Could earthworms help transform the future of organic farming? - BBC World Service, CrowdScience

By Cherry Crawford June 23, 2023 14 mins read 7622 Views

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Could earthworms help transform the future of organic farming? - BBC World Service, CrowdScience

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits to organic farming?

Organic farming offers farmers a method of growing food that doesn't require the use of chemicals. Farmers don't have worry about whether harmful pesticides are affecting their crops or animals.

Organic farming can also use natural fertilizers. These fertilizers promote healthy plants and decrease the amount of chemicals used.

Organic farming is also eco-friendly. Farmers often use composting techniques to recycle nutrients back into the soil. This helps to reduce pollution and conserve valuable resources.

Organic farming can increase crop yields and help the environment. This is because organic agriculture uses less water in the growing season.

Organic production also means that farmers get higher prices for their products. Consumers who are more aware about the dangers associated with pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and other chemicals will choose healthier foods.

This drives up the demand for organic products. For these reasons, organic farming is becoming increasingly popular.

Are organic meats better?

If you've been paying any attention, you likely already know the answer. This is the crux of it: organic food has been growing in popularity while conventional food has fallen out of favor.

Organic foods are becoming more popular because they are better for us. Organic foods are also safer for our overall health and reduce pollution.

However, there are also two sides to this coin. Organic produce takes more time to grow and requires greater resources. This means that organic food costs more money than its non-organic counterpart.

Organic meats can be more expensive that those from conventionally raised animals. However, it is possible to reduce costs without compromising on quality.

Local purchases can help you save money. Locally grown produce helps to keep the prices down because farmers are given incentives to grow healthy crops.

Deals are another way to cut costs. There are often discounts offered when purchasing organics.

Consuming less meat is another way to save cash. Due to the cost of raising livestock, meat production can be expensive.

There are many reasons that organic food is better than regular food for our bodies, and also for the planet. However, it is important to remember the price.

Organic means it is free from pesticides?

Organic food is organic and free of pesticides. This means that organic food is not exposed to pesticides or fertilizers.

Because it is free from harmful additives, organic produce has higher nutritional value than conventionally produced food.

The USDA National Organic Program, (NOP), requires farmers to adhere to strict guidelines when cultivating organic crops.

These guidelines address soil preparation, crop rotations, pest control, water conservation, harvesting, and other practices.

In addition, organic farming methods promote healthy ecosystems, which benefit wildlife and natural habitats.

Why is organic produce important?

It is essential for our health to eat organic produce. It is the best option to ensure that we eat nutritious food. It's better for us and more sustainable because it doesn’t depend on pesticides or fertilizers.

Organic farming uses natural methods of cultivating crops that are free from harmful chemicals. This reduces the risk of environmental pollution, which makes it safer for people and animals. By choosing organic food, you are protecting the planet as well as yourself.

Organic food has many benefits that go beyond health. We all know the negative effects that processed foods can have on our health. Organic fruits and vegetables aren’t subject to chemicals spray. That means that they taste fresher, look brighter and last longer too.

Organic food is so important. Organic is healthy for your health and for the environment.

Are organic foods better?

According to the Environmental Working Group's latest report on pesticide residues in foods, organic fruits and vegetables had nearly half the level of pesticides compared with non-organic versions. They found that organic apples contained eight times fewer pesticides than non-organic apples, while organic strawberries were four times cleaner than their conventional counterparts.

Some studies also suggest that eating organic food helps reduce your exposure to toxic metals, such as mercury and lead. One study found that organic meats had 33 percent less lead in children than the levels of those who did not eat them. Another study concluded conventional fish consumption should be stopped by pregnant women because it contains high levels of mercury.

Organic food tends to be healthier than nonorganic. However, to reduce your risk of cancer and other diseases, experts recommend choosing fresh fruit and vegetables whenever possible.

Is organic food healthier?

There are two types: foods that we grow and those that we purchase from others. Of course, there are exceptions to both categories, but for the most part, the answer to your question is yes. Organic food is safer because it does not contain any harmful chemicals.

You can find organic foods in supermarkets across North America. Many grocery stores now stock organic food. This makes it easier to shop organic.

Organic food is better tasting and healthier because it contains more vitamins and minerals. Organics are also grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, so they don't pollute our soils and water supplies.

Organic farming is regulated by the USDA. Farmers must follow strict guidelines to ensure safe eating. There are over 30 million acres of US organic farmland.

Organic food is often cheaper than traditional food. Consumers are paying less for the same amount of calories, protein, and nutrients. Organic farms are free to charge less for their crops, as they don't need to pay expensive chemical inputs such insecticides orfungicides.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), organic food actually costs 10% less per pound. Consider switching to organic foods if you are concerned about your health and the well-being of your family.

Organic food has become an increasingly popular alternative to American standard diets. Organic food is not only available in gourmet restaurants and specialty markets, as many people may believe. Organic food can be purchased in most grocery stores across the United States.

In recent years organic food sales increased substantially. The market value of organic food in the US was $43 billion in 2012, up from $21 billion in 2007.

How can I determine if my produce was organic?

These three labels are essential if you want to be certain that you are purchasing organic produce.

USDA Organic Certified - Produce certified by the USDA as being 100% organic.

Certified Naturally-Grown - Produce which has passed strict organic practices requirements, but not yet received USDA certification.

Pastured/Freerange - Products made from animals who graze freely and are outdoors.

These labels are used to indicate that the product meets specified criteria.

No synthetic fertilizers or pesticides
No genetically modified organisms
Animals are never given antibiotics
The animal is never given any hormones
No growth-promoting drug
No feed additives
No artificial ingredients
No irradiation
There's no sewage waste sludge
No GMOs
No antibiotics ever given
No hormones ever given
There are no growth-promoting drugs
No feed additives
No artificial ingredients
No sewage effluent (if it isn't a GMO).
No irradiation

I hope you found the article useful.

Statistics

According to a study performed by consumerreports.org, organic products, compared to non-organic products, ranged anywhere from 13 percent cheaper to 303 percent more expensive. (en.wikipedia.org)
Brands participating in this challenge are committed to using 100 percent sustainable cotton by 2025.[5] (en.wikipedia.org)
Once certified by the USDA, it can fall into one of four categories: "100 percent organic", "organic," "made with organic ingredients," or "made with less than 70 percent organic ingredients. (en.wikipedia.org)
As for organic meat, regulations require that animals be raised in living conditions that accommodate their natural behaviours (like the ability to graze on pasture), fed 100% organic feed and forage, and not administered antibiotics or hormones. (usda.gov)

External Links

How To

Is there anything negative about buying organic products?

Organic food has many benefits. There are, however, some drawbacks. There are also higher consumer prices and lower quality standards.

There's nothing wrong with wanting more variety when it comes to groceries. But we've been conditioned to expect cheap foods that taste awful. It's because most grocery stores carry identical prepackaged food.

Organic food is increasingly becoming popular, thanks to the fact that it has better nutrition and tastes amazing. How can you convince people it is worth spending a little more?

It's possible to tell them that organic food is more expensive. However, this doesn't mean that organic food tastes better. It might even make them suspicious of your motives.

Instead, you should highlight its many benefits. Organic food has more nutrients, and is free of pesticides and other antibiotics. Organic food is healthier for you and your environment because it doesn't contain synthetic fertilizers or herbicides.

Many people don't want to eat organic food because it is too expensive. But if they think about the health benefits, it may be worth spending a few bucks per week.

Organic food tastes great because it is made according to strict guidelines. Organic food is more likely to contain vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants.

Organic food tastes better because it is picked later in the season. This makes organic food fresher and easier for you to digest.

Organic food is typically cheaper, because organic farming requires less labour and fertilizer.