Organics
What is "organic" food?
"Organic" refers to both the food production method and the food itself. In an organic agricultural system, farmers focus on building and maintaining healthy, fertile soil, which helps plants stay healthy and better able to resist disease and insects.
Think of organic agriculture as prevention instead of cure, the agricultural equivalent of eating a wide range of nutritious foods that feed your body naturally, instead of taking medications or supplements to make up for an unhealthy diet. The key to organic agriculture is enhancing the ecological balance of natural systems, creating fertile soil, healthy plants, clean water, and ultimately, raising naturally-grown, pesticide-free foods.
Organic food is grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers and is processed minimally without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation.
What is "certified organic"?
Certified organic ingredients and products are grown and produced according to strict, uniform government standards, verified by independent state or private organizations. We are the longest-running certified organic bakery in the U.S. because we believe in giving you, our customer, a guarantee that we’re committed to using wholesome organic ingredients.
Our commitment to organic
Since our beginning, French Meadow Bakery™ has been committed to using organic ingredients whenever possible because of their benefit to:
Farmers. Organic farms are the cornerstone of a natural, sustainable food system, building healthy soil, working in harmony with nature, and preserving plant diversity. We support small farmers, who can command fair prices for organic crops in an alternative market.
The environment. Organic farming systems help prevent soil erosion, increase biodiversity among plant species, and prevent contamination of our water resources with herbicides and pesticides.
Your health. In a recent comprehensive review of 97 studies published since 1980 on the nutritional value of organic foods, researchers found that, on average, organic foods are more nutritious than conventionally-grown foods. Organic foods not only have extra nutritive value, but they’re missing something important: pesticide residues. Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered before research linked them to cancer and other diseases. Organic foods are a smart choice for your health and the health of the earth that sustains us.
Our baked goods. Chemical-free, healthy, and all-natural. Try our baked goods yourself and let us know what you think!
Organic foods can sometimes cost more than conventionally-produced foods because they must meet stricter regulations in growing, harvesting, transportation, and storage. We believe that organic foods are an investment in your health and the planet’s health and an overall value when the long-term costs of conventional farming (to the environment and our health) are factored in.
For more information on organic foods and organic certification, visit the USDA's National Organic Program and the Organic Trade Association.
