Organic Certification is more than just a label, it contributes to our overall health, from bees and soil, to the air and humans. It promotes and supports a healthier food system, more resilient farming methods, and a healthier community. And, organics promote farmer and farm-worker safety. Of course, there are organic pesticides and fertilizers that are not recommended to consume and breath, but these are also much less persistent and detrimental to the environment and passersby, than conventional chemical pesticides. 

There is an organic and natural movement that’s been taking place over the past decade or more. But, products on the shelves can say they’re natural and have “natural ingredients,” though that can be a catch all for ingredients that are nowhere close to organic — while organic certification verifies they are truly organic ingredients. Organic certification also promotes open pollinated genetics, and doesn’t allow Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in production or end products. Seeds from open pollinated plants can also be saved using the right techniques, and passed down for generations, rather than patented, hybrid lifeforms that are sold for profit and restricted from reproduction.

Europe restricts American agricultural imports, from meat and dairy, to fertilizer and pesticides. Many ingredients that are allowed in American food are also restricted and banned in Europe and other countries, but products that are Organic Certified are allowed. Organic products are more expensive, but the health benefits are exponential, and your purchase supports farmers who also believe in regenerating our environment, communities and health. It also allows the farmer to fetch a higher price for their arduous unpredictable work, and can help provide a living wage for them and theirs. 

Modern conventional agriculture also uses 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and Glyphosate among other herbicides and pesticides, which can easily spread into neighboring farms, communities, and the very air within surrounding homes – not to mention runoff into waterways. As well, the farmers and farm workers are not in the healthiest environment when they re-enter the fields, greenhouses and barns that still have lingering residues from these chemicals. Which, considering the labels for most of these pesticides and herbicides instruct users to destroy the clothing worn after application, makes me think twice about supporting modern, conventional farming methods.

But, there are farmers who use heathy and regenerative methods that go beyond just sustainability, some are organically certified but there are others who practice such and aren’t certified. At Feast Down East we support a wide array of farmers through our Food Hub, who use these methods, that produce healthy food, and promote a healthy environment and community. Unfortunately in today’s society, farmers and consumers have to pay extra to verify that they’re product isn’t contaminated with persistent pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals.

I must say, these chemicals sometimes have their place, but misuse at the minimum can cause detriment. I also know, I don’t want to consume food that has any persistent chemical residue, or even walk in a dead corn or soy field that’s been sprayed with 2,4-D for years. Thankfully the world and all of it’s inhabitants are resilient, and regenerate, but we have to be mindful and support practices that promote life and health. Which is why I believe organics are important to overall health, even with all of organic certification’s flaws, it’s more than just a label. 

 - Brandon Foy
Written for Feast Down East’s January 2026 Blog