In the US, federal organic legislation defines three levels of organics. Products made entirely with certified organic ingredients and methods can be labeled '100 percent organic'. Products with at least 95 percent organic ingredients can use the word 'organic'. Both of these categories may also display the USDA organic seal. A third category, containing a minimum of 70 percent organic ingredients, can be labeled 'made with organic ingredients'. In addition, products may also display the logo of the certification body that approved them.

Fair trade's strategic intent is to deliberately work with marginalized producers and workers in order to help them move from a position of vulnerability to one of security and economic self-sufficiency. It also aims at empowering them to become stakeholders in their own organizations and actively play a wider role in the global arena to achieve greater equity in international trade.

The category of 'sustainable agriculture' is much less codified than Organic or Fair Trade. In general, the purpose behind the phrase 'Sustainable' is that all practices used in the production (and ideally, the marketing as well) should consume no more resources than can be supported by the natural ecosystem. Chemicals and pesticides are frowned upon, as these are far too costly to the ecosystem in their production. Over-packaging is also anathema to this category.