For oatmeal to be considered certified organic, the oats should grow in organic fields where pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers are involved. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Kosher allow organic farmers to use some pesticides of plant origin or pure chemicals such as sulfur and copper. Most farmers use crop rotation, natural pest-control methods, and green manure fertilizers.
Regular oatmeal exposes you to chemicals such as pesticides and inorganic fertilizers. These oats, unlike the organic oats, might be genetically modified, GMO. With the strict standards followed in producing organic oats, you can expect the price to be a little higher than that of regular oats. Nevertheless, the advantages of better health that come with organic oats are worth a little increase in price.
Both oats are available as cereals, granola, energy bars, and baked goods.