Produce must meet guidelines to be organic

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Question: Why do some people at the farmers markets say that everything they have is organic when, after questioning them, it is not? They just mean they do not use any chemical pesticides.

A producer or supplier of certified organic produce must sell produce that conforms to very rigid guidelines determined by our federal government. I agree with you that if it is not organic and does not conform to USDA organic guidelines, they should not be stating that it is. It is against the law for producers or suppliers of products to claim, either in writing or verbally, that a product is organic if it does not conform to USDA organic guidelines. However, I think you are right that many people interpret organic to mean they are growing products without hard or chemical pesticides. The general public does not understand the difference. It would be better if you asked them if their products are certified as organic by the USDA, which has to include using certified organic seed, organic fertilizer for at least three years and following many other very tight guidelines.

It is interesting to note that there is more demand and the prices are now higher in California for "local" food than for certified organic.

Bob Morris is an associate professor with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. He can be reached at morrisr@UNCE.unr.edu or 257-5555.