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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ´s

n this section we add the most common questions made in reference to Organic Products and Certification.

Q- What is Organic Agriculture?
A- The USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) defines organic agriculture as "an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, or enhance ecological harmony. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people." (NOSB, 1997).
“Organic agriculture, as defined by IFOAM, includes all agricultural systems that promote environmentally, socially and economically sound production of food and fibers. Recycling nutrients and strengthening natural processes helps to maintain soil fertility and ensure successful production. By respecting the natural capacity of plants, animals and the landscape, it aims to optimize quality in all aspects of agriculture and the environment. OA dramatically reduces external inputs by refraining from the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, Genetically Modified Organisms and pharmaceuticals. Pests and diseases are controlled with naturally occurring means and substances according to both traditional as well as modern scientific knowledge, increasing both agricultural yields and disease resistance. OA adheres to globally accepted principles, which are implemented within local socio-economic, climatic and cultural settings.


Q- How is the Organic Integrity of a farm or an operation controlled?
A- A third party Accredited Certification Entity visits the farm or the operation at least once a year and verifies the fulfillment of the operation or farm with the applicable organic standards.

Q- How do Organic Farms Control Pests?
A- As it states in its definition, the primary goal of the organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of plants.  A good plant nutrition program is the baseline for a good pest control.  A strong and healthy plant will perform better against diseases, insects and/or weeds.

If necessary, mechanical and physical controls can take place to fight against a pest.  Some natural and/or mineral substances are allowed in section 601 of the 7 CFR Part 205 to be applied to the plants to protect them.    

Q- How do Organic Farms handle Plant Nutrition?
A- As all plants, organic crops need an appropriated proportion of minerals and a good soil for a good growth and development.
Soil and tissue lab analysis are needed to determinate the necessary amount of each element (mineral) for the plant.

Natural and mineral sources are allowed in organic fertilization when:

  1. They are not obtained or are not sub products of GMO´s.
  2. Its extraction and/or production method meet the 7 CFR Part 205 criteria.
  3. All inert ingredients are included in the EPA List 4
  4. Are not included on §205.602 from 7 CFR Part 205

Q- How can we recognize the organic products at the retail store and/or supermarket?
A- The 7 CFR Part 205 in section 311 shows the logo that the organic products produced according to the Rule, will exhibit in their packaging or labels.

Therefore, organic products can be identified from those who are not organic certified.

 
Q- What does the three digits code on the Dole Organic Bananas stands for?
A- These three digits are called Dole Producer Code (DPC).  The DPC identifies an organic producer or a group of small organic producers.  By the use of the DPC in the fruit’s sticker, the bananas can be identified in the shelves of the retail store even when they are taken off the carton box.
By entering the three digits code in the doleorganic.com website, the origin of the fruit can be known.  There is a page for each organic producer or group of small organic producers, with pictures, general information and a link to access the satellite image of the farm with the use of Google Earth.

Q- Is there a difference in terms of flavor, between and organic fruit and a conventional fruit?
A- In Bananas and Pineapples there is no a clear difference between both organic and conventional, but some people do feel a difference as they let us know in the feedback section of our website, please take a look to the comments received from our consumers at: www.doleorganic.com/index.html#feedback.

Q- Why is Ethylene approved for ripening organic bananas?
A- Ethylene is a natural occurring gas and it's synthetic version is identical. Ethylene is approved by the organic regulations in North America, Canada, The European community, Japan, etc. Ethylene when injected in a ripening chamber with pallets of green bananas will trigger the ripening process of the bananas,... just as what happens in nature on the tree or in the field. It can be considered artificial only in the sense that the bananas which are harvested young and thus green are put in contact with the gas by men in a chamber. The process itself and resulting transformation of starch in to sugars is exactly the same as in nature. If bananas would be harvested ripe from the tree and thus yellow they would not be able to travel to the markets without becoming puree during the journey, rot, attract fruit flies, become vinegar, etc.



 
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