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The word 'organic' can be seen on the packaging on all types of products. You also hear it on the news and it is talked about in forums across the internet. But how many people actually know that the term organic means?

The Meriam Webster Dictionary Definition Of Organic
The Meriam Webster online dictionary has a longer explanation of the term "organic" and to see the full definition just visit http://www.merriam-webster.com/ and use the search function or if you would like to jump to the organic specific page just visit http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organic?show=0&t=1301491163
So anyway the shorter version is "...use of food produced with the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides..."

So In Simpler Terms
Basically, when the term organic is referred to when speaking about food crops it means that no harsh chemicals can be used on the plants including fertilizer, soil, water or other product to produce a higher crop yield or to keep pests and bugs away.

Then when you speak about meat you also have to add the the animals feed or the animals themselves cannot have been exposed to antibiotics, stimulants or had any feed which has been exposed any of the ingredients as mentioned in the above paragraph about crops.
When speaking about animals the term organic has nothing to do with the way the animal is treated ( such as penned compared to free range) that is a totally different subject matter.

How Does a Product Get To Use The Label Organic

The USDA is the department that is involved with the labeling regulations ( or allowing the use of the term )of the term organic.
There are 3 different level of organic products and these levels are:

1) Products made completely 100% from organic ingredients and methods may be labeled "100% organic" and display the USDA seal stating this.
2) Products with a minimum of 95% organic ingredients can use the label "organic" and display the seal.
3) Products with a minimum of 70% organic ingredients can be labeled "made with organic ingredients".

(Full information can be found on the USDA website. http://usda.gov )

The above regulations are for US products only. Each country has it own rules and regulations, so if you are living in a country other than the US, you may want to view out your country's view on the term organic,

How You May Be Mislead

Some manufacturers may insinuate, but not openly advertise that organic means that the products are locally grown or that they have a higher nutritional value. Although it may be true, those statements are not to be automatically assumed.
Just as the word "healthy" is not regulated neither is "natural", so while you now know what organic means and that the term is regulated other wording on the package many or may not be regulated.

So be sure to be an informed consumer, keep up on the latest trends and terms in product packaging and try to make the most informed decisions for your family.