Do the different “organic” labels seem confusing when shopping for fruit? Are each of these labels honestly guaranteeing the authenticity of organic certifications?

The labels can be confusing, with terms like “USDA Organic,” “Certified Naturally Grown,” and “Non-GMO Project Verified” often appearing side by side. Understanding what each certification means can help you make informed choices and feel confident in the fruit you’re bringing to your table. As certified organic fruit growers, we want to share the most common labels and explain what they signify and why they matter. We’re most excited about USDA Organic, so we’ll begin with that!

1. USDA Organic

The most recognized certification and fruit label for us at Chelan Ranch and in the United States is the USDA Organic. When you see this label, it means the fruit has been grown according to the stringent standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These standards include:

• No synthetic fertilizers or pesticides: Growing only allows natural substances.
• Non-GMO: Only non-genetically modified seeds.
• Sustainable farming practices: Farmers must implement practices that enhance ecological balance, such as crop rotation and the use of compost.
• Animal welfare: Humanely treating animals (such as bees for pollination) is a requirement.

To earn this label, a farm must thoroughly inspect and maintain detailed records to prove its adherence to these standards. The USDA Organic label is a trusted quality and environmental stewardship mark for many consumers.

Chelan Ranch Organics is a premier example of a certified organic farm in the picturesque region of Chelan, Washington. Our commitment is to cultivate top-quality organic fruits using rigorous organic farming practices, including apples, cherries, and blueberries. By strictly avoiding synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and GMOs, we ensure that our produce consistently meets the standards set by the USDA Organic certification. Our direct farm-to-door delivery service guarantees that our customers receive the freshest organic produce straight from our farm to their table.

Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) is another option for organic shopping.

2. Certified Naturally Grown (CNG)

Established in 2002, Certified Naturally Grown is a grassroots alternative to the USDA Organic certification. The design is for small-scale farmers who sell directly to their local communities and want to avoid the cost and bureaucracy of the USDA certification process. CNG standards are based on the USDA Organic standards but with some key differences:

• Peer-reviewed inspections: Other farmers in the community inspect CNG farms rather than government inspectors, creating a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Transparency: CNG encourages transparency by making inspection reports available to the public.

The fruit this label represents grows without synthetic chemicals, GMOs, or practices that harm the environment. It is similar to the USDA Organic label but with a more localized and community-focused approach. One example of a Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) company on the West Coast is Marin Coast Ranch in Tomales, California. This family-operated ranch has been in business for several generations and focuses on sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. They raise Purebred Angus cattle and a flock of rangeland sheep, offering USDA-certified grass-fed beef and lamb for purchase. Farm stand sales, local stores, and online orders make their products available. Marin Coast Ranch emphasizes natural farming methods, ensuring their operations are free from synthetic chemicals, antibiotics, and GMOs​.

Another newer label is the Non-GMO Project Verified program, established in 2007. The label responds to growing consumer concerns about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the food supply.

3. Non-GMO Project Verified

While the Non-GMO Project Verified label is not exclusive to organic products, organic fruits often display it. The purpose is to assure buyers that the fruit is not a genetically modified organism (GMO). The Non-GMO Project is a third-party verification program that tests products at various stages of production to ensure they are GMO-free.

It’s important to note that while all USDA Organic certified products are non-GMO by default, not all Non-GMO Project Verified products are organic. This label is particularly significant for consumers who are primarily concerned about avoiding GMOs in their diet. One example of a non-GMO project-verified company on the West Coast is Pacific Pickle Works, based in Santa Barbara, California. This company, founded in 2010 by Bradley Bennett, specializes in all-natural pickled vegetables. Pacific Pickle Works offers a variety of products, including their signature pickles with playful names like “Jalabeaños” and “Brussizzle Sprouts.” Their products are non-GMO Project Verified, naturally gluten-free, fat-free, and kosher. The company has been in business for over a decade and emphasizes quality, sustainability, and transparency in its operations​ (Pacific Pickle Works).

When considering imported products, Fair Trade Certified, is another label.

4. Fair Trade Certified

Fair Trade Certified is another label established in 1998 by the nonprofit organization Fair Trade USA in the United States. It is more common in fruits imported from other countries, such as bananas, pineapples, or avocados. This certification focuses on the ethical treatment of workers and sustainable farming practices. Fair Trade Certified fruits must meet the following criteria:

• Fair wages and safe working conditions: Farmers and workers receive fair compensation and work in safe environments.
• Community development: A portion of the proceeds from Fair Trade sales goes back to the farming communities for education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements.
• Environmental sustainability: Like organic certifications, Fair Trade standards include sustainable farming practices that protect the environment.

Choosing Fair Trade Certified fruit supports the environment and the well-being of farmers in developing countries.

Equal Exchange is an example of a Fair Trade Certified fruit company that imports fruit into the U.S. Equal Exchange is a well-known cooperative that has been importing organic and Fair Trade Certified products, including bananas and avocados, into the U.S. for over three decades. The company partners with small-scale farmers in Latin America, Africa, and Asia to ensure fruit production is under fair trade conditions, which include fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable farming practices.

Equal Exchange sources bananas, for instance, from small farmer cooperatives in countries like Ecuador and Peru. The company’s commitment to Fair Trade principles helps improve farmers’ livelihoods and contributes to their communities’ development.

Have you heard of biodynamic certification? You’ll want to read about this one!

5. Biodynamic Certification

Biodynamic Certification is less common but represents an even more holistic approach to farming than organic certification. Demeter International, which manages this certification, founded it to promote biodynamic farming practices based on the agricultural methods introduced by Rudolf Steiner in the 1920s. As the first ecological label for organically produced foods, it is one of sustainable agriculture’s oldest and most respected certifications. Biodynamically grown fruit has the label which involves:

• Holistic farm management: The farm is a self-sustaining ecosystem with interconnected aspects of production throughout.
• Use of biodynamic preparations: Specially prepared herbal and mineral preparations to enhance soil health and plant vitality.
• Astrological planting and harvesting: Biodynamic farmers often time their activities according to lunar and astrological cycles, believing this can improve the quality of the produce.

Biodynamic farming goes beyond organic by integrating spiritual and ecological principles into farming, aiming for harmony with nature.

An example of a Biodynamic-Certified company on the West Coast of the U.S. is Frey Vineyards. Located in Mendocino County, California, Frey Vineyards is the oldest organic winery in the United States and one of the pioneers of biodynamic farming in the wine industry. It has been in business since 1980 and became Demeter Certified Biodynamic in the early 2000s.

Frey Vineyards produces a wide range of biodynamic wines, including red, white, and sparkling wines. They use biodynamic farming practices, including holistic farm management, biodynamic preparations, and astrological planting and harvesting. They emphasize sustainability, soil health, and ecological balance in their vineyards, ensuring their wines are organic and biodynamically certified. For more information, you can visit Frey Vineyards’ website.

Shop Confidently

Understanding the different certifications when choosing fruit can help you make informed decisions that align with your values. Whether you prioritize environmental sustainability, non-GMO produce, fair treatment of workers, or holistic farming practices, there’s a certification to guide your choices. By demystifying these labels, you can shop confidently, knowing you’re supporting practices that contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable food system.

Next time you’re shopping for fruit, consider Chelan Ranch and what our organic certification stands for. Your choices matter for your health, the broader agricultural community, and the environment.