Animals in a herd are all bred from within the herd. No animals are purchased from breeders or other sources and incorporated into the herd. This practice limits entry of diseases into the herd.

Some dried fruits are treated with sulfur dioxide (SO2) to retain color and act as a preservative. Some people have allergic reactions to sulfur. Unsulfured fruits are often brown in color. Organic dried fruit must be unsulfured.

The term “artisanal” implies that products are made by hand in small batches, but the term is unregulated and sometimes used by large manufacturers.

Biodynamic farming views the farm as a living organism. In addition to organic practices such as crop rotation and composting, biodynamic farmers rely on special plant, animal, and mineral preparations and the rhythmic influences of the sun, moon, planets, and stars. The term is not regulated, but some biodynamic products are certified by Demeter A [..]

This unregulated term suggests that eggs are laid by hens permitted to roam in the henhouse (but not necessarily with any access to the outdoors). Learn more.

A location approved by a county agricultural commissioner for California farmers to sell their products directly to consumers, regulated through the California Department of Food and Agriculture. 

Farmers who sell at Certified Farmers Markets are required to post a Certified Producer’s Certificate from their county’s agriculture department. The certificate confirms that all their products are grown, raised, or caught in California and sold directly by the producer or their employee or family member. “Certified Producer” does not mean certifi [..]

Produced using standard practices widespread in the agriculture industry, such as monocropping and the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, antibiotics, and genetically modified organisms. This term is often used in contrast to “sustainable.”

Meat (usually beef) that is “dry-aged” is hung in a temperature- and humidity-controlled room for a period of weeks, during which microbes and enzymes break down the connective tissue, making the meat more tender. Most beef is “wet-aged” in plastic bags, which reduces the amount of water (and therefore, money) that is lost and hastens the process. [..]

Grown with little or no irrigation. Special techniques are often used to retain soil moisture. Tomatoes, potatoes, and some orchard crops like apples and apricots can be dry farmed.