The National Organic Standards Board Definition of "Organic.
The following definition of "organic" was passed by the NOSB at its April 1995 meeting in Orlando, FL.
"Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.
‘Organic’ is a labeling term that denotes products produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act. The principal guidelines for organic production are to use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming system into an ecological whole.
Organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that products are completely free of residues; however, methods are used to minimize pollution from air, soil and water.
Organic food handlers, processors and retailers adhere to standards that maintain the integrity of organic agricultural products. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people."
This means that the products you buy maintain biodiversity, provide shelter for migratory birds and help reduce global warming. Not to mention most Organic coffee farmers are Fair Trade Certified.
The Fair Trade price means that farmers can feed their families and that their children can go to school instead of working in the fields. By receiving a fair price, Fair Trade producers can avoid cost-cutting practices that sacrifice quality.
Organic food supports you, your health, the health of our children, and the planet.