Garden Cove Produce 628 Meridian Street Huntsville, AL 35801 (256) 534-COVE     (888) 615-8657 Fax: (256) 534-2873 Sales@GardenCoveProduce.com Info What is Organic? Organic Quality! Why Buy Organic Dairy Products? It's All On the Label! What is Organic? "ORGANIC" REFERS to the way agricultural products-including foods and fibers such as cotton-are grown and processed. The word "organic" on the label stands for a commitment to agriculture which strives for a balance with nature, using methods and materials which are of low impact to the environment. Organic production systems: Replenish and maintain soil fertility Eliminate the use of toxic and persistent chemical pesticides and fertilizers Build a biologically diverse agriculture Organic foods are minimally processed to maintain the integrity of the food without artificial ingredients, preservatives or irradiation. Go To Top Organic Quality THE QUALITY OF ORGANIC products is best defined by the commitment to maintain and replenish soil fertility. The highest quality food is grown on healthy land. In a natural ecosystem, nature constantly works to correct imbalances. Organic farmers do the same by selecting the most environmentally friendly solutions to the pest and disease problems, which affect their crops. Organic farmers: Alternate the crops grown in each field, rather than growing the same crop year after year Plant cover crops such as clover to add nutrients to the soil and prevent weeds Release beneficial insects to prey on pests, helping to eliminate the need for chemical insecticides that can remain in the soil for years Add composted manure and plant wastes to help the soil retain moisture and nutrients Organic Trade Association Go To Top Why Buy Organic Dairy Products? WHEN YOU PURCHASE a pound of butter or a quart of yogurt with "certified organic" on the label, you're getting a healthful, premium product that you can feel good about serving to your family. But you're also supporting a system of agriculture that is environmentally sound, and which assures the health and future productivity of both animals and land. CERTIFIED ORGANIC MILK reflects the farm on which it was produced. The dairy cows on that farm were: Fed organic feed raised on land certified as meeting organic growing standards Raised in conditions which limit stress and promote health Cared for as individuals by dairy professionals who value animal health Not confined in crowded feedlots Not given routine treatments of antibiotics or growth hormones FOR ORGANIC DAIRY FARMERS, certification requirements include very specific standards addressing the introduction of new animals to a herd, veterinary practices, and housing and grazing. Even the handling of manure on an organic farm is regulated to ensure that run-off isn't polluting aquifers or waterways. Organic standards also cover processing and packaging the final product. Go To Top It's All On the Label! READ LABELS CAREFULLY. Many products contain exclusively organic ingredients. However, the placement of the word "organic" on the label identifies the amount of organic ingredients in the products. For example, "organic vegetable soup" must contain 95 percent or more certified organic ingredients. Typically, the other 5 percent represents minor ingredients-herbs, spices and processing aids such as baking soda. Soup "made with organic vegetables" must have at least 50 percent organic ingredients. Packaged foods containing less than 50 percent organic ingredients can choose to identify certified organic ingredients, but only on the ingredient panel. Organic products generally contain a shorter list of ingredients than their non-organic equivalents. Minimally processed, organic packaged foods contain no synthetic growth hormones, no artificial colors or flavorings, and non-essential preservatives or stabilizers. Organic products are not irradiated. Processors may use a few ingredients such as citric acid, pectin or baking soda, items, found in many home kitchens. Go To Top The information contained herein is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any illness or disease. Please read our Disclaimer. For Comments or Problems with this website contact the WebMaster at  Info@WebsitesByBridgeNet.com