Final answer:
Organic farming refers to growing agricultural products without synthetic chemicals, promoting ecological balance and conserving biodiversity. USDA Certified Organic is a label indicating adherence to the strict standards of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, while Certified Naturally Grown is used by farmers following similar practices without formal certification. The term 'grown with organic practices' signifies an approach that aligns with organic methods but does not have official organic certification.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Organic Labeling Terminology
The term organic refers to agricultural products grown and processed according to certain environmentally friendly practices. These typically include the absence of synthetic chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers, as well as a holistic approach to farming that promotes ecological balance and biodiversity.
USDA Certified Organic is a specific label indicating that a food product has met the strict standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program. These standards require that farmers do not use most synthetic chemical substances, and animals must be fed organic feed without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones.
Certified Naturally Grown is a label often used by small-scale farmers who abide by organic principles but may not go through the formal USDA certification process. Their practices are similar to organic, including limited to no use of synthetic inputs and a focus on sustainable farming methods.
Products labeled as grown with organic practices often imply that while the growers aim to follow organic guidelines, they may not be officially certified as organic. These practices may still eschew synthetic chemicals and focus on ecological farming methods, but they lack the official certification seal.