Organic Standards for Oranges

The United States Department of Agriculture is the mainstream certifying organization for produce in the United States, meaning that their standards are the standards that matter. In order to grow organic produce, farmers must use unconventional farming practices that are often more complex, but are certainly better for the environment.

Chemical Fertilizers

• Organic produce does not allow for the use of chemical fertilizers. When chemical fertilizers are added to soil, the process removes natural organic matter. As a result, worms, insects, fungi and bacteria disappear and soil becomes dependent on the chemical fertilizer. In addition to keeping the soil richer, the USDA says that organic foods carry measurably lower levels of pesticides than non-organic produce. Though the Environmental Protection Agency sets limits on what level of pesticides can be used on produce to protect human health, many consumers may choose not to eat oranges that have been grown with chemical fertilizers.

Pesticides

• In order for food to be classified as organic, it must be grown without synthetic pesticides. The USDA puts out a list of the twelve foods most likely contaminated with pesticides, called the "dirty dozen" list. Citrus fruits with thick, removable skins are not included on this list because pesticides on the outer skin would not affect consumers. Still, buying organic oranges minimizes contact with pesticides and supports good environmental practices.

Genetic Modification

• Genetic Modification is the process of altering the genetic makeup of plants in order to enhance the taste, reduce growing time, enhance nutrients and improve the plant's immunity to pests. Along with potential benefits, however, comes a host of unknowns. There may be some human health impacts, excessive resistance to pesticides, or an uncontrolled transfer of allergens with genetically modified plants, including oranges. The USDA prohibits the presence of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) in organic produce, but producing fruit at that standard has become a greater challenge for farmers. In fact, some producers, such as Whole Foods, have appealed for a "non-GMO" label to be put alongside the "organic" label on foods.

Seasonality

• Because an orange's growing cycle is not tampered with as much when the fruit is grown organically, organic oranges usually arrive at the store having been picked at the peak of their growing season. Seasonal oranges generally have better flavor and are of a higher quality than fruit that has been forced to ripen.