Organic

Food that is grown or raised without the use of synthetic products. Crops are not sprayed with synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, animals are not treated with hormones or antibiotics, and genetically modified organisms are not used.

Organic Agribusiness

Agribusiness relating to organic food. Large scale production and mass marketing of organic products.

Organic Food Production Act

Passed in 1990 this act established uniform standards for production and handling of foods labeled organic. This act also set in motion the creation of the national organic standards by the USDA.

Overwintering

Keeping plants and animals alive through the winter. Pastured animals are brought inside during the coldest time and fed on hay and sometimes grain. Mulch is placed around plants to help keep the soil warm and prevent the roots from freezing.