US organic certification in flux

Companies such as Patagonia Provisions and Dr. Bronner’s are frustrated by the ‘watering down’ of existing organic standards and are now creating their own classifications.

In an interview with the New Food Economy David Bronner, the CEO of Dr. Bronner’s said:

“In its origins, the organic movement encompassed fair labor practices, a greater level of compassion for animals, and a mandate to improve soil health, but much of that got lost when the federal organic regulations were set. Our new seal recognizes and celebrates that next level of organics, which goes further than the federal program.”

The new certification called Regenerative Organic Certification will include additional standards to protect workers and improve animal welfare. There is also the Real Organic Project which has been set up by many of the original founders of the organic movement in the US. The Real Organic Project certification will need farmers to meet higher organic standards.

These new certifications show the schism in the US organic movement. There is a fear that big businesses have moved too far into organics and it has moved too far from its original intentions.

In the UK there are several organisations which are approved by the government to provide organic certification including Sustain members: Organic Farmers and Growers, The Soil Association, and the Biodynamic Association.

Sustain campaigns for a food and farming policy which benefits the environment, health, animals and farmers.