What's the difference between organic certification and non-GMO verification?

Mavuno Harvest is both organic certified & non GMO verified.  Organic certification and non-GMO verification are two distinct labeling systems that are designed to provide consumers with information about the food they purchase. While both are intended to promote transparency and give consumers more information about the production methods used to grow or produce the food, there are some important differences between the two.

Similarities

Both organic certification and non-GMO verification are voluntary programs that allow farmers and producers to label their products with information about how they were produced. Both programs are designed to promote transparency and give consumers more information about the food they are buying.

Additionally, both programs require third-party verification. In the case of organic certification, the USDA-accredited certifying agent conducts inspections and reviews records to ensure that the farmer or producer is following organic farming practices. In the case of non-GMO verification, the Non-GMO Project verifies that the product has been tested and found to be free of genetically modified material.

Differences

The main difference between organic certification and non-GMO verification is what they verify. Organic certification verifies that a product has been produced using organic farming methods, which includes avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Non-GMO verification, on the other hand, verifies that a product does not contain any genetically modified material.

Another difference between the two is how they are regulated. Organic certification is regulated by the USDA, which sets the standards for organic farming practices and accredits certifying agents to conduct inspections and verify compliance. Non-GMO verification is not regulated by a government agency but is instead overseen by the Non-GMO Project, which is a non-profit organization that sets its own standards for non-GMO verification.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Both organic certification and non-GMO verification have their benefits and drawbacks.

Organic certification is a highly regulated program that is recognized worldwide. It allows consumers to make informed choices about the food they purchase and ensures that farmers are following specific guidelines to promote soil health and biodiversity. Organic farming practices can also reduce the amount of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers used in agriculture, which can be beneficial to the environment.

However, organic certification can be expensive for farmers and producers to obtain and maintain, and some argue that the standards are not strict enough to prevent fraud or ensure consistent quality.

Non-GMO verification is a newer program that is becoming increasingly popular as concerns about genetically modified foods grow. It allows consumers to choose products that do not contain GMOs and provides producers with a way to differentiate their products in the marketplace.

However, non-GMO verification can be expensive for producers to obtain and maintain, and some argue that the program is not rigorous enough to prevent contamination or ensure consistent quality.

Conclusion

In summary, while organic certification and non-GMO verification share some similarities, they are two distinct labeling systems that serve different purposes. Organic certification verifies that a product has been produced using organic farming methods, while non-GMO verification verifies that a product does not contain genetically modified material. Both programs have their benefits and drawbacks, and consumers should educate themselves about each program to make informed choices about the food they purchase.

To learn more about organic certification, visit the USDA's Organic Agriculture website at https://www.usda.gov/topics/organic.

To learn more about non-GMO verification, visit the Non-GMO Project website at https://www.nongmoproject.org/.