Organic

Biodynamic agriculture provided one of the primary foundations for the organic movement. Organic farming focuses on soil health and water conservation, eschews synthetic chemicals, and encourages the use of compost, pest and weed management, renewable resources, and cover crops. 

It wasn’t until October 2002 that the USDA implemented the National Organic Program (NOP) and defined a base market standard for labeling organic food and beverages in the USA.  Farms that meet the USDA Standards for Organic Certification must demonstrate that no synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers are used in the farming process.

Numerous organizations are now set up as third-party certifiers for the USDA. California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) is the oldest and most recognized certifying body.

Certification takes up to three years and includes annual reviews.