Many of us like to reach for the organic foods at the grocery store, but what does that label actually mean? A closer look at what goes into making sure our food really is organic, in today's Farm Fact.

Organic farming is a method of production that utilizes non-synthetic products and processes to improve soil quality, manage soil fertility, and optimize pest management. When consumer demand for organic food increased, the organic industry requested the establishment of a national organic program with consistent standards for both farmers and consumers.

As a result, the National Organic Standards Board or the NOSB was created to establish uniform organic production standards and to ensure consumer protection for all products labeled organic in the marketplace.

Organic Farms are required to complete an Organic System Plan or OSP. The OSP, or farm plan as it sometimes called, is unique to each operation and is submitted to the certification agency for review and approval. Producers can get assistance with the development of their plan from a UF/IFAS Extension agent.