Once, not very long ago, consumable packaging boasting words and phrases like fortified and enhanced, enriched, processed, artificial and even natural misled consumers to believe that somehow a good thing had been made even better. Au contraire! Today, the very words that were once used to entice, now read like warning labels, posted begrudgingly by food companies to the ever-evolving informed consumer. A new and better word has come into our midst to identify a new form of quality assurance related to consumable products: organic. You see this word all over the place now, seemingly signifying that a consumable product is in its purist, simplest form. But, the truth is, what consumers define as “organic” and what government certified agencies define as “certified organic,” are two different things. According to the Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) agency webpage (www.paorganic.org): “Organic certification is not a guarantee of quality or purity of the product. Rather, it is evidence of the operation’s adherence to a prescribed system of agriculture and food production that involves the building and enhancing of the soil naturally, protection of the environment, humane treatment of animals and avoidance of toxic synthetic substances.” The PCO has made it their mission “to assure the integrity of organic agricultural products through education, inspection and certification of growers, processors and handlers.” It is a USDA accredited certifying agency that educates and certifies growers, processors and handlers of organic crops, wild crops, livestock and livestock products in Pennsylvania and adjoining states. The PCO is also accredited under the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the Conseil des Appellations Agroalimentaires du Québec. It’s a big asset to Pennsylvania’s leadership within the realm of greening the planet. And, it makes good “cents” too! Consumer interest in buying organic has grown along with the idea of green lifestyles. According to the PCO, organic food products are increasing in the marketplace at a rate of about 20 percent each year. Environmental and health concerns have caused consumers to appreciate sustainable and organic agriculture. Growers and suppliers also consider the benefits of organic as it relates to their health and the health of their families and workers. Does that mean that food that is grown in a certified organic environment versus food grown in a non-organic environment is better? Well, yes and no. First, one would have to define better, which is, of course, subject to interpretation. What it implies is that food that is grown in a certified organic environment is less harmful to the environment and, therefore, less likely to be laced with questionable pesticides and growth enhancers. But it is not a guarantee. It is a testament to the care/conditions that are upheld within the growing, rearing or handling processes. It’s still a good idea, and most would agree that it is far better than the alternatives, and it’s definitely a step in the green lifestyles direction. However, consumers still need to educate themselves to gain insight and understanding as to how their lives and habits can impact the food chain. This includes issues of fuel consumption, lawn maintenance choices, the soaps used to launder and bathe, etc. Consider, for example, that we all share rain water and breathe the same air, either of which can contain trace amounts of herbicides, pesticides and phosphates. Therefore, there truly may be no guarantee of absolute organic purity. But still, with so many choices to make each and every day, we always have the opportunity to try. Visit the Pennsylvania Certified Organic Agency at www.paorganic.org.

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