Farming is directly connected to nature, and to you. To make the food you eat, farmers harvest crops that grow in the earth. Those crops become ingredients. This means we all depend on soil, water and biodiversity in order to eat. How farmers farm has a massive impact on nature; it’s up to farmers, food companies like Annie’s, and eaters like you to decide if that impact will be positive.
Recognizing that synthetic pesticides may harm beneficial insects including pollinators, or drift beyond a farmer’s field, affecting nearby fields and ecosystems, we are actively working across our value chain to limit these unintended and potentially harmful impacts.
We want people to enjoy their favorite foods, made with people and our planet in mind.
The USDA Organic standard is a robust and comprehensive legal framework dedicated to minimizing synthetic pesticides through the use of cultural and preventative practices before the application of approved organic crop protection products. And the organic standard goes beyond this: organic farmers emphasize healthy, living, nutritionally balanced soil as the foundation of crop, livestock, and of sustainable and successful farming.
The Power of Organic
Well managed organic farming helps support:
Non-GMOLearn more from the USDA
The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is prohibited in organic products. This means an organic farmer can’t plant GMO seeds, an organic cow can’t eat GMO alfalfa or corn, and an organic cracker producer can’t use any GMO ingredients.
Reducing Chemical Impacts on the EnvironmentLearn more from the USDA
Organic farmers focus on using natural methods to combat pests. Most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are prohibited in organic farming.
Organic LivestockLearn more from the USDA
Organic livestock farmers and ranchers accommodate the health and natural behavior of their animals, including access to pasture for the entire grazing season and no antibiotics or added growth hormones.
Healthier SoilLearn more
The organic program emphasizes supporting healthy, living soil through practices like crop rotation and cover crops.
Water QualityLearn more
Well managed organic systems can protect and enhance water quality.
More BiodiversityLearn more
More biodiversity means that pollinators and other beneficial critters can do their essential jobs.
Reducing Carbon FootprintsLearn more
Well-managed organic systems can increase the return of carbon to the soil.
Reducing Exposure to PesticidesLearn more
Farmers, farm workers and farm communities have reduced exposure to synthetic pesticides.