The term organic has been applied to both measurable
product standards, such as no observed
pesticides, 1as well as process standards. Under the
latter definition, organic foods are distinguished
from conventional foods by production and processing
principles rather than attributes that are noticeable
in the product itself. This philosophy
stresses production and processing without the use
of synthetic chemicals and soil fertility management
that use techniques that enhance biological
activity in the soil such as comporting, green manuring,
and rotating crops (Vandeman and Hayden
1997). Since there is no consensus definition of the
term organic, one contribution of a national standard
would be to clarify what the term represents.