Organic Agricultural Products, Policies on

Most countries have official policies regulating the use of the term organic for agricultural products produced for sale. Such regulations define the practices that farmers and food producers may use and provide assurances to consumers of organic products. These policies typically specify growing methods and handling practices, including the treatment of livestock, that qualify products to be sold as organic. While specific definitions vary, the fundamental principle lies in the disuse of most synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and food additives. More expansive definitions include growing methods designed to mimic natural processes to the greatest extent possible. Official policies developed out of the practices gradually codified by organic farmers and the organizations they created to formalize and advance organic philosophy.

In the United States, organic policies are carried ...