“It’s only natural to be organic” “I (heart) organics” “Powered by organic food” From Brooklyn to Santa Monica and Kansas City in between, you’ve likely seen the bumper stickers, bought something organic (intentionally or not) and perhaps looked for organic options during your grocery shop. But what does "organic" actually mean, again?

Organic? It’s like…you know…

“Organic” may be one of those terms that you know the meaning of but it’s sure difficult to concisely explain it aloud. Here’s a refresher: organic agriculture is a production method that emphasizes the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality.

So what does that entail? Organic food products are produced using:

• Agricultural management practices that promote healthy eco-systems and prohibit the use of genetically engineered seeds or crops, sewage sludge, long-lasting pesticides, herbicides or fungicides.
• Livestock management practices that promote healthy, humanely treated animals by providing organically-grown feed, fresh air and outdoor access while using no antibiotics or added growth hormones.
• Food processing practices that protect the integrity of the organic product and disallow irradiation, genetically modified ingredients (GMOs) or synthetic preservatives.

1. People. From the folks that grow and harvest our produce to those that are eating it, you and the farmers can have peace of mind knowing that organic standards prohibit toxic and persistent chemicals, irradiation and genetic modification.

2. Wildlife. Organic farming encourages an abundance of species living in balanced, harmonious ecosystems. The use of beneficial insects and plants instead of potentially harmful chemicals supports the environment and helps protect birds and bees!

3. Soil. Organic farming practices build healthy soils nurtured with organic matter. Rotating crops and planting beneficial cover crops rather than using petroleum-based synthetic fertilizers supports the balance of microorganisms in the soil.

4. Water. From rivers to streams to our drinking water, organic farming helps protect our water resources from chemical and fertilizer runoff.

5. Air. Organic farming helps protect the air from potentially toxic and persistent chemicals and pollutants.

Naturally confusing

What’s the difference between natural and organic? Are organics healthier, tastier and more expensive? What are the most popular organic products?

Learn more by visiting our organics: frequently asked questions and answers page.

You want ‘em. We got em’

Do you “Honk for Organics” or just want to check out what the noise is about? You won’t find a bigger selection than at our stores.

As the first nationally certified organic grocer in the US, we’ve got organics in every aisle, from produce (keep your eye out for extraordinary organic berries and other fruit this summer) to meat and poultry to drinks, snacks and pantry staples, artisan cheeses, dairy, body care (yup, lotions and lip balm can be organic too) and much more.

If you seek out (and love!) organics, what’s your top motivator – health, taste, food safety or something else? I’d love to hear what drives your decision.