The term “organic” as applied to the produce (fruits and vegetables), meat, poultry, dairy, and processed food is fully defined in the USDA’s National Organic Program Standards.

Organic produce must be grown without the use of:

1. synthetic chemicals
2. sewage sludge
3. ionizing radiation (irradiation)
4. genetically modified organisms (GMO)

In addition, organic farmers must be inspected annually by an approved certification authority, after first following these organic practices for at least three years. They must develop an “organic farm plan”, and document all inputs to the farm, as well as what is produced. Produce cannot be labeled and sold as organic unless it meets all of these requirements.

Poamoho Organic Produce has been certified organic since 2004.

How can you tell if produce is truly organic?  By law, produce can only be marketed and sold as “organic” if it comes from a certified source. Harsh penalties can be assessed for violations. The produce must be labeled “USDA certified organic” and be handled according to NOP standards to prevent cross-contamination with conventionally-grown produce. If you need assurance the produce you’re buying is organic, ask to see the seller’s “Acknowledgement of Organic Certification”.

To learn more about organic foods and practices, you may want to visit these sites:

• Hawaii Cooperative of Organic Farmers (HICOF) – HICOF’s mission is to directly support and advocate for Hawaii’s organic farmers, to conduct on-farm research and to promote members’ certified organic products. The business of HICOF is to improve the business of organic farming.

• National Organic Program – US Department of Agriculture (USDA) site containing all information relating to the regulation of organic foods and products, the National Organic regulations, consumer and producer information.

• University of Hawaii’s Organic Program – CTAHR’s organic program seeks to improve the production, market share and quality of organic agricultural products in Hawai'i, increase its understanding of ecological processes in organic systems, and develop new academic program options for organic agriculture.

• Guaranteed Organic Certification Agency (GOCA) – GOCA is a USDA-accredited organic certifier with offices in Kealakekua.

• Hawaii Organic Farmers Association (HOFA) – HOFA is a USDA-accredited organic certifier with offices in Hilo.
  

• Organic Materials Review Institute – The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) provides organic certifiers, growers, manufacturers, and suppliers an independent review of products intended for use in certified organic production, handling, and processing.