Why Organic?

Because there are still many chemicals in use today in the developing nations of the world which have been ban from agricultural use in the US and much of Europe. Many of these developing nations are also tea producers. Since tea is rarely "washed" before drying, but rather rinsed, our feeling is, why risk it? It's your health!

Defining Organic

The word "organic" seems simple enough but can be confusing for consumers. Here is an inside look at the standards and laws governing this important group of products, particularly tea.

What exactly determines if a product is grown organically?

Regulations require that products labeled "organic" originate from farms, or handling facilities, that are certified by either State or private agencies that have been accredited by the USDA.

The regulations further state that farms, or handling facilities may not use any of the following in production or handling:

• Genetic Engineering
• Ionizing Radiation
• Sewage Sludge

Organic crops must be grown without the use of:

• Most conventional pesticides
• Petroleum based fertilizers
• Sewage sludge-based fertilizers

How are imported organic products regulated?

The USDA is required to review the certification programs under which imported organic products are produced.

Certifying agents in foreign countries must apply for USDA certification.

In lieu of USDA certification, foreign governments can assess and accredit certifying agents with USDA approval.

An equivalency agreement negotiated between the US and a countrys government may also be used in lieu of certification.

What are "organic" labeling standards?

Organic labeling is the simplest part of the certification process and the aspect that is most confusing for consumers. While many times "organic" on a label means you pay more, what is the meaning behind the label?

The standards are based on the percentage of organic ingredients in a product, and by law must be identified like this:

• Products labeled "100 % organic" must contain only organically produced ingredients.
• Products labeled "organic" must consist of at least 95% organically produced ingredients.
• Both may display the USDA Organic Seal
• Processed products that contain at least 70% organic ingredients can only use the phrase "made with organic ingredients."
• Processed products that contain less than 70% organic ingredients cannot use the term "organic" other than to identify the specific ingredients on the ingredients list that are organically produced.

What is Biodynamic?

Put simply, biodynamic is more organic than organic. Defined, biodynamic farming is an approach based on the work of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. In addition to organic practices such as crop rotation and composting, biodynamics uses special plant, animal and mineral preparations and the rhythmic influences of the sun, moon, planets and stars to create a thriving agrarian ecosystem. Further, the fertilizers used are the waste products produced from livestock fed a strictly organic diet. Those working on a biodynamic farm live by a code of ethics which only allows the use and ingestion of all organic products, thus removing the risk of contamination due to human behavior.