Organic vs. Non-GMO: A Simple Explanation & Key Differences

WHAT IS USDA ORGANIC?

The USDA Certified Organic label is the gold standard of the organic market in the United States today. USDA organic federal regulations do not allow for the use of GMOs.

When referring to the USDA Organic federally regulated label, organic is defined as "...a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced according to the USDA organic standards. These methods integrate cultural, biological and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation and genetic engineering may not be used." (Source: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/organic-certification/organic-basics)

The USDA Organic certification requires farmers and businesses to meet strict standards for all growing and production of their products and ensures 95 percent or more of the final product is organic.

• No GMOs allowed.
• The use of pesticides and herbicides including glyphosate is prohibited. Glyphosate has been associated with serious health concerns (including cancer) and legal cases over the past few years.
• The use of hexane is prohibited. Hexane, a known neurotoxin, is an ingredient used to process many seed oils.
• No sewage sludge – need we say more! By prohibiting this sludge, it protects the consumer from potential toxins and heavy metals.
• Antibiotics are also not allowed. With the issue of antibiotic resistance in recent years, this is becoming increasingly important to avoid.
• Ractopamine, a feed additive, is a drug used in the United States meat industry to promote growth in animals. According to the Organic Consumer Association, ractopamine is banned in 160 countries. Ractopamine is not allowed.

Question: How do I know if a product or food item that I purchase is certified USDA Organic? Just look for this symbol on the label of the food/product. It should be easily found on the packaging. Farmers and businesses pay for the USDA Organic certification so if it is certified organic, the label will certainly be visible. :)

What about labels that say "Organic" but do not have the USDA Organic seal?

It's important to note that the USDA Organic label comes with a hefty price. There are many farmers and ranchers across the United States that are using organic, regenerative farming methods but are opting to not pursue this label due to bureaucratic red tape and expense. We source our grass-fed, grass-finished, pasture-raised beef tallow from farmers practicing regenerative and organic farming on local Midwest farms. 

WHAT IS NON-GMO PROJECT VERIFIED?

The Non-GMO Project Verified certification is granted to farmers and/or businesses that complete the 3-6 month review (or less depending on product) and evaluation process with the Non-GMO Project organization. Once the evaluated item is thoroughly tested and certified as Non-GMO, the farmer/business must complete an annual review to maintain the certification.

The Non-GMO Project Verified label (with the little butterfly) ensures the absence of genetically modified organisms or GMOs in a product. All other Non-GMO labels are not regulated and therefore not a guarantee that the product is truly Non-GMO.

Unfortunately, this label does not protect the consumer from other substances. It is mainly there to ensure the absence of GMOs. This list of substances includes herbicides (i.e. glyphosate), pesticides, hexane, sewage sludge, antibiotics, and ractopamine.

We'd like to point out that although the Non-GMO Project Verified label allows for these substances, it does not necessarily mean they are present. It is simply not a requirement to obtain the Non-GMO Project Verified label.