Answer:

WHO: The USDA certified organic label is overseen by the US government through the Department of Agriculture for the certified organic program. ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop 

WHAT: Organic means: "...a food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.

HOW/HOW MUCH: Manufacturers, producers and suppliers must apply to the USDA for a USDA organic seal. The approval process for organic certification involves submission of information and a site visit. The cost can range $200-1500. www.quicklabel.com/blog/2010/10/how-to-get-a-certified-organic-product-label-in-the-usa

WHO: The non-gmo(genetically engineeered or genetically modifed) project seal is run by the Non-GMO Project, not affiliated with the US government, and is not an organic certification program .

WHAT: The Non-GMO Project http://www.nongmoproject.org/about/ is a 501(c)3 non-profit started by retailers and members of the natural foods and organic industry http://www.nongmoproject.org/product-verification/ that charges a fee for companies to verify that products and ingredients are not from genetically engineered seeds and that products can be traced and tested at "critical control points".

HOW/HOW MUCH: Manufacturers, producers, and suppliers submit their information or product through a 3rd party verification process. According to Non-GMO project website the cost is "customized" www.nongmoproject.org/product-verification/process/

What's the bottom line?: If you purchase products that are USDA certified organic or contain ingredients that are USDA certified organic, these by definition are "non-GMO".

Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN Ingles Markets Corporate Dietitian

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