Well, first of all, it means the organic farmer must go through a certification process with their local agency. Here in Idaho, a farmer becomes certified through the Idaho Department of Agriculture. Nancy Taylor, a Co-op member, certifies farmers in both Idaho and Washington. She inspects their farms to see that they are meeting organic crop production standards. Organic farmers maintain soil fertility by providing organic matter to encourage biological activity in the soil.
Pest control is accomplished by relying on crop rotation, biological control, and natural materials.
Basically, organic farmers must work with the natural living system on their farm, supplying their soil with the proper balance of organic matter to feed the soil critters, which in turn feeds plants that ultimately give us our nourishment every day. There are a few organic pesticides that are relied on only when absolutely necessary. Usually the organic pesticides are plant-derived, like Pyrethrum, a spray made from an African daisy, that is used to control beetles. It is actually quite toxic at the time of application and the farmer must be very careful when using it, but it biodegrades rapidly and is most frequently used in selective locations on targeted pests. Biological pest control is another way for organic farmers to combat pests by introducing live organisms into their farm ecosystem that prey on the offensive garden pest.