What Do “Organic” and “Clean” Mean in Farming?

When it comes to ingredients, many people and brands use words like “organic,” “clean,” and “natural” somewhat interchangeably. However, organic has a specific definition when it comes to farming. Certified Organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Instead, it relies on natural methods (like crop rotation, compost, and cover crops) to support soil health and biodiversity. Farms must follow a specific set of standards (which are set by the USDA for farms in the United States) and pass third-party tests to achieve organic certification. 

“Clean farming” doesn’t have to follow regulated standards or a certification. Rather, it’s more of a philosophy that reflects consumer values. Think of it as an additional layer that emphasizes transparency and integrity at every stage of the supply chain -- from growing to production and beyond. That means choosing ingredients grown without harmful chemicals, sourced responsibly, and processed as little as possible so they stay closer to their natural state. However, this isn’t an explicit definition; the meaning and understanding of “clean” depends on the individual and can change over time as marketplace trends and consumer values shift.

Key Environmental Considerations

While clean farming may not have a specific set of requirements, it can include a variety of practices aimed at reducing synthetic chemical use and improving biodiversity and soil quality. A growing number of farmers are even embracing regenerative and biodynamic farming with the goal of creating a self-sustaining ecosystem on the farm. There are many potential benefits to this cleaner, more holistic approach...

• Soil Health + Carbon Storage: Healthy soil is vital for healthy crops -- but the benefits go far beyond that. Organic practices like composting and avoiding synthetic inputs help soil store more carbon, keeping it out of the atmosphere and slowing the effects of climate change. Rich soil also holds water better and supports more resilient crops and biodiversity.
• Water Quality + Conservation: Conventional farming often relies on chemical fertilizers and pesticides (sometimes in large volumes) that can run off into rivers and streams, harming aquatic life. Organic farming reduces this risk by using natural fertilizers and maintaining healthier soil that requires less irrigation.
• Biodiversity Protection: Most first-line conventional pesticides and herbicides are broad-spectrum, meaning they’re designed to kill nearly all non-crop plant and insect species. Fields managed with organic methods have an average of 30% more biodiversity across studies. Providing safe habitats for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects is critical for resilient ecosystems and future food security.
• Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: While all agriculture has an environmental footprint, organic farms typically use less energy-intensive inputs and fewer pesticides that contribute to climate change. A forty-year study conducted by the Rodale Institute showed that organic farms use 45% less energy compared to conventional farms.

 What Does “Clean Farming” Look Like in Practice?

Unlike organic, which is a regulated certification with clear standards, “clean farming” isn’t an official label. Instead, it’s a philosophy that goes beyond organic requirements, emphasizing sustainability, transparency, minimal processing, and farming practices that respect both people and the planet.

In practice, that can look like:

• Minimizing synthetic fertilizer and pesticide use or following organic practices
• Using no-till methods and composting to improve soil health
• Integrating trees and shrubs into crop and/or livestock systems to create diverse and resilient landscapes
• Rotating crops and using cover crops to maintain nutrient-rich soil and reduce the need for fertilizers
• Incorporating native and perennial plants

How Certifications + Sourcing Fit In

Labels aren’t just marketing tactics; they’re promises that help you shop with confidence. Each certification represents years of work, strict oversight, and a commitment to farming practices that put people and the planet first. Here are a few of the certifications we at GoMacro® choose to uphold…

• Certified USDA Organic: This certification ensures no synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs are used. Organic farmers also rely on practices that build healthier soil and protect water quality, creating long-term benefits for the environment.
• Certified C.L.E.A.N.: While organic refers to how ingredients are produced, this lesser-known certification ensures that our products are made with whole, minimally processed ingredients free of harmful additives—further reflecting our commitment to pure, wholesome foods.
• Non-GMO Project Verified: This seal guarantees that crops and ingredients are free from genetic modification. It also supports biodiversity by protecting native plant varieties and encouraging lower herbicide inputs.
• Certified Vegan: No animal products or byproducts are used, ever. Choosing vegan means reducing demand on resource-heavy animal agriculture while supporting a more compassionate and sustainable food system.

Beyond labels, we go a step further by partnering directly with farmers and suppliers who share our values. That means prioritizing transparency, fair practices, and long-term relationships that strengthen farming communities. When you see these certifications on a MacroBar®, you’re not just choosing a snack; you’re joining a larger movement toward sustainability, integrity, and care for the planet we all share.

Consumer Guide: How to Support Better Farming + the Environment

• Favor brands that disclose supplier standards: Look for companies that openly share how their ingredients are grown and sourced rather than relying on greenwashing or marketing jargon.
• Reduce waste by recycling and composting packaging: Get to know your local recycling and composting rules and choose brands that invest in sustainable packaging.
• Consider product footprints and consumption habits: Even small shifts in consumption can have an environmental impact. Only buy what you’ll use to reduce food waste. Consider the full scope of what goes into producing the foods you eat, from farming to packaging to shipping.

At GoMacro, we’re proud to create bars with thoughtfully sourced, organic ingredients, because we know that what’s better for the planet is better for all of us. Explore our sustainability commitments, learn more about our certifications, and find your favorite MacroBars to snack with purpose.