Alabama Specialists Clear Up Organic Food Label Confusion

Extension experts explain what shoppers should know about organic and USDA certified products.

AUBURN, Ala. (RFD News) — Alabama Extension specialists are helping shoppers understand the differences between common food labels, including organic, USDA certified organic and natural.

Organic growers can use certain approved fertilizers and pesticides, while products labeled USDA certified organic must pass inspections before using the USDA organic label. Specialists say there is no scientific proof of nutritional or flavor differences between organic and non-organic foods.

They also recommend asking farmers directly about how produce was grown and washing all fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating.

Related Stories
Farmers are being urged to watch for the pest and take steps to prevent its spread.
Council leaders see new opportunities to create international demand for U.S. agriculture.
Nothing changes immediately. This is a supplemental proposal, and EPA will accept comments for 30 days after publication in the Federal Register before developing a final rule.
The company is developing technology to help farmers catch storage problems earlier.
An SDSU entomologist says the insects are often misunderstood because of concerns about stinging.
Production is still expected to decline as growers face water, weed and disease challenges.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Questions remain about potential crop damage as the industry works to control the pest.
CoBank says consumer trends and export competition are increasing the focus on milk components.
Chris Nelson with SoilView explains how Section 180 could allow qualifying growers to deduct the value of nutrients already built up in the soil.
The family-owned workwear company is looking to grow its presence in American agriculture.
Producers can receive assistance for well projects as dry conditions affect much of the state.
USDA researchers say the method could also produce healthier males for release in the field.
Agriculture Shows
Agriculture is the most important industry in the world, and Ag PhD Daily brings you the information you need to best manage your business only on RFD-TV and RFD+
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.