"All Natural" does NOT mean Organic

If you check the labels on grocery store items, chances are you'll see the "All Natural" label everywhere.  Here's something you may not know:  All Natural does not mean Organic nor does it mean healthy.

Raw sugar is "all natural" but not necessarily good for you.  Arsenic is all natural and definitely NOT good for you.

Recently, there has been a HUGE push for more accurate labeling.  I'm being nice here.  More to the point, consumers want big corporations to stop lying to us.

In the news,

Lawsuit forces Naked Juice to Remove "All Natural" Labels
In case you didn't already know,  Naked Juice is owned my Pepsi.  They have spent MILLIONS of dollars to defeat GMO-labeling campaigns in over 4+ states.

General Mills using GMO Ingredients forced to drop 100% Natural Label
GM is another huge corporation spending millions to kill GMO-labeling campaigns across the country.

Heinz hit with False Advertising Lawsuit over "All Natural" claims and GMOs
This lawsuit brings to light that Heinz Vinegar cannot be "all natural" and is potentially harmful to consumers because it is derived from GMO corn.

Have you learned something new yet or is this all old news?  I ask because from day 1, this blog has been about sharing information that I have learned.  It was 7+ years ago that I learned about GMOs and I am STILL learning every day.  I am STILL trying to soak up this knowledge and share here in a way that is not "in your face" and gives you something to think about.  Have I achieved this goal so far?

The term "all-natural" and Organic are also used in gardening.  The same issue applies here.  There are many companies that offer "all natural" plant food but that does NOT mean organic ingredients.

What's the difference?  Per OMRI,
"The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is an international nonprofit organization that determines which input products are allowed for use in organic production and processing. OMRI Listed® products are allowed for use in certified organic operations under the USDA National Organic Program"

Per USDA,
Organic agriculture produces products using methods that preserve the environment and avoid most synthetic materials, such as pesticides and antibiotics. USDA organic standards describe how farmers grow crops and raise livestock and which materials they may use.
Organic farmers, ranchers, and food processors follow a defined set of standards to produce organic food and fiber. Congress described general organic principles in the Organic Foods Production Act, and the USDA defines specific organic standards. These standards cover the product from farm to table, including soil and water quality, pest control, livestock practices, and rules for food additives.
Organic farms and processors:

• Preserve natural resources and biodiversity
• Support animal health and welfare
• Provide access to the outdoors so that animals can exercise their natural behaviors
• Only use approved materials
• Do not use genetically modified ingredients
• Receive annual onsite inspections
• Separate organic food from non-organic food

When I research and purchase plant food to offer at Mary's Heirloom Seeds, I always look for OMRI and a state certification program.  Also very important is knowing that the ingredients are Non-GMO.

This week I have the opportunity to order Organic, Non-GMO Alfalfa Meal.  It will not be available for almost a month but I'm would give YOU a chance to pre-order.  I offered this same opportunity with Organic Garlic back in July and it was a HUGE success.  There were a few customers who thought they could wait until the last minute and unfortunately, we had already sold out.

This is a rare opportunity to add Organic, Non-GMO Alfalfa Meal supplement to your garden.


Thanks for stopping by my little spot on the web...Stay tuned for more organic gardening and health related topics.  If you have questions or suggestions please feel free to ask. 

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