Food: General Info

Organic:  "Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used."

-- USDA

Sustainable: "The term 'sustainable agriculture'  means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will over the long-term:

• Satisfy human food and fiber needs
• Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends
• Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls
• Sustain the economic viability of farm operations
• Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole

-- USDA/NIFA