Photo courtesy of the Real Organic Project
The Real Organic Project (ROP) is a farmer-led movement to protect the future of organic food.
The USDA Organic certification has strayed from the roots of what organic means — to produce food in a way that creates vitality for people and the planet.
For example, did you know that the USDA certifies organic egg farms for chickens that have never been outside?
Or that the USDA certifies confinement dairy operations?
Most people don’t realize this, but you deserve to know what food you are buying and where your dollars are going.
ROP certifies farms that meet their truly organic, high quality standards. You can find farms in your area at their website. Saint John’s is proud to be certified by the Real Organic Project!
“The USDA has failed to enforce important aspects of the organic law. As a result, it has become ever harder for small to mid-sized farms to survive while staying true to organic principles. In the face of the corporate theft of the USDA seal, the organic community united in creating the Real Organic Project. We are championing an “add-on” label for greater marketplace transparency. ”
The see the stark contrast of the Real Organic Project’s definition of “organic” and the USDA’s definition of organic, check out this gallery of organic farms.