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What Does ORGANIC Mean? Should I Pay More For It, Or Not?


Robyn Openshaw - Mar 18, 2019 - This Post May Contain Affiliate Links


This is a topic I have wondered about for years. I don’t think buying organic foods1 is worth it, because there’s no way to know if it is actually organic. My uncle is a farmer and does not grow organic crops. However, he has friends who are “certified organic” farmers and they use the same harmful pesticides he does. All they had to do to get the organic sticker is pay a fee. What are your thoughts about this?
-Mikaela

In this post:

But like Mikaela, many of my readers wonder whether or not a few decades of government intervention has made the term “organic” all but meaningless.

Should you be suspicious if a product label says just “organic” instead of “certified organic”? Which foods are worth the extra cost for organic, and which aren’t? And how can you save money on organics to protect your endocrine system3 – and your wallet?

Buckle up!

What Does “Organic” Mean?

Government regulations have certainly bogged down what “organic” really means. A recent survey confirmed that there’s a lot of confusion around food labels,4 especially when it comes to terms like “grass-fed,” “nitrate-free” and “organic.” Most people think that any time they see the word “organic,” it means “free of all pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals,” that’s not quite the case.

It can be helpful to understand that the legal definition of “organic,” is governed by the USDA,5 and has four tiers:

Tier 1: 100% Organic

“100% Organic” means that every ingredient is Certified Organic, all facilities involved are Certified Organic, and the product may, or may not, have the USDA Organic seal.

Tier 2: USDA Organic

“USDA Organic” means that 95% or more of the ingredients are Certified Organic, non-GMO, and have obtained the USDA certification. The remaining 5% of ingredients must come from an approved list. All farms, facilities, and handlers must have the USDA certification.

Tier 3: Organic

“Organic” means that 95% or more of the ingredients are certified for no artificial food additives, irradiation, GMOs, synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Animals must be fed organic feed, with no hormones or antibiotics. The remaining 5% of ingredients must come from the approved list, and all facilities must be inspected by the USDA.

Tier 4: Made With Organic Ingredients

“Made With Organic Ingredients” means that 70% or more of the ingredients must be Certified Organic. The product cannot use the USDA seal, and cannot represent that the finished product is Organic.

You may wonder why manufacturers are allowed to use up to 5% non-organic ingredients for USDA organic produce. Some ingredients are simply not available organically, although what’s exciting is that more and more options are becoming available, as demand increases for organic growing and manufacturing.

Does “Organic” Really Mean “Chemical Free”?

What these four tiers mean, effectively, is that the word “organic” doesn’t necessarily mean “chemical free.” Unfortunately, this is par for the course when it comes to food labels.

For instance, “humanely-raised” doesn’t automatically mean that an animal’s living conditions are inspected 6 or that it has outdoor access (the USDA allows each company to define the claim, so meanings vary).

Let’s get into the nitty gritty about exactly what’s going on with the chemicals (or lack thereof) in organic food:

Can Someone Just Buy the “Certified Organic” Label?

What Mikaela’s uncle told her, about simply sliding some dollars to a government entity to get certified organic simply isn’t true.

The process for becoming certified organic involves submitting your product to testing and a bunch of paperwork. And until you do (and until you pass) you cannot put the organic certification on your label.

Trying to pull a “fast one,” and skipping the certifications, would mean no co-packer (someone who packages product for a client) would work with you again, effectively putting you out of business. That means only the biggest companies who own their own packing facilities could possibly get away with this level of fraud.

And these companies have the most to lose, because if they are caught, the consequences could actually bankrupt them. So, the fact remains (thankfully!) that Certified Organic does mean something very important, for the consumer.

How the USDA Decides Who Gets a “Certified Organic” Sticker

Organic farmers are required to meet stringent standards set by the USDA’s National Organic Program, which regulates the pesticides and chemicals that can be used in organic produce as well as the harvest and handling of organic produce.

An organic farmer goes through a lengthy certification process7 (including an application process, a site inspection by a certified organics agent, and fees somewhere in the neighborhood of $750) to prove that he or she is meeting the standards for organic food.

These standards include not spraying specific pesticides and herbicides known to be most toxic, including glyphosate. In many cases, the qualification process requires three years of farming on land free of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides before certification can be given.

Which Chemicals Can Organic Farmers Use?

It’s important to remember that organic farmers face the same challenges that conventional farmers face, namely insects and weeds. In order to combat these real issues, the National Organics Program allows about 25 synthetic pesticides8 in addition to the natural-based pesticides such as neem oil and diatomaceous earth.

Photo of farmer, from "What Does
Organic farming results in less pesticide residue on the food it produces

It can be helpful to remember that this tiny number stands in stark contrast to the 900 synthetic pesticides approved for conventional farmers. In addition, these synthetic chemicals can only be used once the farmer has attempted to control the problem by natural means such as crop rotation or cover crops.

A few of the synthetic substances allowed8 for use in organic farming include hydrogen peroxide, lime sulfur, insecticidal soaps, Vitamin D3, and humic acids. As previously noted, organic farmers cannot use the majority of synthetic pesticides used by conventional farmers. This includes one of the most widely used herbicides-glyphosate-which you may know as Roundup.

So, Why Are Dangerous Chemicals STILL Found in Organics?

It’s true: Some studies show that glyphosate and other chemicals are found in organic foods. But why?

First of all, virtually all studies have shown that organics have far fewer synthetic chemicals than conventional produce and products.

Second, it’s critical to understand that growers can do absolutely everything right, and testing may still show chemicals in their product. Why? Dirty groundwater and overspraying from non-organic farms nearby can contaminate their product. After all, glyphosate is usually applied in larger commercial ventures, by low-flying small aircraft.

The government cannot easily penalize an organic grower against what his neighbor may be doing. After all, rain and irrigation takes those chemicals into the groundwater, where the water flows far and wide through many farms. Those chemicals also end up in the atmosphere again eventually, and then in the rain.

Is Buying Organic Food Worth It?

So, is organic food really worth the cost–especially when you factor in the price tag that’s sometimes 50% higher than non-organic produce?

On the other hand, in a study conducted at Boise State University’s School of Allied Health Sciences,11 4,500 people were analyzed for exposure to organophosphates (OP), a common insecticide used in conventional farming. Results showed that those who ate organic produce had significantly lower OP pesticides in their system.

Photo of apple with syringes, from "What Does
Organophosphates can harm the brains and nervous systems of animals and humans.

It’s devastating to think about how many chemicals each of us is exposed to throughout our lives – especially when many of those pesticides come from healthy foods like fruits and vegetables that should be nourishing our bodies. And what’s even scarier is that many of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals from pesticides build up in the body over time,3 leading to damage that may only become apparent years down the road.

So back to the question: Are organics worth it? Absolutely, especially for foods that are heavily sprayed or readily absorb pesticides (more on the “Clean 14” and “Dirty Dozen” below!).

So, Has Government Helped or Hurt Organics?

If you know me, you know that I’m a frequent critic of government regulation and standards. What follows isn’t a defense of government, so much as putting all the data in context:

Once the FDA approves a new chemical for use in our environment, it’s very difficult to get it out of our air, water, and food. Essentially, a new chemical is “innocent until proven guilty,” which is why our government has now approved over 80,000 chemicals for use in our air, water, and food. A food-additive or herbicide chemical is typically not “proven guilty” until many years of use, and until the research that may emerge eventually proves its negative effect on our health.

Despite its problems, and despite this broken of system of “innocent until proven guilty” when it comes to chemicals, I still believe that most employees and groups inside the regulatory agencies want to protect the American public.

And even with government agencies tasked with policing tens of thousands of brands, and millions of products, with overworked departments unable to keep up, I still believe that the USDA Organic certification is beneficial, and even critically important the consumers.

Why? In large part, because of accountability. If a company that goes to the trouble of certifying is now on the radar of these certifying organizations. And if that company fails testing, which happens often, they risk financial catastrophe and public outcry. Testing failure can also mean that a company has to undergo an FDA recall, which is painful, time-consuming, and expensive.

The Impact of the Organics Movement

Something else to consider is that the decision of whether or not to buy organics isn’t just about one person’s individual health- although that’s obviously incredibly important.

Society’s preference for organic food has shifted the needle for everybody – not just the wealthy who can afford to buy 100% organic. Even mainstream growers and producers are scrambling to use fewer pesticides, treat their animals with more dignity, and generally create healthier food. Yes, in some cases it might just be to hang onto their market share by earning that “organic” sticker, but if it means fewer pesticides and fewer chemicals, that’s good news for us consumers.

What does all that mean? It means that even if you can’t buy 100% organic, you’re moving the needle for your personal health–and society’s health!–when you use your dollars to say “no thanks” to pesticides. (You do the same thing when you say no to GMO products,12 by the way!) Someday, I believe the organics movement will eliminate the extreme public health hazard of 500 million tons of Roundup we spray on our crops every year.

By using your grocery budget wisely to “vote” for organics, you are making an impact on the ecosystem, and the future health of your children and grandchildren. You also support farmers who have made the transition to more eco-friendly practices!

Are Organic Foods More Nutritious?

A major British meta-study13 reviewed 343 published papers and concluded that, aside from the issue of whether organics are completely free of chemicals, or not-organic produce is clearly more nutrient dense.

The meta-study concluded that you would have to eat two extra servings of non-organic produce, to equal the nutritional value you get in a day, eating organic produce. And while that’s fantastic news, it’s icing on the cake to the fact that organic produce delivers far fewer toxins, in a world where the human body cannot keep up with the massive chemical input.

The Clean 15: Non-Organic Foods You Can Trust

Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) issues a “Dirty Dozen,” and a “Clean 15.” These lists help you decide which groceries you absolutely insist on buying organic,1 as well as some crops that aren’t usually sprayed, or that have thick outer shells or peels that are removed.

The latest “clean 15”14 that you can generally trust to buy non-organic includes:

  1. Avocados
  2. Sweet corn
  3. Pineapple
  4. Onions
  5. Papaya
  6. Sweet peas (frozen)
  7. Eggplant
  8. Asparagus
  9. Broccoli
  10. Cabbage
  11. Kiwi
  12. Cauliflower
  13. Mushrooms
  14. Honeydew melon
  15. Cantaloupe

Other Foods OK To Buy Conventionally

You can also generally trust foods like watermelon, bananas, oranges, lemons, limes, pumpkins, and other foods with thick, non-edible rinds (just take care if you’re using the zest in recipes!).

Quinoa is another staple that doesn’t need to be purchased organic, because its thick coating is almost totally resistant to insects, so growers don’t spray!

The Dirty Dozen: Foods You Should ALWAYS Buy Organic

Did you know that eating a serving of non-organic green beans is 200 times riskier,2 in terms of chemicals you might ingest, than one serving of non-organic broccoli?

The fact is, some crops are more heavily sprayed than others. And even some crops that are less heavily sprayed- but are eaten without being peeled or husked- can pose a significant risk.

This “dirty dozen”15 should ALWAYS be organic-skimp on costs elsewhere if you have to. These crops are heavily sprayed and contaminated:

  1. Strawberries
  2. Spinach
  3. Kale, collard, and mustard greens
  4. Nectarines
  5. Apples
  6. Grapes
  7. Cherries
  8. Peaches
  9. Pears
  10. Bell and hot peppers
  11. Celery
  12. Tomatoes

More Foods You Should Always Buy Organic

In addition to the dirty dozen, you’re going to want to buy organic when it comes to leafy greens, which are often the target of heavy spraying and synthetic fertilizers.

Coffee makes the list too, as one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world.

And if you choose to eat dairy, eggs and meat, you should absolutely opt for grass-fed organic. Not only do non-organic eggs have completely unbalanced and disrupted fatty acids, but the amount of antibiotics and steroids that find their way into any source of non-organic animal protein is staggering.

How You Can Cut Costs of Organic Foods

So, for a family on a budget (and that’s most of us), the big question is, “What do I buy organic,1 versus conventional?”

While there’s plenty of negative trends in the modern age, one very encouraging trend is that the cost of organics (especially in big box stores that have adopted a lot of organics) is lower than ever. And while it’s certainly still possible to pay 50% more for organics, it’s easier than ever to find good prices–if you know where to look. Consumers are demanding organics, and companies like Costco and even Walmart have proven their stated objectives to provide more options for their customers.

Keep these tips in mind, to help align your budget with your health goals!

Take a Reminder Card to the Grocery Store

Take this handy free wallet card to the grocery store with you in your pocketbook for a quick reminder while you’re in the produce section and beyond, to help you decide which produce is worth spending extra for the certified organic label, and which you can purchase conventionally grown, without fear.

Prioritize Your Purchases

In general, your priority is to buy organic greens and thin-skinned fruits and vegetables on the “dirty dozen” list. You can find organic berries and greens easily, and for little or no extra cost. Costco in particular has made a committed effort to more organic sourcing, and hundreds of organic products are found in each of their stores.

Shop Around

Remember: While it’s absolutely possible to find organic produce at double or triple the cost of non-organic produce, that’s no longer the standard. Costco and even Walmart now stock numerous organic products and produce at competitive prices, while Whole Foods (the big name we always associate with organics) has steeper prices. Check out your local farmer’s market as well, to see if you can find local organic farmers to support!

Coupon It Up

Conclusions About Organics

So, are organics worth it? Absolutely yes. While there’s a lot of confusion about labels and several tiers of organic produce (from 100% certified organic, to simply “certified organic,”) that require different standards of purity, any form of organic produce carries a much lower chemical burden and packs a higher nutritional punch.

By shopping smart, knowing the “clean 15” and the “dirty dozen,” you can improve your individual health and society’s health by voting with your dollars to get pesticides out of our food.

Robyn Openshaw, the Green Smoothie GirlRobyn Openshaw, MSW, is the bestselling author of The Green Smoothies Diet12 Steps to Whole Foods, and 2017’s #1 Amazon Bestseller and USA Today Bestseller, Vibe. Learn more about how to make the journey painless, from the nutrient-scarce Standard American Diet, to a whole-foods diet, in her free video masterclass 12 Steps to Whole Foods.

  1. Openshaw, Robyn. “Is Buying Organic Food Always Necessary?” GreenSmoothieGirl.com, March 13, 2017.
  2. Consumer Reports, “Eat the Peach, Not the Pesticides.” March 19, 2016.
  3. Openshaw, Robyn. “Endocrine Disruptors: 14 Common Chemicals That Affect Your Hormones.” GreenSmoothieGirl.com, March 12, 2017.
  4. Consumer Reports, Food Labels Survey, 2016 Nationally-Representative Phone Survey, April 6, 2016.
  5. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7, Subtitle B, Chapter 1, Subchapter M, Part 205. February 19, 2019.
  6. Consumer Reports, Food Labels Survey, 2016 Nationally-Representative Phone Survey, April 6, 2016.
  7. Chait, Jennifer. “How to Get USDA Organic Certification,” The Balance, November 15, 2018.
  8. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7, Subtitle B, Chapter 1, Subchapter M, Part 205, Subpart G. February 19, 2019.
  9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. January 2019.
  10. Goodman, Sara. “Tests Find More Than 200 Chemicals In Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood.” Scientific American, December 2, 2009.
  11. Boise State University. “Organic food reduces pesticide exposure.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 5 February 2015.
  12. Openshaw, Robyn. “How to NEVER Eat a GMO Food Again!” GreenSmoothieGirl.com, August 15, 2016.
  13. Barański, Marcin et al. “Higher antioxidant and lower cadmium concentrations and lower incidence of pesticide residues in organically grown crops: a systematic literature review and meta-analyses.” British Journal of Nutrition. July 15, 2014.
  14. Environmental Working Group, Clean Fifteen: EWG’s 2018 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.” Accessed March 5, 2019.
  15. Environmental Working Group, Dirty Dozen: EWG’s 2018 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.” Accessed March 5, 2019.
  16. Passion for Savings, “Top 10 Printable Organic Food Coupon Sources,” Accessed March 4, 2019.

Posted in: 12 Steps To Whole Food, Detox, Eco Friendly Living, Lifestyle, Reviews, Whole Food

17 thoughts on “What Does ORGANIC Mean? Should I Pay More For It, Or Not?”

Leave a Comment
  1. Most consumers seem to forget there is no such thing as ‘Organic Rain’! Virtually all farming soil around the world is contaminated with chemicals that are contained in rain. Only our ancient ancestors were able to grow truly ‘Organic’ food. Plus toxic water tables near to Certified Organic farmland will also contaminate the soil – and therefore the plants growing in it will be contaminated. Concerned about the quality of your 5-a-day? Time to get real!

    1. Robin says:

      Do you think hydroponic farming is a healthier way to go- as it’s not exposed to contamination’s or is more controlled;however, could this change the composition or integrity of the produce over time??
      Dr Grant, do you have a resolution to this delemma. What should we eat??and, why not eat foods that have the least amount of contaminants? Robin

      1. In Europe – mainly Holland – hydroculture is very popular. They ‘farm’ virtually 12 months of the year in vast greenhouse structures. Popular micro-algaes including Nannochloropsis gaditana, chlorella and spirulina are grown commercially in water (hydroponics). The grower controls light, humidity and temperature. The quality and goodness content is provided by liquid fertilisers. The yield of some vegetables & other plant foods is far greater using hydroponics compared to conventional soil based farming. Our ancestors had the luxury of allowing fields to recover after a harvest – the soil was able to recover via natural microbial activity so that the crops were able to absorb essential minerals that we humans require for optimum health.

  2. A G H says:

    Awesome information to be shared with so many of my friends. Thank you!!

  3. I’m puzzled by your comment Dr Mike. Just because we can’t get away from ALL toxic chemicals doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to REDUCE them as much as we possibly can. I don’t think you truly read what she said here. Either that, or you are reading with a cynical bias. What do you actually mean with your “TIme to get real” zinger? It was a well researched, well thought out article. You might want to give it another read, this time more slowly…..

  4. Hello Linda, with respect I was not disagreeing with the general content of the article – you are mistaken it seems. However, everything I said is true and in any event we are all entitled to our opinion, yes? There is a misconception among many commentators and other ‘experts’ that NON Certified Organic produce is always inferior or less ‘clean’ which is not necessarily true. As you know, there is no single Internationally recognised Certified Organic standard. You may not like it but that is the truth. USDA for example has different rules and standards compared to say EU Organic Certification. Certified Organic olive groves in Spain and other Mediterranean countries are allowed to use chemicals like copper sulphate to spray on the trees, otherwise they would lose over half their crop to pests/fruit flies and mould – so would you say those olives are clean and free from chemicals just because they originate from Certified Organic olive groves? – no of course not! Certified Organic means different things in different countries… that’s why I said “Time to get real”. I note you made no comment relating to acid rain, which does not discriminate; it falls on both organic and non-organic land without discrimination.

  5. Douglas says:

    Mould is incorrect. It’s spelled Mold

  6. richard says:

    English spell mould..so Australia/ united kingdom spell it that way

  7. Hello Douglas, I assume you were educated in America? Well believe it or not, other countries often spell words differently to Americans. In this case, according to the Cambridge English Dictionary, ‘mould’ is a noun meaning a growth that develops on food. E.g. there was MOULD on the cheese. Strange you didn’t bother to check that out for yourself?

  8. GreenSmoothieGirl Support says:

    You are SO very welcome! In the end, we are responsible for our health, right? Glad you’re able to share with people you love and care about. Best health in 2018 to all!

  9. GreenSmoothieGirl Support says:

    Hello Doug – looks like two caring people have kindly helped you see there are similar but slightly different spellings depending on where one lives. I hope you were able to read the entire blog and found value in the content for your best health decision in 2018 and beyond! Be blessed!

  10. stella johnson says:

    Hi Robyn, thank you for all the research you do. You mention a 6-video masterclass but when I click on it, I see only four classes. I’m looking for the video that has the information about the 7 Foods That Fight Inflammation. Also, I’m wondering why corn is listed in the Clean 15 category. Corn doesn’t have to be sprayed with insecticide, it already has the BT toxin in the seed so the whole plant is toxic. When an insect tries to eat it, their stomach explodes.

    1. Robyn Openshaw says:

      hey Stella, it’s sweet corn we’re talking about, a different breed….and roundup-ready corn is GMO, you’re right about this. also, this is the EWG’s list they do every year….not ours.

      as for the video masterclass, i’m asking my blog manager to check into whether we linked you to the wrong one! the 12 Steps to Whole Foods video masterclass is 6 videos.

      our Detox video masterclass is 4 videos. i’m guessing we linked you to the detox one….it’s the 12 Steps one that has that video. did you link to it in my bio? there are TWO video masterclasses to choose from there….maybe you clicked the wrong one?

      thanks for reading! we’ll get that link fixed right away if it’x mixed up.

    2. Annie Epperley says:

      Hi Stella! You can sign up for the 12 Steps to Whole Foods Video Masterclass (the one that includes 7 Foods That Fight Inflammation) here: https://greensmoothiegirl.local/12-steps/accessnow/

      Thanks very much!

  11. Leanne says:

    Hi, I am new to your site but really love and appreciate the information I am learning. Is eating the organic produce from Mexico considered a reliable organic option?

  12. d. Johnson says:

    I live in the Similkameen Valley in southern British Columbia, Canada, where commitment to organic crops has been a way of life for many farmers. Even if not certified “organic”, most of the farmers and orchardists refuse to spray pesticides or herbicides on or near their crops. Local people know the farmers and orchardists who are dedicated to growing clean food, and we shop at their farms. Cattle raised here are grass fed, as well as not injected with hormones. I personally grow my own garden vegetables free of chemicals.

  13. Micky says:

    I buy mostly organic and our large garden is all organic. I have suffered from severe migraines almost all my life. When we switched to organic food they got better, much better. Not only have I felt so much better but we have saved money on ER visits. That’s a lot of money over the last 3 years. We have also found the food has more flavor. When we bought GMO/contaminated potatoes and one got rotten it STUNK but not the organic potatoes! Organic is not perfect but it’s the best there is. Thank you for all your work!

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