If you’re attending Natural Products Expo East, you understand the importance of the USDA certified organic label that appears on everything from produce to personal care products. Organic growth is on the rise again after a slight dip, but there is still plenty of work to be done in putting and keeping organic on the radar for both consumers and government officials alike. From the Farm Bill to our retail shelves, product transparency and the organic label are more important than ever.

Did you know? Items with at least 70 percent organic content increased 13 percent across all retail channels, contributing to more than $11.2 billion in sales. (July 2012-July 2013).

Behind the seal

It’s always important to remember the core values of that green and white seal. USDA Organic is intended to preserve the health benefits of food and secure environmental stewardship by prohibiting the use of pesticides and herbicides (think Round-up or glyphosate), sewage sludge, antibiotics, growth hormones (RBST or rBGH) and irradiation in the growing and production of food.

It also proves that a product doesn’t contain GMOs, a founding tenant of the National Organic Program. Together, these traits make the certification key to a healthy food system and clean products. 

Take action

To support the future of organic, learn more about the state of the industry and stay involved in this important movement at Natural Products Expo East’s organic education sessions.