What does "Organic" really mean?

by Jennifer Bonnett

“Organic” is one of those catch words we’ve seen in healthy eating cookbooks, at the Farmers Market, and even on the shelf of our local grocery store. But what does it mean? And are foods bearing this literal stamp of approval by the federal government necessarily better for you?
With people wanting to eat better and live healthier, we turned to San Joaquin’s resident foodie and self-proclaimed organic proponent, Laura McIntosh, for the low-down on this fairly new phenomenon. McIntosh is also well-know for her TV show Bringing it Home, which follows our food from the fields where it’s grown to the recipes that McIntosh demonstrates on her culinary series.

According to McIntosh, buying organic means looking for local suppliers and local farmers who, as a rule, are passionate about what they grow. If they really are passionate about farming then the quality will naturally be there.  McIntosh feels the organic food movement has certainly helped shape the way we look at what we eat and where it comes from.   It has also generated buzz around agricultural practices and given consumers more knowledge and insight as to what it takes to be a steward of the land, she adds.

And, we found out, you can’t just call yourself organic because it sounds good. Organic foods must be produced under specific standards, mainly that they are grown without the use of conventional pesticides or fertilizers. In most countries, organic produce cannot be genetically modified. Similar to Japan and Canada, organic food production here in the United States is heavily regulated, and producers claiming to be organic must obtain certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Although once relegated to the family garden, organic food production and availability has grown at a steady rate since the early 1990s. In fact, the federal government now puts organics sales at 1 to 2 percent worldwide of all food sales.  With offerings of everything from organic makeup to organic beef, the industry is a multi billion-dollar one. Among the giant companies leading the organic revolution is General Mills, which has a factory right here in Lodi. The manufacturer launched a new organic line which includes ready-to-eat cereals, breakfast bars, and frozen fruits and vegetables, all which can be found in a traditional supermarket.  Organic foods are increasingly sold in mass market grocery stores, making it easier for us to get our hands on them. This represents the largest single distribution channel, accounting for 38 percent of organic food sales in 2006, the Organic Trade Association reports.

Aside from the weekly Farmers Market, where local growers sell their carefully cultivated crops, there are also local mainstream places to buy organically-grown produce in San Joaquin, including Podesto’s in Stockton and the Raley’s grocery store chain.

A year ago this month, the West Sacramento-based company launched its Full Circle line of organic products, and has already doubled the original number of offerings, which include dry cereals, canned goods, tea, even vitamins free of additives and artificial colors, as well as natural meat. The juicy steak, succulent seafood, and tasty lamb have no antibiotics or added growth hormones.

“We know that more consumers want to lead healthy lifestyles,” says Raley’s spokeswoman Amy Davis. “So, Full Circle products are a convenient solution for customers looking to find organic and all-natural alternatives throughout our stores.”

“These affordable, natural choices are located right alongside equivalent national brands throughout our stores, so that customers can make quick yet educated decisions on the products they want,” she adds.

Although it has grown quite a bit, Raley’s actually first introduced its Natural Foods Department more than thirty years ago, which features specially-trained managers who possess an expertise in natural and organic products, supplements, and bulk natural foods, according to Davis.

A few years later, the grocery store chain first introduced organic produce, and it has long had the largest variety and selection of organic produce of any conventional supermarket in the area, Davis says. Today, you can choose lettuce, tomatoes, and countless other vegetables, all harvested without pesticides.

McIntosh told us if you’re looking to transition to an organic diet, start first with protein including meats and eggs, as well as milk and other dairy products. And, while she is a fan of buying organic from the local grocery store or even her favorite fruit stands, including the Fruit Bowl in Stockton and Vella Farms in Modesto, McIntosh encourages us not to forget the local certified Farmers Markets.

It’s not that hard to get into an organic eating lifestyle, she adds. “It’s more a matter of awareness. Once you start becoming aware of the array of choices available and begin to enjoy the taste profile it provides, you begin to crave it. Knowing that you are putting the best ingredients on the table gives you peace of mind that you are providing the best nutrition for your family.” SJM