Editor’s Note: This article is a reprint. It was originally published on August 4, 2024.
The organic food industry has experienced significant growth over the past few decades, but concerns persist regarding the authenticity of organic labeling and certification. In a revealing interview with organic industry watchdog Mark Kastel, he delves into the challenges that organic consumers and farmers face, providing valuable insights on how to identify genuinely healthy, ethically produced food.
Kastel, who co-founded The Cornucopia Institute, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, and is also the executive director and founder of OrganicEye, highlights the issues with the implementation of the 1990 Organic Foods Production Act. He explains the original intent of the legislation to protect industry stakeholders such as farmers, ethical business people, and consumers from unfair competition and fraud, but notes the shortcomings in its execution.
Kastel reveals that despite the USDA being initially reluctant to regulate organic food, viewing it as merely a marketing ploy, the industry has now ballooned to $61.7 billion annually in the U.S. and $205.9 billion globally. This growth has seen many pioneering organic brands being acquired by large agribusiness corporations, leading to efforts to streamline organic certification processes for increased profitability.
The Two Faces of Organic
According to Kastel, consumers encounter two main types of organic labels:
1. Local, direct-from-farmer organics – These include farmers markets, community-supported agriculture (CSAs), and independent local retailers that source directly from known farms, with minimal instances of fraud at this level.
2. Large-scale commercial organics – Representing major brands found in supermarkets and big box stores, sourced from either overseas or large industrial operations with less oversight.
Kastel emphasizes the advantages of purchasing local organic food for its nutritional density, freshness, flavor, and economic benefits of supporting local communities.
The Challenge of Imported Organics
Kastel highlights the integrity concerns surrounding imported organic products, citing instances of outright fraud and regulatory loopholes in the industry. He expresses worry over the exploitation of group certifications for imports by large agribusinesses, allowing them to evade proper inspection processes.
While the organic certification is essential, Kastel suggests looking beyond the label to assess the nutritional impact of food choices. He stresses the importance of understanding feeding practices within organic systems, advocating for practices that align with optimal nutrition standards.
Kastel recommends prioritizing ruminants over chicken for meat consumption due to their ability to process grains without accumulating harmful fatty acids, emphasizing the need for organic standards to evolve based on current nutritional knowledge.
Even something as simple as rice has important nuances to consider for optimal health. While Kastel suggests brown rice, I recommend white rice instead. Brown rice’s fiber can negatively impact your gut microbiome, particularly for those with insulin resistance. White rice, without problematic fibers, is a healthier option, but ensure it is organic due to potential arsenic contamination.
Collagen intake is often overlooked but essential. Consuming whole animal products and bone broths, ideally organic and pasture-raised, is a great way to increase collagen intake. Grass-fed animal foods, especially full-fat raw dairy, contain important odd-chain saturated fats crucial for human health.
Be cautious of commercial cheeses made with genetically modified rennet and opt for cheese made from raw, organic, grass-fed milk. Plant-based meat alternatives are often made with unhealthy seed oils and lack nutritional value. Ensure to find truly organic products by supporting local farmers and checking certifier names.
By making informed dietary choices, supporting local sources, and staying informed about industry practices, you can find healthy, ethically produced food. Take action to protect organic farmers and the integrity of the organic industry by advocating for independent, accredited, third-party certifiers instead of foreign agribusinesses. Para aprovechar tu voz aún más, por favor reenvíe y/o comparta este alerta de acción con tus amigos, familiares y socios comerciales en las redes sociales.