Certified organic produce refers to fruits and vegetables that have been grown and produced according to specific organic standards and regulations set forth by a government agency or third-party certifier. These standards typically prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the production process. To be certified organic, farmers must follow specific guidelines and undergo a certification process to ensure compliance.
On the other hand, "organically-grown" produce refers to fruits and vegetables that may have been grown using organic practices but have not been certified by a government agency or third-party certifier. This means that the produce may not meet the same stringent standards as certified organic produce, and there is no guarantee that synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs were not used in the production process.
In summary, certified organic produce is strictly regulated and meets specific organic standards, while organically-grown produce may or may not have been grown using organic practices and is not subject to the same regulations and standards as certified organic produce.