Organic vs Non-Organic

Organic vs Non-Organic is a highly talked about topic when it comes to making the right choices for you and your family.

The word “organic” refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products. Organic farming practices encourage soil and water conservation, and reduce pollution. Farmers growing organic produce do not use conventional methods to fertilize or control weeds and insects. Here are the differences between organic farming and convention/non-organic farming:

Conventional

• Apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth.

• Spray insecticides to reduce pests and disease.

• Use chemical herbicides to manage weeds. Rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to manage weeds.

• Give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to prevent disease.

Organic

• Give animals organic feed and allow access to the outdoors.

• Use preventive methods such as rotational grazing, to help minimize disease.

• Use insects and birds, mating disruption or traps to reduce pests and disease.

• Apply natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, to feed soil and plants.

How to identify food that is organically grown: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established an organic certification program that requires all organic foods to meet strict government standards. Any farmer or food manufacturer who labels and sells a product as organic must be USDA certified. Producers who sell less than $5,000 a year in organic foods are allowed to not have this certification.

100% Organic would be made entirely from organic materials Organic is at least 95% organic materials, with remaining ingredients that are approved by USDA. Made With Organic Ingredients is made with at least 70% organic ingredients and can display 3 organic ingredients on the label. Non-Organic is if there is less than 70% organic ingredients, which cannot be labeled as organic or use the USDA organic seal.

Is organic food more nutritious? A recent study examined the past 50 years’ worth of scientific articles about the nutrient content of organic and conventional foods. The researchers concluded that organically and conventional produced foods are comparable in their nutrient content. But, in his recent book, Jamie Oliver stated otherwise, saying Organic food had much more nutrition which included 60% more antioxidants in veggies, fruit, pulses and cereals.

Other things to consider: Pesticides: Conventional growers use pesticides to protect their crops from insects. According to the USDA, organic produce carries significantly fewer pesticide residues than does conventional produce. However, residues on most products, both organic and non-organic, do not exceed government safety thresholds. Most experts agree that the amount of pesticides found on fruits and vegetables poses very little health risk.

Food Additives: Organic regulations ban or severely restrict the use of food additives, processing aids and fortifying agents commonly used in non-organic foods, including preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colorings and flavorings, and monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Taste: Some people say they can taste the difference between organic and non-organic food. Others say they find no difference. Personally, I can tell the difference because I have been eating it all my life.

Environment: Some people buy organic food for environmental reasons. Organic farming practices are designed to benefit the environment by reducing pollution and conserving water and soil quality.

Cost: Organic produce often costs more than non-organic. Higher prices are due to more expensive farming practices, tighter government regulations and lower crop yields.

Here is a video on disturbing facts about organic food:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2K2SCWpqdE

Here is a video on 'Can we taste the difference?':

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym4s2MeZ9E4

I hope you learnt a bit about what choices you should be making when buying any type of food. Personally, I grow my own food so I know what goes in and what comes out but buying them organically is still a good choice. Next week, I will be writing about GMO - what it is and is it good or bad. Keep reading!