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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....

Using Coffee Grounds in Mulch: As a healthy substitute to chemical garden products, organic coffee grounds can be mixed with other organic materials, and used as mulch. When layered over the top of the soil with shredded organic leaves, they can help prevent moisture from evaporating and help retain heat in the winter, and keep cool in the summer. More and more people are now using organic coffee grounds in their compost to help the environment, and the gardens they so diligently tend to. If like me, you throw  these useful and reusable coffee filters in the trash many times...

Organic Farming and Water Conservation: Dwindling water supplies and poor water health are very real threats. When our water supply is at risk, people and the planet end up suffering. Water pollution is a threat to our world, and the use of harmful pesticides, toxic fertilizers, and animal waste do not help matters. Organic farming helps keep our water supplies clean by stopping that polluted runoff. It also helps conserve water. Organic farmers, in general, tend to spend time amending soil correctly and using mulch - both of which help conserve water. The extra attention these farmers give to their...