From Desert to Abundance: Overcoming Monoculture Challenges | Soil Food Web School Documentary

By Rose Swartz July 5, 2023 13 mins read 6888 Views

At Belovedsaffron.com, we're passionate about flavours, cultures and cooking wisdom from around the world. We seek to bring you closer to sustainable ingredients sourced from farmers and producers dedicated to preserving culture and tradition. Our mission is to provide everyone with access to remarkable spices, herbs, recipes and organic food that embraces culinary diversity.

Saffron is particularly special for us; its magical scent along with its unique flavour inspires us each day and reveals a world of possibility in the kitchen.

We invite all brave souls who are keen to share their culinary secrets! If you have something delicious on your mind, don't hesitate to share it at [email protected] Let's show our appreciation for all those incredible cultures who dedicate their time and effort towards tantalising taste buds!

For now, love yourself and enjoy this one ...

From Desert to Abundance: Overcoming Monoculture Challenges | Soil Food Web School Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

Is organic the same as pesticide-free?

Organic food is free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers. This means that organic foods are not subject to chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

Organic produce contains more nutrients and is healthier than conventionally manufactured foods, as it does not contain any harmful additives.

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) requires farmers to follow strict guidelines for growing crops certified as organic.

These guidelines include soil preparation, crop rotating, pest control and water conservation.

Organic farming also promotes healthy ecosystems which are beneficial to wildlife and natural habitats.

What does it mean to be an organic food producer?

Organic food producers create products that are grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers. These foods include fruits as well vegetables, grains and dairy products.

When crops are naturally nurtured, organic food production can be achieved. This includes soil preparation, crop rotation, and pest management.

To be organic, an agricultural product must meet the strict criteria of USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).

These guidelines will ensure that consumers have safe, healthy, and nutritious food.

Organic food has many benefits, including lower pesticide residues and higher levels of heavy metal contamination as well as better nutrition and flavor.

USDA certified organic products must bear the USDA Certified Organic label.

This certification indicates that the product meets the requirements of the National Organic Program.

Organic food not only makes us healthier but also helps to protect the environment.

Organic farming methods preserve natural resources, such as water or land. Organic farming techniques also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which contributes to climate change.

Organic agriculture uses fewer chemicals and reduces pollution runoff.

This improves the air quality by reducing the likelihood of harmful gases like ammonia, nitrates and other pollutants building up in your atmosphere.

There are many types to organic farming.

Conventional farming uses synthetic inputs such pesticides and fertilizers.

Regenerative farming includes compost, cover crops, as well as green manures that improve soil health. It also promotes biodiversity.

Agroecology focuses on sustainable relationships between people, plants, and animals.

Permaculture promotes self sufficiency through the creation of systems that imitate nature.

What are the benefits of organic farming?

Organic farming is a way for farmers to grow food naturally without the use chemicals. Farmers don't need to worry that harmful pesticides could harm their crops or animals.

Organic farming also offers more natural fertilizers. These fertilizers help to grow healthy plants and help to reduce the amount of chemical waste produced.

Organic farming is also eco-friendly. For example, organic farming uses composting techniques to re-use nutrients in the soil. This helps to reduce pollution and conserve valuable resources.

Organic farming improves crop yields while also helping the environment. This is because there is much less water used during the growing season.

Organic farming methods can also result in higher prices for farmers' produce. People who are more conscious of the dangers of chemical fertilizers and pesticides will eat healthier food.

This has increased the demand for organic foods. Organic farming is becoming more popular because of this.

Are organic foods better for us?

According to the Environmental Working Group’s latest report on pesticide residues, organic fruits/vegetables had nearly half as many pesticides than non-organic. 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.

Other studies suggest that eating organic food reduces exposure to toxic metals like lead and mercury. 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 traditional fish should not be consumed by pregnant women, due to high mercury levels.

Overall, organic food does seem to be safer than its non-organic counterpart. However, to reduce your risk of cancer and other diseases, experts recommend choosing fresh fruit and vegetables whenever possible.

Why is organic foods important?

For our health, organic produce is crucial. It's the best way to ensure we eat nutritious foods. Not only is it better for us, but it's also more environmentally friendly because it doesn't rely on pesticides and fertilizers.

Organic farming relies on natural methods to cultivate crops, without the use of harmful chemicals. This reduces the risk of environmental pollution, which makes it safer for people and animals. Organic food is a way to help the environment and protect yourself.

The health benefits of organic foods go well beyond our bodies. We all know the negative effects that processed foods can have on our health. Did you know that organic fruits and veggies aren't subject to chemical spray? They taste fresher, look better and last longer.

Because of this, organic foods are so important. Because it's not only healthy for you, it's healthier for the world.

Why should I choose organic?

Conventional agriculture has been linked to several health problems, including asthma, allergies, obesity, diabetes, cancer, birth defects, hormone imbalances, and other diseases. Healthy choices must be made when purchasing food.

The Environmental Working Group offers these tips:

Buy organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible.

USDA organic labels should be used on meat, poultry and eggs as well as milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, honey, and other dairy products.

Avoid processed foods labeled as "natural" or "no additives."

Check ingredient lists carefully. If an ingredient is not listed, it can be added during processing.

Fresh meats are better than canned or frozen. Cans and frozen foods are often less nutritious than fresh meats, such as high fructose corn syrup.

Statistics

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)
Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids were up to 50 percent higher in organic meats and milk than in conventionally raised products.[3] (en.wikipedia.org)
Cosmetic brands such as Laurel and Rose Mira are 100 percent organic and have a wide array of skincare products. (en.wikipedia.org)
When packaged products indicate they are “made with organic [specific ingredient or food group],” they contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients. (usda.gov)

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How To

Organic foods: Are organic foods healthier?

Organic food is produced without chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. They are grown naturally without artificial inputs such pesticides and herbicides. Organic farming practices include crop rotation, cover crops, composting animal manure, recycling wastewater, and integrated pest management (IPM).

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) was established in 2002 to regulate the production, handling, processing, labelling, sale, and distribution of organic products sold in the United States. The NOP regulations ensure that organic agricultural products are produced according to federal standards outlined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Additionally, organic products must not contain prohibited substances like pesticide residues or genetically modified organisms.

For producers in the USA who want their products "organic", there are two kinds of certification programs: one for farmers or ranchers and one for manufacturers. Both programs require that operations are audited annually to verify compliance with the strict standards. These services are offered by several certifying agencies, including CCOF Certified Organic Farmers & Ranchers and Quality Assurance International. These three organizations provide third party verification of farms following strict guidelines on environmental stewardship. labour practices, and animal care.

According to USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS), organic agriculture accounted in 2013 for $4.7 Billion in sales. Retail spending on certified organic products reached nearly $1.5 Billion in 2013. This is a 23 per cent increase from 2009. Sales at grocery stores were up 12 percent during this period. Spending on organic produce was up 29 percent, but only 1 percent on meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy.

Although organic food can be more expensive than regular food, many consumers feel that its quality is well worth the additional cost. Consumer Reports' 2015 survey found that 88% of respondents would spend more on organic food if it had higher nutritional values. Health Affairs also published a study showing that organic foods are less likely for people to get heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or obesity.

Even though there is no evidence organic foods cause or treat diseases, some studies show that they can improve overall health by reducing pesticide and other contaminants exposure. A review of 31 studies that were published in 2010 found that organically raised beef has significantly lower levels than conventionally raised beef. Similar results were also reached by a separate analysis of 11 2012 studies.

The Environmental Working Group's 2014 report examined data from the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Resource Center. It found that foodborne illnesses caused by E.coli, salmonella and listeria monocytogenes and verotoxin producing E.coli O157:H7 declined when organic and non-organic chickens, meat, lamb, dairy, and cheese were compared. After 2006, when USDA required stricter organic standards in animal raising for human consumption, the group noted that E.coli O157 was less common among children and adults.