How is organic farming/processing better for the environment?
Organic farming is a form of agriculture, which does not use environmentally harmful chemicals that may contaminate rain and groundwater. It replenishes and enhances the fertility of soil, conserves water and ensures the sustainable use of bio diversity.

What are the most popular organic products?
The most frequently purchased organic products are vegetables, fruits and cereal/grains. While, the other popular category of organic products include soy foods, poultry, eggs, meat and dairy alternatives.

What is unique about organic produce?
Organic products are unique in the sense that they are grown without using any chemical fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified seeds, hybrid varieties and other such means. Natural organic products are essentially cultivated without even having a single trace of chemicals. In case of natural organic products, even synthetic ripening agents are not permitted and one can not compromise with the genetics of the farm produce.

What does "Organic" mean?
Organic agriculture or farming is defined as the perfect means of sustainable economic development of the society at large and protects the environment as well. It promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, bio-diversity, biological cycles and soil biological activities. Moreover, it is the proven method of agriculture that conserves environment by eliminating the use of synthetic inputs, such fertilizers, pesticides, veterinary drugs, genetically modified seeds and breeds, preservatives, additives and irradiation. The major concern for organic production is to utilize management practices that maintain and increase long-term soil fertility and prevent pest and diseases.

What are standards that define "certified organic"?
A product is "certified organic" when it is cultivated strictly as per the stipulated guidelines laid by National standards for Organic Programme (India)/ National Organic Programme (USA)/European Organic Rules (Euro 2092/91). The production cycle of the organic product is verified by public or private organizations accredited to International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) or Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

What are the organic standards for raising meat, poultry and dairy?
Organic livestock standards restricts the use of synthetic growth hormones such as recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH). The animals are raised on a regular diet of quality feed free of antibiotics. All the animals should be raised on natural conditions with sufficient space, shelter and gentle handling to limit stress. Further, the processing for meat, poultry and dairy products must comply with organic standards as well.

Do organic foods generally cost more than conventional foods?
Certified organic products have a premium value attached with them due to steep rise in the demand of the product in the international market. The price of the organic products may be higher because they are produced in considerably smaller scale and may need to be milled or processed separately.

How large is the organic foods industry?
Organic Industry have grown at a rapid pace of nearly 20 percent per year for the last seven years and as per the latest survey, conducted by IFOAM - the existing market of organic products is about US$ 40 billion. Organic foods have become more popular in the consumer market of North America, Europe and Japan. The increase in organic food consumption in India is evident from the fact that many organic food stores are spurring up in the country. Today, almost every supermarket has an organic food store and every large city has numerous organic food stores and restaurants.

Where can I find more information about organic foods?
Information related to organic products is easily available on Internet. Some of the major website are listed below from where one can obtain information about organic food products:

• http://www.iccoa.org/
• http://www.ifoam.org/
• http://www.fibl.net/
• http://www.organicmonitor.com/
• http://www.ota.com/
• http://www.soilassociation.org/

What is the difference between "organic" and "natural"?
While, organic products refer to those, which are organically cultivated - That means - using vermi- compost and bio pesticides, which are equally effective and control live wood and scavenging termites and other pests that damage agricultural crops.

The labeling "Natural" implies that the product has undergone minimal processing and does not contain any artificial ingredients. Unlike products that are certified organic, natural products have no certification or inspection system. Also, "natural" does not specifies what method is used for the cultivation as well as the use of synthetic fertilizers and preservatives.

Do organic farmers ever use pesticides?
Organic farming does not allow the use of chemicals & pesticides, but it does not mean that the farmers do not use pesticides. They only use bio pesticides, which are indigenously made using local farm, animals, plants and microorganisms (Neem leaves & seeds, kernel extract, cow urine etc.) to control pests and plant diseases. As per global norms, there are approved substances, which can be used under restricted conditions.

What is the difference between organic and conventional farming?
Comparative study between conventional and organic farming - emphasizes largely on the integration of the major management factors such as the crop, soil and livestock management. These are relatively small-scale independent operations. Also organic farming requires minimal inputs, which are to be purchased and the need to manage farms more intensively becomes pertinent.

What is the system followed worldwide for labeling product as "organic"?
The labeling of organic products are done at two levels - national as well as international accreditation systems. Two international organizations, Codex Alimentarius and the International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements (IFOAM) aims to develop globally recognized and accepted food standards to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair trade practices. Some of the major standards followed for organic certification in different countries are as follows:

• JAS (Japan)
• Indian National Standards for Organic Products (NSOP)
• European Regulation EEC 2092/91
• US-NOP standards