Final answer:
Foods certified as "organic" can be grown with non-synthetic pesticides and herbicides that are approved for organic farming; synthetic growth promoters are not allowed. The use of soil, teeming with diverse organisms, is a fundamental aspect of organic agriculture, providing ecosystem services essential for plant growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Organic foods can indeed be grown using certain types of pesticides and herbicides, provided they are not synthetic and are permitted under organic standards. Synthetic growth promoters are not allowed, so the correct answer is d. soil.
Organic farming emphasizes the use of natural resources and processes to maintain soil fertility and control pests. This includes a wide range of organisms that contribute to what are known as ecosystem services, helping to break down organic matter and maintain soil health, which are essential for crop growth. The organic food movement has grown in response to concerns over the ecological and health impacts of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Certified organic produce is therefore grown with a focus on natural methods and materials, avoiding the majority of synthetic chemicals to promote a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practice.