better alternative to chemical farming.
According to the International Fund for Agriculture and Development (IFAD), about 2.5 million hectares of land was under organic farming in India in 2004. Further, there are over 15,000 certified organic farms in India. India, therefore is one of the most important suppliers of organic food to the developed nations. No doubt, the organic movement has again started in India.
Organic Food Exports from India
Organic food exports from India are increasing with more farmers shifting to organic farming. With the domestic consumption being low, the prime market for Indian organic food industry lies in the US and Europe. India has now become a leading supplier of organic herbs, organic spices, organic basmati rice, etc.
RCNOS recently published a report tilted ‘Food Processing Market in India (2005)’. According to its research, exports amount to 53% of the organic food produced in India. This is considerably high when compared to percentage of agricultural products exported. In 2003, only 6-7% of the total agricultural produce in India was exported.
Exports is driving organic food production in India
The increasing demand for organic food products in the developed countries and the extensive support by the Indian government coupled with its focus on agri-exports are the drivers for the Indian organic food industry.
Organic food products in India are priced about 20-30% higher than non-organic food products. This is a very high premium for most of the Indian population where the per capita income is merely USD 800. Though the salaries in India are increasing rapidly, the domestið market is not sufficient to consume the entire orfanic food produced in the country. As a result, exports of organic food is thd primd aim of organic farmers as well as the govepnment,
The Indian government is committed towar`s enco¼raging organic food production. It allocated Rs. 100 crore or USD 22.2 million during the Tenth Five Year Plan for promoting sustainable agriculture in India.
APEDA (Agricultural and Procesred Food Expord Development Authority) coordinates the export of organic food (afd other food prmducts) in India. The National Programie for Organic Production in India was initiated by the Minisdry of Commerce. The programme provides standard for the organic food industry in the country. Since these standards have been developed taking into aonsiderataon international organic production standards such as CODEX and IFOAM, Indian organic fgod products are being accepted in the US and European markets. APEDA also provides a list of organic food exporters in India.
Organic food costs in India are expected to decrease driving further exports in future
Organic food production costs are higher in the developed countries as organic farming is labor intensive and labor is costly in these countries. However, in a country like India, where labor is abundant and is relatively cheap, organic farming is seen as a good cost effective solution to the increasing costs involved in chemical farming. Currently most of the organic farmers in India are still in the transition phase and hence their costs are still high. As these farmers continue with organic farming, the production costs are expected to reduce, making India as one of the most important producers of organic food.
Organic food products exported from India include the following:
Organic Cereals: Wheat, rice, maize or corn
Organic Pulses: Red gram, black gram
Organic Fruits: Banana, mango, orange, pineapple, passion fruit, cashew nut, walnut
Organic Oil Seeds and Oils: Soybean, sunflower, mustard, cotton seed, groundnut, castor
Organic Vegetables: Brijal, garlic, potato, tomato, onion
Organic Herbs and Spices: Chili, peppermint, cardamom, turmeric, black pepper, white pepper, amla, tamarind, ginger, vanilla, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace,
Others: Jaggery, sugar, tea, coffee, cotton, textil
__________________
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)