NEW YORK (AP) What does it mean when something claims to be "fair trade" or "organic," or when products are said to be made under conditions that protect workers and the environment?

And how can you be certain that the claims are true?

For fair-trade products, look for the "Fair Trade Certified" seal, a black and white logo that is displayed prominently on products like Newman's Own Organics coffee and Starbucks' Cafe Estima Blend. (Not all Starbucks blends are fair-trade certified).

"Fair Trade Certified" is a trademarked label, described by TransFair USA as "an independent, third-party consumer guarantee that companies have complied with strict economic, social and environmental criteria," including direct trade with farmer organizations, bypassing middlemen; fair prices and decent working conditions for workers; democratic decision-making associations for workers and farmers; sustainable agricultural and farm management practices, including restrictions on use of chemicals. TransFair USA says it is the only U.S.-based group among 20 organizations worldwide authorized to certify products as fair trade.

The Web site, http://www.transfairusa.org, lists fair-trade brands of coffee, tea, cocoa, fruit and other products.

For organic products, look for the "USDA Organic" seal from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which certifies that a product is at least 95 percent organic. Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products must come from animals raised without antibiotics or growth hormones; produce must be grown "without using most conventional pesticides" or fertilizers made from synthetic ingredients, and without bioengineering or ionizing radiation, according to the USDA Web site, http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Consumers/brochure.html. Government-approved certifiers must inspect farms and food-processors to ensure compliance.

Some cut flowers carry the USDA Organic label, and TransFair USA plans to introduce a fair-trade label for flowers soon. There is also VeriFlora, a relatively new trademarked label for cut flowers and ornamental plants. It establishes standards for verifying agricultural practices, from soil preparation and seed planting through production, harvest, and post-harvest handling, according to the Web site http://www.veriflora.com. Those agricultural practices include "integrating organic practices as these are proven to be practical," and where not practical, minimizing use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, in addition to recycling and composting agricultural wastes while disposing of chemicals properly. Non-organic pesticides must be "the lowest risk" possible, with "no net discharges of pesticide run-off." Flower-growers getting the VeriFlora label must also increase soil fertility, conservation and erosion control, while using water management techniques to conserve and ensure water quality; and they must adhere to government, labor and community standards for working conditions, including health, safety, wages, living conditions, and hiring practices, while banning discrimination, harassment, physical abuse and forced labor, according to the Web site.

Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports magazine, can help you evaluate the legitimacy of a variety of labels at http://www.eco-labels.org.