SUN ORGANO FOODS: BROCHURE DESIGN

Organic Food intro:

Organic foods are foods that are produced using methods that do not involve modern synthetic inputs such as synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, do not contain genetically modified organisms, and are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives.

The USDA carries out routine inspections of farms that produce USDA Organic labeled foods.

Conventional vs. organic farming

The word "organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products,

such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Organic farming practices are

designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who

grow organic produce and meat don't use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds

or prevent livestock disease. For example, rather than using chemical weedkillers,

organic farmers may conduct more sophisticated crop rotations and spread mulch or

manure to keep weeds at bay.

Conventional Organic

Apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth. Apply natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, to

feed soil and plants.

Spray insecticides to reduce pests and disease. Use beneficial insects and birds, mating disruption or

traps to reduce pests and disease.

Use herbicides to manage weeds. Rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to manage

weeds.

Give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and

medications to prevent disease and spur growth.

Give animals organic feed and allow them access to the

outdoors. Use preventive measures — such as

rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing —

to help minimize disease.

Do 'organic' and 'natural' mean the same thing?

No, "natural" and "organic" are not interchangeable terms. You may see "natural" and other terms

such as "all natural," "free-range" or "hormone-free" on food labels. These descriptions must be

truthful, but don't confuse them with the term "organic." Only foods that are grown and processed

according to USDA organic standards can be labeled organic.

The benefits of organic foodOrganic foods provide a variety of benefits. Some studies show that organic foods have more

beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants, than their conventionally grown counterparts. In

addition, people with allergies to foods, chemicals or preservatives often find their symptoms

lessen or go away when they eat only organic foods. In addition:

Organic produce contains fewer pesticides. Pesticides are chemicals such as fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides. These chemicals are widely used in conventional agriculture and residues remain on (and in) the food we eat.

Why do pesticides matter?

Children and fetuses are most vulnerable to pesticide exposure due to their less-developed immune systems and because their bodies and brains are still developing. Exposure at an early age can cause developmental delays, behavioral disorders, and motor dysfunction.

Pregnant women are more vulnerable due to the added stress pesticides put on their already taxed organs. Plus pesticides can be passed from mother to child in the womb, as well as through breast milk. Some exposures can cause delayed effects on the nervous system, even years after the initial exposure.

Most of us have an accumulated build-up of pesticide exposure in our bodies due to numerous years of exposure. This chemical "body burden," as it is medically known, could lead to health issues such as headaches, birth defects, and added strain on weakened immune systems.

Organic food is often fresher. Fresh food tastes better. Organic food is usually fresher when eaten because it doesn’t contain preservatives that make it last longer. Organic produce is often (but not always, so watch where it is from!) produced on smaller farms near where it is sold.

Organic farming is better for the environment. Organic farming practices reduce pollution (air, water, soil), conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and use less energy. In addition, organic farming is better for birds and small animals, since chemical pesticides can make it hard for birds and small animals to reproduce and can even kill them. It is also better for the people who harvest our food.

Organically raised animals are NOT given antibiotics, growth hormones or fed animal byproducts. The use of antibiotics in conventional meat production helps create antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. This means that when someone gets sick from these strains they will be less responsive to antibiotic treatment. Not feeding animal byproducts to other animals reduces the risk of mad cow disease. In addition, the animals are given more space to move around and access to the outdoors, both of which help to keep the animals healthy. The more crowded the conditions, the more likely an animal is to get sick.

Fruits and vegetables where the organic label matters the most

According to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization that analyzes the results of

government pesticide testing in the U.S., the following 12 fruits and vegetables have the highest pesticide

levels on average. Because of their high pesticide levels when conventionally grown, it is best to buy these

organic:

Apples

Bell Peppers

Carrots

Celery

Cherries

Grapes (imported)

Kale

Lettuce

Nectarines

Peaches

Pears

Strawberrie

Non-organic fruits and vegetables with low pesticide levels

These conventionally grown fruits and vegetables were found to have the lowest levels of pesticides. Most

of these have thicker skin or peel, which naturally protects them better from pests, and which also means

their production does not require the use of as many pesticides.

Asparagus

Avocado

Broccoli

Cabbage

Corn (sweet)

Eggplant

Kiwi

Mango

Onion

Papaya

Pineapple

Peas (sweet)

Sweet Potatoes

Tomatoes

Watermelon

Does washing and peeling get rid of pesticides?

Rinsing reduces but does not eliminate pesticides. Peeling sometimes helps, but valuable nutrients often go down the drain with the skin. The best approach: eat a varied diet, wash all produce, and buy organic when possible.

Source: Environmental Working Group (PDF)

OUR COMMITMENT:Some things are just no brainers, like knowing you can always find a lot of organic food at our stores. We offer you the biggest and best choice we possibly can because it's an important part — perhaps the most important part — of our commitment to you and the planet. Choosing organic supports farmers and producers who believe in good health, quality foods and earth-friendly sustainable agricultural practices. And that's good for everyone, from the farm worker to the planet to your family — and future generations too.

All products labeled as "organic" must be certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agency. Understanding organic labeling may be a bit confusing at first. Here's a quick reference:

100% Organic Product must contain only organically produced material,

excluding water and salt. The name of the certifying agent must appear on packages. Use

of the USDA "organic" seal is optional.

Organic Product must be at least 95% organically produced ingredients. Remainder must consist of nonagricultural substances approved

on the USDA's National List of non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form.

The label may also state the percentage of organic ingredients. The name of the certifying agent must appear on packages. Use

of the USDA "organic" seal is optional.

Made with Organic Ingredients Product must contain at least 70% organic ingredients. Remainder can consist of conventionally grown agricultural

ingredients or approved nonagricultural substances from the USDA's National List.

Product may display the term "Made With Organic..." and then list up to three of the product's organic ingredients or types of food. (For example: "Made with organic dates, raisins and apricots" or "Made with organic grains, nuts and berries.") The label may also state the percentage of organic ingredients.

The name of the certifying agent must appear on packages. Use of the USDA "organic" seal is prohibited.

Other Labeling Provisions Products made with less than 70% organic ingredients may

make no claim other than designating specific organic ingredients in the ingredients list.

No restrictions are made upon the use of truthful labeling claims, such as "pesticide free," "no drugs or growth hormones used," or "sustainably harvested."

"Transitional" products are those grown in accordance with the Organic Rule regulations on farms that are in transition from conventional to organic. A certified three year transitional period must be completed before these products can use the word "organic" on their label.

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ORGANIC INTEGRITY

The word "integrity" means "a quality or state of being whole, unimpaired and in perfect condition." When we say that something has "organic integrity," we mean none of the factors that went into making it "organic" have been compromised by contamination, commingling or mishandling.

Whole Foods Market has been protecting organic integrity for years, and we are pleased to have the Organic Rule as a guiding standard. We created a comprehensive program called "Good Organics," consisting of merchandising, product storage and handling, as well as cleaning and sanitation procedures for every team that deals with organic products. All team members are trained on the basics of specific Good Organics procedures. We monitor all stores to ensure compliance and act diligently to address any concerns. The Good Organics program is designed to ensure that everything we offer as "organic" is truly organic.

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CERTIFIED ORGANIC

The term "Certified Organic" indicates that the product you purchase has been certified by either a private certifying agency or a state government agency that is fully accredited by the USDA. All certifying agencies must act consistently, competently, and impartially in the certification process. This ensures consumers that production and handling practices always meet national organic standards.

While retailers who sell organic products are one of the few businesses exempt from the requirement for certification, Whole Foods Market decided to become certified — making us the first national certified organic grocer. This voluntary certification is one more example of our commitment to the organic consumer and the preservation of the integrity of organic products.

Whole Foods Market is certified by CCOF, an independent, USDA-accredited, third-party certifier. CCOF's Organic Certification Program for retailers verifies that we handle organic goods according to stringent USDA guidelines. The CCOF audit process confirms that we:

Examine the current organic certification status of our organic products

Maintain an extensive record-keeping process that demonstrates a fully traceable audit trail for our organic products

Ensure our organic products are appropriately protected from commingling with conventional products and contamination with prohibited materials

Train store team members in the handling practices of organic product

Open our stores to on-site inspections by CCOF inspectors

All Whole Foods Market retail stores in the United States are "certified organic." Additionally, we have facilities and product lines that have also been "certified organic" through their own organic handling plans, including:

All of our regional distribution centers Our 365 Organic Everyday Value™ private label product line Our Allegro Coffee™ line Several of our bakehousesBack to the top of the page

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITY

Although we at Whole Foods Market do all we can to protect the organic integrity of our products, once the decision is made to purchase an organic pear, loaf of bread, or pound of coffee, the product — and the protection of its organic integrity — passes into the hands of the customer. At this time, it becomes each individual customer's decision as to what steps they wish to take regarding their organic purchases. You may choose to:

Bag and separate your organic produce selection from conventional produce prior to placing it on the produce scales, in the shopping basket or onto the register belt.

Grind whole organic coffee beans at home since our grinders are used for both conventional and organic coffees.

Please be patient when our team members need to clean their equipment before giving you a special cut of organic cheese or meat.

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Understanding Organic Organic Food Organics and You Farming Organically Frequently Asked Questions Principles of Organic Farming Organic Industry Timeline Canadian Organic Standards

Organic Body Care Standards

For your health—and that of the planet—we've expanded organic standards to body care, we're using "greener" packaging and we're insisting on even safer ingredients.

Learn more about our Organic Body Care Standards

Learn More USDA National Organic Program Website National Standards Fact Sheets USDA Organic Rule Index National Organic Standards Board Website Organic Trade Association The Organic Center

http://www.organic-center.org/