Based on the provided search results, “sub-organic” is not a standard, universally defined scientific or regulatory term, but rather a descriptive term used to describe products that do not meet the full, strict requirements for “organic” certification. 
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Key Interpretations of “Sub-Organic” (or Sub-Level of Organic):
- Marketing/Labeling Term: It often refers to products that are “Made with Organic Ingredients” but do not meet the 95–100% threshold required for the official USDA Organic seal.
- Ingredient Thresholds:
- 100% Organic: Entirely organic ingredients.
- Organic: At least 95% organic ingredients.
- Made with Organic: Contains at least 70% organic ingredients. Anything with less than 70% is generally not considered “organic” by official standards.
- Alternative Practices: In some contexts, it can refer to farming practices that are “natural” or “sustainable” but have not undergone the rigorous, costly, and sometimes heavily indebted process of formal organic certification.
- “Almost” Organic: It describes products that may use some organic methods (e.g., no GMOs) but may still allow certain synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, or are grown near conventional farms where cross-contamination occurs. Reddit +4
In Summary:
Sub-organic refers to items that fall below the 95%–100% threshold of certified organic food, often containing between 70–94% organic ingredients, or, informally, products that use some, but not all, natural farming methods. Beyond Pesticides +3