"The truth about Organic Honey in the U.S.: Local vs Imported"

🍯 Is U.S. Honey Really Organic? What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever stood in the grocery aisle wondering whether that jar of “organic honey” is truly organic—especially if it’s made in the United States—you’re not alone. With so many labels and claims, it can be hard to know what you’re really buying. Let’s break it down together and explore what “organic honey” actually means in the U.S., and how local beekeepers approach clean, natural honey production.

🐝 What Does “Organic Honey” Mean?

To start, the USDA has a well-known organic certification program. However, here’s the catch: it doesn’t have specific rules just for honey or beekeeping. That means honey is certified organic based on general farming standards—not tailored guidelines for how bees are managed or how far they fly.

Because of this, U.S. beekeepers face a big hurdle. Bees can fly up to 5 miles in search of nectar, and unfortunately, there’s no way to guarantee that all those flowers are growing in organic conditions. So even if a beekeeper uses only organic treatments and feeds, they can’t fully control what their bees bring back to the hive.

🌍 Why Most “Organic Honey” Is Imported

As a result, most honey sold in the U.S. with a USDA Organic label actually comes from countries like Brazil, Canada, or Mexico. These countries have apiculture-specific organic standards, which the USDA recognizes through international agreements. That’s why foreign producers often make the honey, even though retailers sell it here in the U.S.

🐝 What About Local U.S. Honey?

On the flip side, many American beekeepers follow natural, low-impact practices that align with organic principles—even if they can’t officially label their honey as USDA Organic. Instead, you might see terms like:

“Raw honey” – unfiltered, unpasteurized, straight from the hive
“Naturally produced” – often free from synthetic chemicals
“Certified Naturally Grown” – a grassroots alternative to USDA Organic

These labels often reflect the same care and commitment, without the red tape of certification.

✅ What Should You Look For?

So, what’s the best honey to buy? That depends on your priorities:

If you want official USDA Organic certification, look for imported honey from countries with strict organic rules.
If you prefer to support local, sustainable farms, choose raw, natural honey from a trusted beekeeper nearby.
Always read labels carefully—and when in doubt, ask your local beekeeper how they manage their hives!

❤️ Why We Choose Natural Over “Organic”

At Reynwicks on Little Creek Farm, we believe in transparency, sustainability, and staying as close to nature as possible. While our honey doesn’t carry a USDA Organic seal, we use gentle, chemical-free beekeeping methods that put the health of our bees—and the purity of our honey—first.

In the end, it’s not just about the label. You should know where your honey comes from, how beekeepers make it, and what values guide each jar.