In food labeling, "organic" refers to what type of farming practices?

The definition of "organic" in food labeling pertains specifically to agricultural methods that prioritize sustainability and environmental health. This includes practices that do not utilize synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, aligning with organic farming's commitment to natural processes and the avoidance of chemicals that can harm both the environment and human health.

Organic farmers often focus on soil health, crop rotation, and biodiversity as essential components of their farming practices. They may also employ natural pest management techniques and organic composting to enrich the soil, thereby enhancing the overall ecosystem.

The other choices relate to farming practices that do not correspond with the organic certification standards. For instance, using synthetic pesticides or fertilizers is explicitly against organic principles, maximizing yield does not inherently consider the ecological implications of such methods, and the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) contradicts the core tenets of organic farming, which emphasizes traditional breeding techniques and natural genetic diversity.

Thus, the correct answer highlights the foundational principle of organic farming centered on avoiding synthetic chemicals, which is crucial for understanding organic labeling in the context of food science.