Organic cotton is generally understood as cotton from plants not genetically modified and that is certified to be grown without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals, such as fertilizers or pesticides. Its production also promotes and enhances biodiversity and biological cycles. In the United States, organic cotton plantations are required to enforce the National Organic Program (NOP). This institution determines the allowed practices for pest control, growing, fertilizing, and handling of organic crops. As of 2007, 265,517 bales of organic cotton were produced in 24 countries, and worldwide production was growing at a rate of more than 50% per year. COUNT 5
QSN1 What are organic plants understood to be? ANS1 not genetically modified QSN2 Without what are organic plants meant to be grown ?  ANS2 synthetic agricultural chemicals QSN3 What is meant by synthetic chemicals? ANS3 fertilizers or pesticides QSN4 What group in the US determines the allowed practices in organic agriculture? ANS4 National Organic Program QSN5 How much organic cotton was produced worldwide in 2007? ANS5 265,517 bales