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What Are GMOs? : GMOs are Genetically Modified Foods. In a world that is used to fast and instant results, it is not a surprise that the farming industry is trying to increase production and experiment in modifications of certain crops. With positive results in high production and less expensive food, GMO has been a great way for farmers to save money and have less waste using the modified way to grow their crops. Unfortunately, not enough studies have been made to test the long term effects of these methods on humans. Some researchers have concerns that we might be...

Organic vs Synthetic Nutrients: Organic nutrients are made from naturally occurring substances such as compost, manure, bone meal, fish meal, bat guano and gypsum. They are usually called natural ingredients. They are harvested from the natural world. Synthetic nutrients are chemically-based and produced in a lab. Humans produce synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. The machines pull nitrogen gas from the air and convert it into ammonia fertilizer. The process relies on energy- mostly in the form of natural gas. The biggest difference between these two types of nutrients is the speed at which plants absorb the compound. Because the plants absorb the...

International Organic Trade Market: The U.S. is the largest organic market in the world, with more than half of all the consumer sales for organic products globally. Over 179 countries around the world have organic activities with 2.4 million organic producers worldwide. As far as import goes, the U.S. imports from at least 111 different countries. Mexico is the largest supplier of organic products to the U.S. with a little more than half of all North and South America. Other countries in Africa, Indonesia and the Middle East continue to grow in importance. Most imported organic products are coffee, soybeans,...

USDA: United State Department of Agriculture Certification Whether in the United States or in foreign countries, farms have to comply to USDA’s organic regulations before being labeled certified organic. They have to submit and proceed to rigorous paperwork and inspections as well as proof of soil and location facilities being free of all substances barred by the Program. Such programs and certifications are needed to assure quality and prevent fraud. For the consumers, a “certified organic” label serves as a product assurance that what they are eating is safer and protected from artificial and synthetic chemicals. While different countries adhere...

Organic Certification: This article is about certification processes. Organic certification is a certification process for producers of organic food and other organic agricultural products. In general, any business directly involved in food production can be certified, including seed suppliers, farmers, food processors, retailers and restaurants. The requirements vary from country to country. The general standards for growing, storage, processing, packaging and shipment that includes: Avoidance of synthetic chemical inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives), irradiation, and the use of sewage sludge. Avoidance of genetically modified seed. Maintaining strict physical separation of organic products from non-certified products. Undergoing periodic on-site inspections....