Certified Organic Defined

Organic standards in the U.S. require the use of practices that cycle resources, conserve biodiversity, and preserve ecological balance. USDA organic certification prohibits the use of GMOs and most synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other prohibited substances.

That does not mean that no chemicals or pesticides are ever used. Certain natural substances and a limited list of approved synthetic materials are allowed.

The USDA’s National Organics Program (NOP) is the federal regulatory program that develops and enforces consistent national standards for organic crops, livestock, and agricultural products sold in the United States. The NOP also accredits third-party organizations to certify that farms and businesses meet the national organic standards.

U.S. regulations for organic livestock and poultry:

• No antibiotics or added growth hormones. If an animal needs antibiotic treatment, the producer must treat it, but that animal and its products cannot subsequently be sold as USDA organic.
• Feed must be 100% certified organic. There are limited regulatory allowances for specified feed additives or supplements. Organic feed cannot contain GMOs, animal byproducts from mammalian or poultry slaughter, or prohibited synthetic ingredients.
• Animals must have access to the outdoors, fresh air, direct sunlight, and living conditions that allow the expression of natural behaviors. Temporary confinement is permitted for specific reasons such as animal health and safety, inclement weather, protection of soil or water quality, certain production stages, and medical treatment.
• Ruminants—such as cattle, sheep, and goats—must have access to pasture during the grazing season, for at least 120 days per year, and must obtain at least 30% of their dry-matter intake from pasture over that period.
• Pastures or grazing areas must have had no prohibited substances applied for at least 36 months.  
• Producers must follow preventive animal-health practices and provide living conditions that accommodate health and natural behavior.

Marx Foodservice offers certified organic chicken from La Belle Farms, a family owned & operated producer of superior poultry for more than 25 years in the Delaware River Valley of New York.