NOC Is Celebrating Organic Month

September is Organic Month! NOC wants to take this opportunity to spotlight how organic farming protects people and the planet.

Health: Less Exposure to Toxic Pesticides

The organic seal prohibits more than 900 synthetic pesticides allowed in conventional agriculture. Studies show that even one week on an organic diet can sharply reduce pesticide levels in our bodies. Choosing organic also protects those who are most vulnerable, including farmers, farmworkers, and rural communities, where chronic exposure has been linked to cancers and neurological and respiratory problems.

Trust the Seal: Certified, Inspected, Enforced

Unlike marketing buzzwords, USDA Organic is a regulated standard. In short:

  • Clear rules set by USDA; farmers must prove their practices meet the standard.

  • Annual third-party certification and on-site inspections; records track crops from farm to shelf.

  • Federal oversight and enforcement deter fraud and keep the label honest.

Climate Resilience: Healthy Soils, Lower Risk

Organic practices build living soils that act like carbon sponges. Research shows organic farms store more carbon and are more resilient to droughts and floods.

Biodiversity: More Life on the Land

Organic farms support richer ecosystems—think more bird species, pollinators, and beneficial insects—thanks to required practices like diverse crop rotations, cover crops, hedgerows, and mixed plantings. This biodiversity strengthens natural pest control and long-term productivity.

Grow the Impact

We know organic works. Now we need to scale it up—through smart policy, stronger oversight, and wider market access—so organic can meet today’s health and ecological challenges.

Join Us This Organic Month

Abby Youngblood