What do each of these terms mean?
SUSTAINABLE
Sustainable agriculture focuses on the conservation of water, soil, and air; the humane treatment of animals; and fair wages for farmers and farm workers. It strives to be as locally based as possible. FSA supports sustainable agriculture through our association with the Food Alliance and sustainable products like Shepherd’s Grain and fresh produce.
NATURAL
"Naturally Raised" is a protocol certified by the USDA as a licensed procedure in the raising of livestock of all categories, including fowl. Livestock that is naturally raised is free from antibiotics, hormones or growth stimulants that assures healthfulness and highest quality. Livestock feed also cannot contain any animal products. "Natural" differs from "Organic" in that organically raised livestock are fed on, or from, land that is free from any fertilization or pesticides. While organic growing is practical in produce, it is a prohibitive procedure in raising cattle other than in very limited numbers. FSA supports the ‘Natural movement’ with products like Misty Isle Beef.
Other food products may also be labeled “Natural”. A
natural food product contains no artificial ingredients or added color and is only minimally processed. The label must explain the use of the term natural (such as - no added colorings or artificial ingredients; minimally processed.) (USDA).
ORGANIC
Certified Organic means that a product has been followed from farm to market by an independent third party organization to ensure that genuine organic practices have been followed all along the way. Notes: Organic products must be grown without chemicals; on land that has not had synthetic fertilizers, growth regulators, insecticides, pesticides, or herbicides applied to it for a minimum of three years. Certified Organic producers are also subject to the same agricultural, food safety and other government regulations that apply to non-certified producers.
Three Categories:
1. Products made entirely with organic ingredients can be labeled “100% Organic”
2. Products made with 95% organic ingredients can use the word “organic”
3. Products made with a minimum of 70% organic ingredients can be labeled “Made with Organic Ingredients”
FSA supports organic lifestyles thru partnership with Earthbound Farms, the Organically Grown Company, and many local farmers.
REGIONAL
Our region is the Pacific Northwest. It consists of Oregon, Washington, Western Idaho, Northern California, and Southern British Columbia. FSA supports the economic and cultural identity of the Northwest thru sponsorship of the award winning Dining Out In The NorthwestTM (DO IT NW™) Campaign, and through partnership with hundreds of regional manufacturers and growers.