USDA Organic: Produce
The USDA Organic Label is a Top Pick
The organic label has among the strongest standards for environmental sustainability including prohibiting synthetic fertilizers and industrial pesticides. Animal feed must be 100% organically produced and without animal byproducts or daily drugs. GMOs are prohibited (though testing is not required).
Requires Verification/Inspection
FoodPrint Label Criteria
Crop Production
Produced without industrial pesticides
Synthetic fertilizers or sewage sludge prohibited
GMOs prohibited
Antibiotics prohibited on crops
Biodiversity required
Soil health monitored/measured for improvement over time (soil biome, carbon sequestration, etc)
Worker Welfare
Standards and protections for workers on farm
Fair/living wages ensured
Health care insurance ensured
Food Label Glossary
For explanations of some of these technical terms, like “rotational grazing” or “sewage sludge fertilizers,” please visit our glossary.