About Organic
Health & environment
We believe that organic foods are richer in vitamins and minerals derived from the nutrient-rich soil in which they are grown. Conversely, conventionally farmed foods are sprayed with pesticides (often associated with health risks from asthma to cancer) that disrupt the soil’s natural balance.
Organic farming maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers. Instead, natural methods are employed to control pests, weeds and disease. When you buy organic, you are reducing the chances of your food containing pesticides and other toxic chemicals, while simultaneously promoting ecological health and a more sustainable environment.
Reducing the use and exposure of toxic chemicals from synthetic pesticides will help prevent the contamination and pollution of our soil, air, water and food supply.
Animal welfare
Animal welfare is a key component of organic farming. Organic livestock farmers promote animal health by improving the quality of life for the animal, thus reducing the need for antibiotics and other harmful drugs which get into the food chain.
Genetic engineering
Organic products are free from genetic modifications. Genetic modification is a new food technology that is still in the process of being understood. If you’re like us, the idea of genetically modifying the makeup of your food is unsettling; let’s keep it natural.
What does “Certified Organic” mean?
“Certified Organic” means that a third-party state or private certifying organization accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has verified that a product strictly adheres to the organic standards established by the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP). The third-party certifier thoroughly inspects the location where the organic product is produced and handled to ensure that all organic standards are established, followed and met.
Earthsong Organics™ receives its organic certification by Organic Certifiers through annual on-site inspections to ensure that our products are produced and handled in compliance with USDA’s organic standards.
What is the National Organic Program?
The National Organic Program (NOP) is a federal regulatory entity that was created by the USDA in October of 2002 in order to develop, implement and enforce organic standards. The NOP regulates all aspects of organic food production, handling, labeling, processing, delivery and retail sale. The NOP also accredits state agencies and private organizations that inspect and certify organic production and handling.
To learn more about the NOP and its regulations, visit www.ams.usda.gov
KeVita™ has been certified organic since day one because Earthsong Organics™ is committed to organic integrity. In order to use the USDA’s Organic seal on organic products, we obtained organic certification in 2009. The certification process is designed to certify every step of the organic chain from the land on which the product is grown, the growing process, the post-harvest, processing and handling facilities, and finally, to the sale of the product.
An application for organic certification must be accompanied by transparent and thorough documentation of all practices pertaining to organic production. Thereafter, an annual on-site audit is conducted to inspect the sanitation of the facility, extensive record-keeping requirements, and storage procedures.
What about food safety?
Earthsong Organics™ is passionate about organics, as well as food safety. Our Organic Certifiers label guarantees USDA food safety compliance.
Are all organic products the same?
No, there are different categories of organic.
In order to display the USDA Organic seal, a product must be at least 95% organic; that is, at least 95% of the ingredients used must be organic. The remaining 5% cannot include genetically modified organisms (GMOs) but can include non-organic items, if an organic option for that product is not commercially available.
Are products labeled “All Natural” also organic?
Products labeled “All Natural” may include organic ingredients but that may not always be the case. To be sure, always check the ingredients list.
How do I know it’s really organic?
You can be confident that all flavors of KeVita™ are organic, based on our promise, and, the USDA seal of approval and Organic Certifiers approval on our label. There is a great amount of documentation and regulation enforced upon the production and selling of organic products. The organic process from seed to store must be both transparent and traceable. Our Organic Certifiers certification ensures strict compliance with USDA Organic standards.
If you would like to learn more about organics, check out the following sites:
