In recent years we've heard a lot about organic farming and organic food. But what exactly does “organic” mean?

Organic farming encourages the sustainable health and productivity of the ecosystem (soil, plants, animals and people). Organic foods are farmed in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible way; focusing on preserving the soil, conserving water and being kind to animals, which ultimately mean cleaner air, safer drinking water and healthier food chains.

	Canada is among the top five world producers of organic products. - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada For more information and facts and figures, click here.

Organic foods are grown (e.g. plants) and raised (e.g. livestock) using absolutely no synthetic (made by people) pesticides or fertilizers, hormones or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on land that has been chemical-free for at least three years. All products sold as “organic” must be certified, which means they have been grown, raised and processed according to uniform standards set out by the Canadian government.

Organically-grown food may not always look as “picture perfect” as food grown with chemicals, and may not be as cheap, but it generally tastes better and more importantly, it's healthier for you and the environment.