| A | B | C | D | E | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | OFRF Organic is Regenerative Message Mapping | |||||
2 | Audience: | Policy Makers | Food & Ag Leaders | Funders / Companies | Public | |
3 | Theme #1 | Organic Supports a Resilient Planet | ||||
4 | Organic is... | ...Climate-Friendly | ...Climate-Friendly | ...Climate-Friendly | ...Climate-Friendly | |
5 | Organic farming reduces greenhouse gas emissions and builds climate resilience. | |||||
6 | Supporting Statements | Organic farming contributes to the the protection of the environment and the climate. (European Union, EU Organic Farming Action Plan) | Organic agriculture is a climate-friendly food production system that offers an enormous opportunity to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (National Resource Defense Council, Grow Organic: The Climate, Health, and Economic Case for Expanding Organic Agriculture [NRDC report], pg 11) | Extensive evidence shows that organic production systems help build climate resilience in various ways. (Thelma Vélez testimony [Vélez testimony] to House Committee on Agriculture) | Organic farming is the original climate-smart agriculture and continues to lead the way. (Vélez testimony) | |
7 | ||||||
8 | Evidence | An extensive 2017 study comparing soils from 659 certified organic farms and 728 conventional farms found that organic farms across the United States consistently sequester more carbon than conventional farms. (Ghabbour et al., 2017, as cited in California Certified Organic Farmers Foundation, Roadmap to an Organic California, Benefits Report [CCOF report], pg 20, ref 119) | At UC Davis’s Long-Term Research on Agricultural Systems (LTRAS) study, researchers found that after 10 years, organic systems resulted in 14 times the rate of carbon sequestration as the conventional system. (Kong et al., 2005. as cited in CCOF report, pg 20, ref 118) | Organic agriculture systems have been found to decrease soil loss rates due to erosion, with soils under organic management having greater aggregate stability while increasing water infiltration rates. (Morvan et al. 2018, as cited in Vélez testimony) | Organic practices like cover cropping, mulching, and conservation tillage increase soil health, and keeping soil covered as much as possible results in less heat radiating from soil, better absorption of solar energy, more water infiltration, and ultimately, increased potential for carbon and water storage. (Wszelaki & Broughton, as cited in NRDC report, pg 15, ref 78) | |
9 | Evidence | Analysis of five long-term grain cropping systems across the United States also concludes that organic systems release significantly fewer GHG emissions than conventional no-till grain production. (Cavigelli et al., 2013, as cited in CCOF report, pg 21, ref 147) | Organic is among the most comprehensive and time-tested agricultural systems for mitigating and adapting to climate change, and it has the benefit of being enforced through a rigorous legal standard. (7 CFR Part 205, Subpart E as cited in NRDC report, pg 14, ref 60) | The NOP ensures that organic production systems support soil health, reduce or eliminate fossil fuel–based inputs, and diversify crop rotations, among other key strategies that offer significant climate benefits. (USDA National Organics Program, as cited in NRDC report, pg 14, ref 61) | Nearly 90% of organic farmers use cover crops, which protect soil, help sequester carbon, and prevent erosion. (Organic Farming Research Foundation, National Organic Research Agenda [OFRF NORA], pg 39) | |
10 | Evidence | Conservative estimates of potential climate mitigation through sustainable farming range from reducing U.S. agriculture’s GHG footprint by a few percent (Galik et al., 2017; Powlson et al., 2011) to cutting it by half (Chambers et al., 2016, as cited in Organic Farming Research Foundation, Soil Health and Organic Farming: Organic Practices for Climate Mitigation, Adaptation, and Carbon Sequestration, [OFRF soils report], pg 11) | Nearly 90% of organic farmers use cover crops, which protect soil, help sequester carbon, and prevent erosion. Organic growers also lead the way in crop rotation, intercropping, and green manures, all of which are research-backed methods to improve resilience and increase fertility. (OFRF NORA report, pg 39) | Research indicates that organic farming systems can sustain higher levels of soil organic carbon (SOC) and have lower per acre GHG emissions that conventional systems (Schonbeck 2020; Crystal-Ornelas et al., 2021, as cited in Vélez testimony) In addition to sequestering C and mitigating GHG emissions, building soil health can contribute to the resilience of the production system to abiotic stresses, including those related to climate change (Blanco-Canqui & Francis, 2016; Lal, 2016 as cited in OFRF soils report, pg 13) | The deeper, more biologically active soils of mature organic systems that have higher SOC can improve crop and livestock resilience to drought and other weather extremes. (Lori et al., 2017, as cited in OFRF soils report, pg 24) | |
11 | Evidence | Climate community is waking up to the importance of agriculture and the food system in addressing climate change. Climate experts and policy makers must understand the complexity of the food and agriculture system. (Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, article Evaluating solutions for agriculture and climate change) | Organic farming prohibits one of the largest contributors of greenhouse gases in the food system: the production and use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. A study published in the journal Nature last year found that synthetic nitrogen fertilizer contributes 10% of GHG emissions in all of global agriculture. By law, organic farmers grow crops without any synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. So they completely eliminate that major greenhouse gas. (from GM presentation notes) | In the case of extended drought, studies show that cover crops can reduce irrigation needs anywhere from 33%-50% particularly when using integrated strategies such as diversified rotation, reduced tillage, and compost application. (Gaudin et al., 2018; Renwick et al, 2017; DeVincentis, 2019; as cited in Vélez testimony) | By building healthy soils that retain water and store carbon, organic agriculture builds resilience and stabilizes our food supply in the face of drought and other extreme weather conditions that will occur with increasing frequency in a changing climate. (NRDC report, pg 5) | |
12 | Organic is... | ...Healthy for soils | ...Healthy for soils | ...Healthy for soils | ...Healthy for soils | |
13 | Organic farming practices contribute to the long-term fertility of the soil. | |||||
14 | Supporting Statements | Organic farms are managed in ways that promote the health of the surrounding ecosytem, including air, water, and soil quality. | Organic producers are leaders in the adoption of soil health management and climate-friendly practices. | Maintaining healthy soil is a core requirement of organic agriculture, making organic agriculture a key tool in addressing climate change. | Organic farms are managed in ways that promote the health of the surrounding ecosystem, including air, water, and soil quality. | |
15 | ||||||
16 | Evidence | Evidence shows that careful organic management can reduce nitrate leaching from farms. A Washington state study on organic, conventional, and integrated apple production showed that nitrate leaching was four to six times higher in the conventional than the organic plots. (Kramer et al., 2006, as cited in CCOF report, pg 25, ref 163) | The USDA National Organic Program Standards mandate best conservation management practices, including diversified crop rotation, cover cropping, careful nutrient management, and other practices to build Soil Organic Carbon and protect soil health (USDA National Organic Program Final Rule, as cited in OFRF soils report, pg 13) | Organic farmers also grow cover crops, which keeps the soil under vegetative cover for longer periods of time, preventing wind and water from carrying away topsoil. (Snapp et al., 2005 and Hartwig & Ammon, 2002, as cited in CCOF report, pg 24, ref 158, 159) | As a consumer, unless you are buying directly from a farmer who you know personally, the USDA Organic label is the only way to know that these sustainable practices are in use. (Notes from partner at GM) | |
17 | Evidence | A Michigan study comparing conventional and organic row crop production showed that, after 12 years, organically managed plots had 50% less nitrate leaching and over twice the nitrogen use efficiency (yield per unit of nitrogen fertilizer) as the conventional plots. (Snapp et al., 2010, as cited in CCOF report, pg 25, ref 164) | NOP standard: §205.203 Soil Fertility and Crop Nutrient Management Practice Standard. “(b) The producer must manage crop nutrients and soil fertility through rotations, cover crops, and the application of plant and animal materials.” (Retrieved from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-205?toc=1) | NOP standard: §205.205 Crop Rotation Practice Standard. “The producer must implement a crop rotation including but not limited to sod, cover crops, green manure crops, and catch crops that … (a) maintain or improve soil organic matter content. (b) provide for pest management … (c) manage deficient or excess plant nutrients; and (d) provide erosion control.” (Retrieved from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-205/subpart-C#205.205) | ||
18 | Organic is... | ...Protective of biodiversity | ...Protective of biodiversity | ...Protective of biodiversity | ...Protective of biodiversity | |
19 | Organic farming practices contribute to high levels of divesrity in plant and animal communities, above and below ground. | |||||
20 | Supporting Statements | Fostering robust populations of diverse plants, animals, insects, and soil-dwelling organisms is a fundamental principle of organic production. (Guidance: Natural Resources and Biodiversity Conservation, 2016, as cited in CCOF, pg 25, ref 184) | Farming practices such as cover cropping, crop diversification and composting are fundamental to organic farming and assist in regenerating soil health. | Organic and transitioning farmers are leaders in the use of cover crops, diversified rotations, perennial buffer and border plantings, and organic amendments to improve soil health and protect resources. (OFRF NORA, pg 167) | Organic farmers are required to implement practices that maintain or improve biodiversity on their farms. (Guidance: Natural Resources and Biodiversity Conservation. 2016, as cited in CCOF, pg 25, ref 185) | |
21 | ||||||
22 | Evidence | A comprehensive meta-analysis shows that organic farming significantly increases populations of beneficial insects, birds, and soil-dwelling organisms, as well as non-bird vertebrates (mammals, reptiles, etc.) and plants. (Crowder et al., 2012, as cited in CCOF report, pg 26, ref 187) | The federal organic standards specify that organic farmers must use practices that maintain or improve natural resources, including water quality. (General. 2018, as cited in CCOF report, pg 24, ref 160) | The federal organic standards require organic farmers to implement a crop rotation specifically to reduce soil erosion. By increasing the diversity of crops grown in a rotation, organic farmers increase soil organic matter levels, which creates good soil structure that absorbs water and prevents soil from blowing or washing away. (Crop rotation practice standard, 2018, Balvanera et al., 2006, and Lehmann et al., 2017, as cited in CCOF report, pg 24, ref 155, 156, 157) | Organic farms support pollinators by growing a diversity of rotating crops, and permanent hedgerows. Diverse crops and hedgerows provide safe habitat and a constant source of food for pollinators. (Tuck et al., 2014, Lichtenberg et al., 2017, Ponisio et al., 2016, Morandin & Kremen, 2013, Hannon & Sisk, 2009, Kovács-Hostyánszki et al., 2017, as cited in CCOF report, pg 27, ref 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220) | |
23 | Evidence | Research has found that organically managed lands have higher rates of both species richness and abundance when compared to conventional cropping systems. (Stein-Bachinger 2021, as cited in Vélez testimony). | Since organic farmers do not use synthetic pesticides, they aim to create farms with a healthy balance of plants, animals, and microbes to regulate pests, as in a natural ecosystem. (Oerke, E. C., 2006, as cited in CCOF report, pg 26, ref 192) | Organic farmers are also required to preserve and protect biodiversity and natural resources, with the aim of replenishing or maintaining ecological balance on farms. (USDA National Organics Program, as cited in NRDC report, pg 7, ref 5) | Pesticides kill or harm soil invertebrates including earthworms, ants, beetles and ground nesting bees. (https://foe.org/soil-health/) | |
24 | Soil invertebrates are integral in protecting soil health and aiding in carbon sequestration. Pesticides kill or harm soil invertebrates in 71% of cases. (Pesticides and Soil Invertebrates: A Hazard Assessment, Gunstone et al., 2021) | A comprehensive review conducted by the European Food Safety Authority found that field doses of pesticides can reduce terrestrial microbial activity (32-40%) & biomass (15-48%) & alter microbial community structure (54-90%). (Puglisi, E. (2012). Response of microbial organisms (aquatic and terrestrial) to pesticides. EFSA Supporting Publications, 9(11), 359E.) | A peer-reviewed study shows that pesticides widely used in conventional American agriculture pose a grave threat to organisms that are critical to healthy soil, biodiversity, and soil carbon sequestration to fight climate change. (https://foe.org/soil-health/) | Pesticides are contributing to widespread declines of insects. These declines threaten catastrophic harm to the ecosystems that support all life on earth, including the farming systems that feed us. (https://foe.org/soil-health/) Organic farming eliminates the use of toxic sythetic pesticides. | ||
25 | Organic is... | ...Systems focused | ...Systems focused | ...Systems focused | ...Systems focused | |
26 | Organic agriculture is based on whole-systems thinking, not on any single practice. | |||||
27 | Supporting Statements | “In organic production, overall system health is emphasized, and the interaction of management practices is the primary concern.” (Organic Agriculture Overview, USDA, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, 2007, as cited in OFRF presentation to GM) | Organic agriculture is embedded in and supports well-functioning ecological systems to harness nature’s synergy. | Organic is a holistic approach to food production | "One of the wonderful aspects of organic farming systems is that they are adapted to their specific areas... Organic farmers work with, rather than against natural systems." -Steve Ela testimony | |
28 | Evidence | Organic production is defined as "a production system that is managed in accordance with the Act and regulations in this part to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. (7 CFR 205.2 “Organic production”, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-205#p-205.2(Organic%20production)) | To be certified as “organic,” farmers and ranchers must adhere to a set of scientifically supported, time-tested practices, rooted in Indigenous knowledge of ecosystems, that treat farming and nature as a holistic and interrelated system, both below and above the ground. (NRDC report, pg 6) | "Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It emphasises the use of management practices in preference to the use of off-farm inputs, taking into account that regional conditions require locally adapted systems." (FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission, 1999, as cited in https://www.fao.org/organicag/oa-faq/oa-faq1/en/) | Organic agriculture is regenerative. Organic farms are managed in concert with natural systems to enhance the ecology of our local ecosystems, including clean air, water, soil, and food. (OFA) | |
29 | Theme #2 | Organic Builds Healthy Communities | ||||
30 | Organic is... | ...Good for the Economy | ...Good for the Economy | ...Good for the Economy | ...Good for the Economy | |
31 | Organic agriculture provides economic benefits and opportunity for growth. | |||||
32 | Supporting Statements | Data shows that the organic sector creates jobs, contributes to local economic development, and reduces poverty rates, while raising median household incomes. (CCOF report, pg 11) | As a nearly $50 billion sector of the U.S. economy, organic farms and businesses create jobs throughout the supply chain. (Organic Trade Association, 2018, as cited in CCOF report, pg 13, ref 55) [as of 2022 organic sales are over $60 billion] | Organic agriculture holds significant and largely untapped potential to address multiple crises facing our society, including economic struggles. (NRDC report, pg 4) | The organic sector creates jobs and contributes to the local economy. | |
33 | ||||||
34 | Evidence | Organic leads growth in U.S. food sales ― in 2017, organic food sales grew by 6.4%, well above the 1.1% growth in all food sales. (Organic Trade Association. 2018 Organic industry survey. Washington, D.C.: OTA) | Organic farmers report needing less off-farm employment than conventional farmers to supplement their income, even while they farm fewer acres. (McBride et al., 2015, as cited in CCOF report, pg 13, ref 54) | Organic farms have a proportionally higher impact on local economies than conventional farms through local food sales... Studies show that local food sales can contribute more to local and regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is the most commonly used metric of economic performance, than non-local food sales. (Rossi et al., 2017, and Pinchot, 2014, as cited in CCOF report, pg 14, ref 67, 68, 69) | Organic farms tend to create more full-time, year-round employment opportunities for farmworkers, which increases wage security and family life stability for workers and their families. (CCOF report, pg 33) | |
35 | Evidence | Farmers throughout the United States have opportunities to increase organic farm sales to meet domestic demand for organic products. (Organic Trade Association, 2018. as cited in CCOF report, pg 12, ref 10) | The organic sector is expected to remain stable or grow as generations who are conscious about health and the environment prioritize purchasing organic food for their families, especially their children. (Organic Trade Association, 2017, as cited in CCOF report, pg 17, ref 96) | Farms that sell locally buy most of their inputs and services from nearby businesses and have proportionally higher local labor expenditures, which recirculates dollars within the community and generates downstream employment. (Shideler et al., 2018, and Hughes & Boys, 2015, and Pinchot, 2014., as cited in CCOF report, pg 14, ref 70, 71, 72, 73) | Organic demand is expected to grow as more Millennials, the largest group of organic buyers in the United States, become parents because they prioritize organic foods for their families. (Organic Trade Association, 2017, as cited in CCOF report, pg 17, ref 97) | |
36 | Evidence | With 20% higher average crop prices, organic price premiums contribute to profitable organic farms across the nation and have been an important incentive for farmers to transition to certified organic production. (Greene et al., 2017, McBride et al., 2015, Crowder & Reganold 2015, Chavas et al., 2009, Cavigelli et al., 2013, and Greene & Vilorio 2018, as cited in CCOF report, pg 13, ref 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23) | Agricultural economists calculate that areas with high levels of organic activity are associated with higher labor force participation rates and lower county-level unemployment rates. (Kuo & Peters, 2017, Marasteanu & Jaenicke, 2018, as cited in CCOF report, pg 13, ref 58, 59) | Agricultural economists have found that organic hotspots ― counties with high levels of organic agricultural activity whose neighboring counties also have high organic activity ― lower county poverty rates by as much as 1.6 percentage points and raise median household income by over $1,600. (Marasteanu & Jaenicke, 2018, as cited in CCOF report, pg 15, ref 82) | Researchers have identified “organic hotspots” across the United States where increased organic production generates new jobs, lowers unemployment, and spurs agricultural business growth across a region. (NRDC report, pg 5) | |
37 | Evidence | Farmworkers on organic farms express that year-round employment is “very valuable to them” because a secure job in one place provides the basis for a safe and stable family life and allows their children to receive an education without constant interruption. (Hamerschlag & Strolich, 2006, as cited in CCOF report, pg 34, ref 337) | ||||
38 | Organic is... | ...Safer for farmworkers and rural residents | ...Safer for farmworkers and rural residents | ...Safer for farmworkers and rural residents | ...Safer for farmworkers and rural residents | |
39 | Organics protects the health of farmers, farmworkers, & people in agricultural areas. | |||||
40 | Supporting Statements | Given the cancer, neurodevelopmental, and other health risks associated with synthetic pesticides, organic agriculture is an important alternative approach for protecting farmworkers and their families. (CCOF report, pg 35) | Clearly defined organic standards and a regulatory system ensure farmers use healthy farming practices that protect their workers. | Organic agriculture is a systems-based approach to managing soils and crops to prevent pest problems by building healthy soil and ecosystems without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that harm people. (NRDC report, pg 23) | Organic farming contributes to a non-toxic environment that protects the health of farmers, farmworkers, and eaters. | |
41 | ||||||
42 | Evidence | Certifiers review all inputs that organic farmers plan to use and conduct random tests to ensure that no prohibited pesticides are used. Organic producers must also meet very strict pesticide residue standards. (7 CFR §§ 205.670, 205.671. as cited in NRDC report, pg 26, ref 181) | Organic farms can use only natural inputs, like compost and natural pesticides. Any proposal to use a synthetic input in organic agriculture must meet strict criteria—including that the substance and its breakdown products will not adversely affect human health. (7 CFR § 205.105., 7 CFR § 205.600, as cited in NRDC report, pg 23, ref 134, 135) | Organic agriculture protects nearby rural and urban communities from exposure to synthetic pesticides that may persist in the air, water, and soil. (California Department of Pesticide Regulation, 2017, as cited in CCOF report, pg 30, ref 224) | Organic farmers guard health by avoiding nearly all synthetic pesticides and fertilizers commonly used in conventional farming, which ensures that people are less exposed to harmful chemicals, whether in their workplaces, in their communities, or at the dinner table. (NRDC report, pg 23) | |
43 | Evidence | Organic agriculture protects farmworkers from routine exposure to synthetic pesticides by prohibiting certain materials. (Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production, 2018, as cited in CCOF report, pg 34, ref 345) | No farmer or farmworker should have to sacrifice their health or their children’s health to grow the food we all eat. And the way we grow food should protect rather than harm the ecosystems that sustain all life. | Organic agriculture protects farmworkers from routine exposure to synthetic pesticides by prohibiting certain materials. (Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production, 2018, as cited in CCOF report, pg 34, ref 345) | Organic agriculture protects farmworkers from routine exposure to synthetic pesticides by prohibiting certain materials. (Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production, 2018, as cited in CCOF report, pg 34, ref 345) | |
44 | Organic is... | ... Better for people | ... Better for people | ... Better for people | ... Better for people | |
45 | Eating organically helps protect people from toxic pesticide and herbicide residue on food products. | |||||
46 | Supporting Statements | Pesticide levels in people’s bodies dropped up to 95% after just one week on an organic diet according to a peer-reviewed study co-authored by Friends of the Earth. | Pesticides are designed to be poisons. The properties that make them toxic to insects and weeds can also make them toxic to other forms of life, including people. (https://foe.org/organic-for-all/) | Diet is a primary source of pesticide exposure. No one should be exposed to toxic pesticides in the food they eat. Organic food reduces exposure to toxic pesticides. | Eating organically grown foods has documented health benefits. (Branch, Consumer Reports (online), 2019, as cited in NRDC report, pg 27, ref 184) | |
47 | Evidence | Pesticide residue monitoring data indicate that organically grown foods have lower pesticide residues compared with conventionally grown foods (Forman and Silverstein, 2012, United States Department of Agriculture, 2016, as cited in Environmental Research report). | Data shows that pesticides disrupt healthy functioning of our bodies. Many of the pesticides widely used in our food supply are known to cause cancer, affect the body’s hormonal systems, disrupt fertility, damage children’s developing brains, or cause Parkinson’s, depression, or Alzheimer’s as we age. Organic farmers grow abundant food without the use of these toxic synthetic pesticides. | A recent longitudinal study of nearly 70,000 adults found that higher frequency of organic food consumption - which is associated with lower pesticide exposure - was protective against several cancers (Baudry et al., 2018, as cited in Environmental Research report). | In peer-reviewed studies, researchers compared pesticide levels in the bodies of four American families for six days on a non-organic diet and six days on a completely organic diet. They found that an organic diet rapidly and dramatically reduced exposure to pesticides in just one week. (https://foe.org/organic-for-all/) | |
48 | Organic is... | ... Better for animals | ... Better for animals | ... Better for animals | ||
49 | Organic farming prioritizes healthy animals. | |||||
50 | Supporting Statements | Organic farming contributes to high animal welfare standards. | Organic management reduces stress, reducing the incidence of diseases and supporting animal welfare. (USDA) | Organic livestock production eliminates concern about antibiotic-resistant microbes. | Organic livestock management prioritizes animal health and wellbeing. | |
51 | Evidence | Organic livestock must be allowed year-round access to the outdoors except under specific conditions (e.g., inclement weather). (USDA) | Organic ruminant livestock—such as cattle, sheep, and goats—must have free access to certified organic pasture for the entire grazing season. (USDA) | Organic livestock must be managed without antibiotics, added growth hormones, mammalian or avian byproducts, or other prohibited feed ingredients. (USDA) | Organic livestock must be raised in a way that accommodates their health and natural behavior, including having access to: the outdoors, shade, clean, dry bedding, shelter, space for exercise, fresh air, clean drinking water, and direct sunlight. (USDA) | |
52 | Evidence | Organic Livestock Standards • Fed an all-organic diet free of antibiotics and hormones. • Ruminants required to graze on organic pasture at least 120 days a year. • Year-round access to the outdoors, fresh water, clean air, shelter, and exercise areas. (Livestock health care practice standard, 2018. https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=e5f6fa6eed887c3ad28f21f4068e1e51&rgn=div8&view=text&node =7:3.1.1.9.32.3.354.12&idno=7) | Use of antibiotics and hormones is prohibited in organic production. Instead, organic producers must use holistic practices to maintain the health of livestock, such as providing a forage-based diet on certified organic pasture for at least 120 days per year; providing adequate space and year-round access to outdoors; allowing livestock to engage in natural behaviors; and choosing appropriate breeds based on site-specific conditions such as resistance to the region’s prevalent diseases and parasites. (Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic livestock production, 2018, and Livestock health care practice standard, 2018, as cited in CCOF report, pg 32, ref 267 & 268) | Studies show that organic farms harbor fewer antibiotic resistant microbes than their conventional counterparts and that organic meats are less likely to be contaminated with antibiotic resistant bacteria than conventional meat products. (Sapoka et al., 2014, Sapoka et al., 2011, Lestari et al., 2009, Cui et al., 2005, Luangtongkum et al., 2006, as cited in CCOF report, pg 32, ref 269, 270, 271, 272, & 273) | Widespread use of antibiotics in livestock production is a major cause of the global public health crisis of antibiotic resistance. (Laxminarayan, et al., 2013, as cited in CCOF report, pg 31, ref 261) | |
53 | Theme #3 | Organic is Trustworthy | ||||
54 | Organic is... | ...Third-Party Certified | ...Third-Party Certified | ...Third-Party Certified | ...Third-Party Certified | |
55 | The National Organic Program (NOP) provides integrity and accountability. | |||||
56 | Supporting Statements | NOP provides a set of federally recognized standards. Routine inspections ensure that farmers are in accordance with the national standards, and organic certifiers hold farmers accountable for the practices they are putting into place on their farms year to year. | Organic farming has a clear and accepted legal definition which makes it a solid tool for holding farmers and food producers accountable to sustainable practices, and letting consumers know what they are supporting with their food purchases. | Organic farming continues to provide the best tool we have for ensuring that farmers and food producers are held accountable to a set of scientifically-backed, federally recognized, sustainable farming practices. | The organic label means that farmers are held accountable to using sustainable practices on their farms. When you see the organic label, you can trust what it means because it is federally recognized it is resilient to greenwashing. | |
57 | ||||||
58 | Evidence | These practices ... were codified in the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). Pursuant to OFPA, USDA created the National Organic Program (NOP), which establishes protocols to safeguard organic integrity, including rigorous scientific review of allowed inputs and ingredients and third-party oversight to ensure that everyone follows the rules. (Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 as cited in NRDC report, pg 6, ref 3) | Obtaining organic certification is a prerequisite to selling products labeled “organic.” Certification requires that a farmer or rancher create an organic system plan that describes their management systems and all materials used and maintain detailed records; document that no prohibited pesticides or fertilizers have been applied to the land for three years; work with a USDA-accredited third-party certifier that reviews the organic system plan and inspects the operation every year; and be subject to unannounced inspections and soil testing to verify compliance. Processing or “handling” operations have similar requirements, to preserve organic integrity throughout the supply chain. (7 CFR §§ 205.400, 205.403, 205.670, 7 CFR § 205.400. as cited in NRDC report, pg 7, ref 8, 9) | In order to sell products labeled "organic" farmers and food processors must undergo a rigorous certification process which includes working with a USDA-accredited third-party certifier who reviews a comprehensive organic systems plan and conducts annual inspections. | To be certified as “organic,” farmers and ranchers must adhere to a set of scientifically supported, time-tested practices, that treat farming and nature as a holistic and interrelated system. (NRDC report, pg 6) | |
59 | Evidence | Any agricultural product sold, labeled, or advertised as organic in the United States must be produced in compliance with the federal Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 and the USDA National Organic Program. (National Organic Program, 2018, CCOF report, pg 8, ref 1) | Organic regulations require farmers to use soil building practices, such as crop rotations, cover crops, and pastured grazing for livestock, which have been proven to improve soil health and increase carbon sequestration. Organic is the only federally regulated label that requires the use of these climate-smart farming practices. (NOC, Benefits of Organic) | |||
60 | Organic is... | ... Non-GMO | ... Non-GMO | ... Non-GMO | ... Non-GMO | |
61 | Organic is THE choice for consumers wanting to avoid GMOs. | |||||
62 | Supporting Statements | The USDA National Organic Standards prohibit the use of GMOs in all label categories (“100% organic,” “organic,” and “made with organic ingredients”) | Organic certification prohibits farmers from using genetically modified seed and requires practices that prevent contact of organic crops with GMOs | Organic certification verifies that ALL organic and non-organic ingredients and processing aids (including minor ingredients such as flavors, yeast, and cornstarch) were produced without the use of genetic engineering | Purchasing an organic product allows your family to avoid GMOs with confidence, AND it supports a food system that values environmental stewardship, public health, animal welfare standards, transparent labels, and complete traceability of products without the use of toxic fertilizers or pesticides. | |
63 | ||||||
64 | Willful violations of the USDA organic regulations can result in suspension of certification and civil penalties. | Annual onsite inspections verify these practices and include periodic residue testing for pesticides, GMOs, and other prohibited substances. | To meet the USDA organic regulations, farmers and processors must show they aren’t using GMOs, and that they are protecting their products from contact with prohibited substances, such as GMOs, from farm to table. | No other label offers more in terms of benefits and assurance that foods are grown and produced with such care. | ||
65 | Organic is... | ...Tried and true. | ...Tried and true. | ...Tried and true. | ...Tried and true. | |
66 | Organic agriculture is time-tested and scientifically supported. | |||||
67 | Supporting Statements | Organic agriculture is a time-tested, scientifically supported approach to farming and ranching that centers ecological diversity, soil fertility, and natural systems rather than chemical interventions. (NRDC report, pg 4) | Organic agriculture is a time-tested, scientifically supported approach to farming and ranching that centers ecological diversity, soil fertility, and natural systems. (NRDC report, pg 4) | As we look to the importance of agriculture and the food system in addressing climate change, we must rely on farming practices that are backed by scientific research and years of study. | The organic label is a symbol you can trust. The organic standards have decades of time-tested farmer-input behind them to ensure that they are realistic and sustainable. | |
68 | ||||||
69 | Evidence | The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) created a National Organic Program (NOP) that provides a consistent framework and third-party certification system for agricultural products labeled “organic,” informed by decades of experience of farmers and ranchers, soil and plant scientists, food system workers, environmentalists, and consumers. (NRDC report, pg 4) | The Rodale Institute recently released a Farming Systems Trial 40-Year Report outlining the myriad of research that has taken place over the last four decades at their site, showing that organic systems not only have the capacity to feed the world, but to increase the bottom lines of farmers and keep harmful chemicals out of our food system. (https://rodaleinstitute.org/blog/the-farming-systems-trial-a-legacy/) | Here are just some of the results from 40 years of research at the Rodale Institute's Farming System Trial: -Yields from organic systems are statistically comparable with conventional yields after a 5-year transition period -In years of drought or excess rainfall, organic systems yields surpass those of conventional systems -Organic plots are able to tolerate higher weed pressure than conventional, while producing equivalent yields and reducing both herbicide usage and soil compaction -Organic systems are more profitable for farmers while maintaining lower risk due to lower total costs and high premiums; however, even without price premiums, FST’s organic manure system is still the most profitable | The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is a Federal Advisory Board made up of 15 public volunteers from across the organic community. The NOSB considers and makes recommendations on a wide range of issues involving the production, handling, and processing of organic products. The NOSB also has special responsibilities related to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. (https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/nosb) | |
70 | Evidence | Organic food sales in the United States in 2022 broke through $60 billion for the first time, hitting another high-level mark for the resilient organic sector. Total organic sales – including organic non-food products – were a record $67.6 billion*, according to the 2023 Organic Industry Survey released by the Organic Trade Association. The success of organic is not a new story. In the last ten years, organic sales have more than doubled as Americans are eating and using more organic products than ever before. Total organic sales broke through the $50 billion mark for the first time in 2018, and organic food sales hit $50 billion for the first time just a few years ago in 2019. (https://ota.com/news/press-releases/22820) | ||||
71 | Organic is... | ... Evolving | ... Evolving | ... Evolving | ... Evolving | |
72 | Organic standards are responsive. | |||||
73 | Supporting Statements | There are built-in pathways for improvement within the organic standards, which means they can continue to evolve. | The NOP has is made up of strong, enforceable, and continuously improved standards. | The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is a Federal Advisory Board made up of 15 public volunteers from across the organic community. | A new ruling was passed in January 2024 in response to consumer concerns which strengthens organic standards related to animal welfare. | |
74 | Evidence | The Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule, passed in 2023, responds to NOSB recommendation, to reduce fraud in the organic marketplace; strengthen oversight of organic producers, handlers, and certifiers; and improve USDA’s enforcement mechanisms. “The SOE rule is the biggest update to the organic regulations since the original Act in 1990, providing a significant increase in oversight and enforcement authority to reinforce the trust of consumers, farmers, and those transitioning to organic production." Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt (https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/strengthening-organic-enforcement) | The recently passed Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) ruling amends the original organic regulations to protect integrity in the organic supply chain and build consumer and industry trust in the USDA organic label by strengthening organic control systems, improving farm to market traceability, and providing robust enforcement of the USDA organic regulations. (https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/strengthening-organic-enforcement) | Established by the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) and governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the NOSB considers and makes recommendations on a wide range of issues involving the production, handling, and processing of organic products. The NOSB also has special responsibilities related to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. (https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/nosb) | The amended Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards guide living conditions, healthcare, transportation, and slaughter practices for mammilian animals as well as living conditions and stocking density for poultry. These changes came about as a direct result of consumer concerns. | |
75 | Evidence | The Pasture Rule passed in 2010 and amended the requirements for “livestock feed and living conditions.” It states that “producers are required to: provide year-round access for all animals to the outdoors, recognize pasture as a crop, establish a functioning management plan for pasture, incorporate the pasture management plan into their organic system plan (OSP), provide ruminants with pasture throughout the grazing season for their geographical location, and ensure ruminants derive not less than an average of 30 percent of their dry matter intake (DMI) requirement from pasture grazed over the course of the grazing season.” (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2010/02/17/2010-3023/national-organic-program-access-to-pasture-livestock) | The Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards rule, which passed in January 2024, is an example of the evolution of organic standards. This rule amends the standards around animal welfare by describing standards on living conditions, healthcare, transportation, and slaughter practices that support animal welfare for mammalian livestock, and establish indoor and outdoor poultry space requirements and stocking density limits, and clarify that enclosed porches will not be considered outdoor space for this requirement. This rule strengthens organic standards related to outdoor access and appropriate, humane living conditions in response to consumer concerns. Organic producers will need to be in compliance with this rule by January 2025. (https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic-livestock-and-poultry-standards) | An example of organic standards being ammended and improved over time is the Origin of Livestock Rule, which was passed in 2022. From the USDA: "The U.S. Department of Agriculture published the highly anticipated Origin of Livestock (OOL) final rule for organic dairy. This change to the USDA organic regulations will promote a fairer and more competitive market for all organic dairy producers, by making sure that certified USDA organic dairy products are produced to the same consistent standard. 'This action demonstrates the USDA’s strong commitment to America’s organic dairy farmers,' Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. 'The Origin of Livestock final rule provides clear and uniform standards about how and when livestock may be transitioned to organic dairy production, and how transitioned animals are managed within the organic dairy system. Now, all organic dairy livestock producers will have the confidence and certainty they are operating in a fair and competitive market'." (https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2022/03/29/usda-publishes-origin-livestock-final-rule-organic-dairy#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20Origin%20of%20Livestock%20final,within%20the%20organic%20dairy%20system.) | The NOP rules due change, for example The National Organic Program (NOP) published the Pasture Rule on February 12, 2010. According to CCOF "This rule was years in the making, with input from a large number of interested parties and over 26,000 comments submitted to NOP. The final version had the support of the three regional organic dairy producers associations and has seen an overall positive response from all sectors of the community, including producers, processors, watchdog groups, and consumers." The rule ammended the requirements for pasture access for grazing animals. (https://www.ccof.org/page/pasture-rule) | |
76 | Supporting Statements | |||||
77 | Evidence | |||||
78 | Evidence | |||||
79 | Evidence | |||||