Since the 1970s, the growth of organic farming in the U.S. has expanded exponentially. Thousands of all-organic grocery stores have opened in the last 20 years and the majority of large supermarket chains now offer organic sections in produce, dry goods, and cold storage aisles. Because of this increase in demand for organically grown foods, all areas of the food industry have adapted to the changes this demand requires.
Companies providing storage and transportation of organic foods, for example, have had to alter practices and facilities to meet organic certification. To support the organic food production industry, Minnesota Freezer Warehouse Company offers comprehensive services with organic-certified facilities for climate-controlled storage in the Upper Midwest.
Whether it’s organically or conventionally grown, the food products that come from farm to shelf may look almost exactly the same, but they are different in many ways. From the growing procedures to the packaging requirements, organic and conventional foods follow a different path, from the moment they are harvested to the time they are put into a shopping bag. As a climate-controlled storage provider, MFWC has a significant role in the food production chain, and we understand the importance of organic certification.
What is Organic-Certified Storage?
Becoming certified as an organic climate-controlled storage provider is a step-by-step process. The USDA provides organic certification through accredited third-party certifiers. These certifiers review a facility’s application for organic certification for the basic requirements. If these requirements are met, the certifier performs a thorough on-site inspection of the facilities and company practices. A review of the application and the inspection results will determine if the facilities are USDA organic compliant.
MFWC organic-certified facilities ensure that dry, refrigerated, and frozen organic food products are:
- stored in the appropriate packing materials
- sorted and recorded in an inventory system separate from conventional foods
- organized in organic-appropriate warehouse sections
- protected from cross-contamination or contamination of any kind
- handled in a time-sensitive manner or in other storage practices specific to organic products
Because organic foods are free from many preservatives, residual pesticides or herbicides, and other aspects involved in conventional growing, they often have a more delicate shelf life than other food products. This condition requires specific storage conditions and a highly precise level of climate control with rigorous record keeping.
Without storage and transportation providers who strive to meet organic certification standards, the organic food industry would not be able thrive and create sustainable farming practices. MFWC organic-certified facilities offer reliable climate-controlled storage for short and long-term protection of healthy, flavorful, responsibly sourced food products.
To learn more about our organic-certified climate-controlled storage in the Upper Midwest and other quality food storage facilities, contact Minnesota Freezer Warehouse Company at (507) 373-1477 today.