What does "certified organic" indicate?

"Certified organic" indicates that a product meets specific organic farming standards set by regulatory bodies. This designation involves adherence to a strict set of guidelines that cover various aspects of agricultural production, including the methods used to grow, process, and handle the food. These standards often require that the product be produced without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms, and often emphasize the importance of sustainable practices.

This designation provides assurance to consumers that the product has been vetted by a certifying authority and adheres to pre-defined criteria that promote environmental health and biodiversity. It is not merely focused on pricing, whether a product is pesticide-free in all instances, or its sourcing location, but rather on the comprehensive practices surrounding organic farming as defined by established organic standards.