Is Raw Living Spirulina certified organic?

Understanding Spirulina and Organic Certification

Spirulina’s Growth Environment

Like plants grown through hydroponic systems, spirulina grows in water. Unlike traditional crops cultivated in soil, Spirulina’s aquatic nature poses unique challenges regarding organic certification. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) typically reserves the “Organic” label for products grown in soil, which means aquatic plants like Spirulina do not naturally fit within these guidelines.

Organic Labeling and Concerns

Some Spirulina products labeled as “Organic” might use animal waste, such as urea derived from cow urine, as a fertilizer in their water-based cultivation process. This practice is predominantly seen outside the United States, particularly in countries like China and India. Such methods can lead to contamination with heavy metals and other impurities, affecting the taste and smell of the final product. Additionally, these products often undergo irradiation upon entering the U.S. market to meet safety standards.

Consumers should be cautious of Spirulina marketed as “organic” but claiming to be manufactured in the USA; this usually means it was merely packaged there rather than grown under organic conditions.

Raw Living Spirulina’s Approach

Raw Living Spirulina distinguishes itself by using 100% earth-based nitrates without resorting to pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It is cultivated in controlled environments using fresh spring water to ensure purity and high quality. This method avoids the pitfalls of traditional organic labeling practices for aquaculture crops.

Challenges with USDA Organic Standards

The USDA’s current organic standards are primarily designed for terrestrial farming involving soil. These standards require organic farmers to use manure compost as a nitrogen source. Applying these rules to aquaculture crops like Spirulina would mean introducing cow manure into water tanks—a practice Raw Living Spirulina avoids to maintain product integrity.

We advocate for an update to USDA organic standards that better accommodate aquaculture practices. It argues that its methods produce a product superior to what is currently labeled as “organic.”