Organic dried fruits
Organic food is produced according to certain legally regulated *standards. For crops, it means they were grown without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers or sewage sludge, and that they were processed without ionizing radiation or food additives. For animals, it means they were reared without the routine use of antibiotics and without the use of growth hormones. Also, at all levels, organic food is produced without the use of genetically modified organisms.
To be certified organic, the grower must make no use of chemical fertilizers or herbicides and submit their land and produce to strict testing to meet the requirements of the General Standards Board, which sets standards for many types of industries.Principles of organic production as stated by the Canadian General Standards Board are as follows:
• Protect the environment, minimize soil degradation and erosion, decrease pollution, optimize biological productivity and promote a sound state of health.
• Replenish and maintain long-term soil fertility by optimizing conditions for biological activity within the soil.
• Maintain diversity within and surrounding the enterprise and protect and enhance the biological diversity of native plants and wildlife.
• Recycle materials and resources to the greatest extent possible within the enterprise.
• Provide attentive care that promotes the health and behavioral needs of livestock.
• Maintain the integrity of organic food and processed products from initial handling to point of sale.
Other general practices of organic farming are: No genetically modified seeds or plants; no irradiation of the produce during the processing to kill bacteria; no irrigation with sewage sludge.
Any manure that is used for fertilizer must first be composted according to strict standards, including a cover for the manure pile so rain doesn't wash away the nutrients as it blends in with the soil.
*Standard: Typically Standards are produced by many organizations (or groups of cooperating entities), some for internal usage only, others for use by groups of people, groups of companies, or an entire industry. They form interest groups, that obtain mutual gains in a coordinated action if they ensure a "group-wide" uniformity in a measure (for comparative evaluations), or in a technical reference level of quality or attainment. See the Wiktionary link for varient definitions of standard.
Top 10 Reasons to Go Organic
