Organic describes agricultural production and food products that meet the requirements of an applicable organic standard. Organic farming generally emphasizes ecological balance, biodiversity, soil health, resource cycling, and the use of approved production practices and inputs. The specific requirements for organic production and labeling vary by country or certification system.
Organic does not mean “chemical-free” or necessarily “pesticide-free.” Organic agriculture may permit certain naturally derived and synthetic substances while restricting or prohibiting others. It also does not necessarily mean that a crop has been grown without agricultural treatments.
The term organic should be distinguished from related terms such as
certified organic, GMO-free, pesticide-free, spray-free, and
naturally organic. These terms describe different characteristics and should not be treated as interchangeable.
For the purposes of this glossary, organic refers to the established agricultural and food-labeling concept rather than to the specific food-growing philosophy of Fruit-based Life.