This is wrong, in the US and abroad in many cases.

"All Natural" is a marketing term... "Organic" labeled foods are certified and (in the US) must meet specific requirements set by the USDA.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_certification

I would agree that the GMO component seems overblown, but this also includes controls that protect the environment (reduced pesticides, reduced antibiotic use, more specific dumping regulations) and keeping better audit trails.

It's a certification, yes, but in practice it is arguably more effective from a marketing perspective than it is from a farming practices/audit perspective.

You may be surprised by how many people think Organic == pesticide free, for example.

So how do we know if vegetables were grown in toxic soils containing pesticides?

Good question.

I think there are a few ways to do this e.g.:

1) multiple certifications as mentioned above;

2) brand recognition / brand responsibility (the analogy is myself with the South African butter); and an option that I have suggested which amounts to

3) an/multiple environmental quotient(s) that would score higher if you have a nature reserve on the farm, use less pesticides, use compost, etc.

But, unfortunately, unless you are remarkably well informed on all the suppliers, you simply can't always know. There is an app in France that tries to do this, but I am sure that also opens the door to corruption. In the next 10 years I expect to see more such apps.

I plan on growing most of my vegetables when I'm settled down and/or joining an organic farm vegetable co-op where I can meet with the farmers and be reassured it's all grown in using safe methods and materials.

I had the pleasure of being in an organic vegetable co-op in Oregon, it's such a great idea wish it was easier to access in California.