What does an "organic" label really mean? Prices for organic foods are generally higher than those that don't sport an organic label So what does the "USDA Organic" label actually mean? USDA certified organic foods must be produced under federal guidelines for soil quality, animal rearing and pesticide use Organic produce grows in soil that uses no pesticides, for three years prior to harvest Animals reared for organic meat must be able to express their natural behaviours, and they are not given hormones or antibiotics When packaged products say they are “made with organic ingredients,” this means they contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients