A new USDA seal will be the only permissible marker. The weed and pest-control methods to which this refers include crop rotation, hand cultivation, mulching, soil enrichment, and encouraging beneficial predators and microorganisms. If these methods are not sufficient, various listed chemicals can be used. The proposal does not call for monitoring specific indicators of soil and water quality, but leaves the selection of monitoring activities to the producer in consultation with the certifying agent. For raising animals, antibiotics are not permitted as growth stimulants but are permitted to counter infections.
Genetic engineering is also permissible.
Generally, it is agriculture produced through a natural as opposed to synthetic process. The natural portion of the definition is fairly obvious, but process is an equally critical distinction. When we certify organic, we are certifying not just a product but the farming and handling practices that yield it. When you buy a certified organic tomato, for instance, you are buying the product of an organic farm. And, consumers are willing to fork over a little more for that tomato.