The demand for organic food has grown worldwide, and many consumers expect that it will be produced under high standards of animal welfare. A review of the available literature suggests that this is generally the case.
However, there is a lack of scientifically evaluated, organically acceptable treatments that farmers can use to treat sick animals. This can lead to delays in administering treatment and prolongs the suffering of the animals.
Supports Ethical Treatment of Animals
In organic animal production, there is less intensive use of antibiotics to manage disease. This is a positive development, as the overly prevalent prophylactic use of antibiotics is one of the main contributors to increasing antibiotic resistance in bacteria that can cause human illness [70].
Organic produce has lower – up to 81% – levels of pesticide residues than conventional fruits and vegetables. This is largely due to the fact that organic food producers must not use synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
Moreover, organic meat is derived from animals that are raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics. This is a great improvement from the typical industrially-raised animals that are fed grains, antibiotics, animal byproducts and sewage sludge. These ingredients often cause health problems in the long term for both animals and people. In addition, organic milk and eggs come from free range or caged hens (battery). These are important improvements for animal welfare.
Supports Healthy Environments
Animals raised organically aren’t given antibiotics, growth hormones, or fed meat byproducts. Feeding animals these substances increases the risk of mad cow disease and creates antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that are harmful to humans. Organic livestock also receive more stable space and can go outdoors, which keeps them healthier.
ASPCA advocates support the idea that organic farming methods offer better animal welfare than conventional alternatives. However, it’s important to note that even the best farmers can run into health problems in the field. And when those health problems occur, it’s crucial that appropriate medications are used to restore an animal’s health and prevent further illness or suffering.
In addition, although current organic standards require livestock to have access to the outdoors and more space to move around, many of these requirements are insufficiently specific. This widens the gap between consumer expectations and the reality on some organic farms. Until reforms are made to strengthen these requirements, it’s unclear how much impact organic production actually has on animal welfare.
Supports Healthy Families
Many consumers purchase organic foods because they believe they are healthier and do not contain toxic pesticides and fertilizers, growth hormones, antibiotics or GMOs. Some families also choose organic because they want to ensure the animals used in their products are raised humanely and do not endure caged or battery farming conditions.
Organic farms use a combination of management practices, alternative remedies and conventional medicines to manage the health of their animals. In general, organic animal welfare is equivalent to that of non-organic herds although some studies show higher incidence of certain diseases on recently converted organic dairy farms compared to traditional or other organic farmers.
A concern is that adherence to organic philosophies of reduced reliance on conventional medications may lead some farmers to delay treatment of sick animals until alternative treatments have failed which could prolong the suffering of the animal. More research is needed on this issue.
Supports Healthy Communities
Many organic animal producers focus on health, ecology and fair relationships between themselves, their animals and the environment. The organic standards require that livestock must be raised in conditions that replicate the key features of their natural behaviour and environment - including large amounts of space, clean housing, free movement, access to the outdoors and reduced stocking densities.
In addition, procedures that cause pain – such as beak trimming in poultry, castration in beef cattle and sheep, and tail docking in lambs – are not allowed. This reduces the likelihood of abnormal behaviors such as feather pecking and tail biting, which are major welfare issues in intensively managed non-organic systems.
However, when an animal becomes ill and alternative treatment methods fail, there is often a concern that conventional medicines like antibiotics are withheld in order to preserve organic status, thus prolonging the suffering of sick animals. Developing more scientifically evaluated, organically acceptable therapeutic treatments is essential to improve this situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which organic products are most in demand?
Today organic food is the fastest-growing sector. Even though we have come a long ways from our roots there is still plenty of room for growth.
Organic products are the future. Organic products are safer and better for the environment. They also make it more affordable for consumers.
But they also tend to be higher priced. This is why we created the Organic Food Index. We wanted to know which foods are popular today and whether trends are changing.
The results of the study show that organic food has become more popular. Between 2011 and 2012 the number of Americans buying organic food increased nearly 50%.
According to USDA, organic food production increased by 10% only last year. Organic food now makes up 9% U.S. agriculture output.
Organic food is definitely on the rise, but it still seems expensive for consumers. According to the Organic Trade Association, (OTA), organic food retail prices are nearly twice as expensive than conventional options.
The organic food sector is growing faster than other segments of the food supply. Looking closely at the data, you'll see that organic food consumption has grown steadily since 2009.
According to OTA's data, organic products sold in supermarkets grew at 14% between 2010 - 2011.
This increase reflects consumer demand for healthier foods, which explains why organic food sales are increasing across all age groups.
The younger generation is however leading the charge for organic food. Millennials are twice as likely than baby boomers to buy organic foods. The 25% of organic food purchase made by younger adults below 35 are made up of young adults.
What are organic foods and how do they compare?
Organic produce is free from synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, sewage sludge and confinement feeding. No growth hormones are used. Animal testing is also not done. These crops can be grown naturally by farmers, and they don't need to be treated with chemicals to control pests or weeds.
Organic farming practices help maintain soil quality and reduce erosion. Organics are also better for your health as they contain more nutrients that conventional food. Organic foods are often higher in fiber, lower in fat, and less calories than those produced conventionally.
What are some of the benefits of organic agriculture?
Organic farming is a way for farmers to grow food naturally without the use chemicals. Farmers don't have worry about whether harmful pesticides are affecting their crops or animals.
Organic farming also permits for the use of natural fertilizers. These fertilizers help to grow healthy plants and help to reduce the amount of chemical waste produced.
Organic farming can also be environmentally friendly. For example, organic farming uses composting techniques to re-use nutrients in the soil. This reduces pollution and preserves valuable resources.
Organic farming can increase crop yields and help the environment. This is due to the fact that organic farming uses much less water during growth season.
Organic production methods result in farmers receiving higher prices. Consumers who are more informed about the dangers of pesticides or chemical fertilizers will demand healthier food.
This drives up the demand for organic products. Organic farming is becoming more popular because of this.
Why is organic produce important?
Organic produce is vital for our health. Organic produce is the best way to eat healthy foods. It's not only better for us but also it's more sustainable as it doesn't rely upon pesticides and fertilers.
Organic farming is a natural method of growing crops that uses no harmful chemicals. This results in fewer environmental pollutants and makes organic farming safer. When you choose organic food, both you and the earth are protected.
But organic food offers more than just health benefits. We all know how toxic processed food can make you feel. Organic fruits and vegetables aren’t subject to chemicals spray. This means they are more fresh tasting, last longer and look better.
Because of this, organic foods are so important. It's healthy for you and the planet.
Organic foods are better for us.
The Environmental Working Group's most recent report on pesticide residues found in food shows that organic fruits and veggies had almost half the pesticide content of non-organic. The Environmental Working Group found that organic apples contained eight-times less pesticides than other non-organic fruits, and organic strawberries had fourfold more than their conventional counterparts.
Another study suggests that organic food can reduce exposure to toxic metals such as lead and mercury. For instance, one study showed that children who consumed organic meat had 33% less blood lead levels than children who did not. A second study found that conventional fish should be avoided by pregnant women due to the high levels of mercury.
Organic food seems to be safer than the non-organic. Experts recommend fresh vegetables and fruits whenever possible in order to reduce the risk of getting cancer.
What are some things I should look out for when purchasing organic goods?
USDA-certified organic label are desirable. This guarantees that the product meets certain USDA standards. On packages, boxes, cartons or cans, look out for the USDA Organic seal.
When purchasing meat, ensure it is 100% organic. Cattle are ruminants which means that they chew the cud. Ruminant cattle have four stomach areas: rumen (reticulum), omasum (omasum), and abomasum. To be labeled '100% organic, all animal parts must be organically nourished.
When buying chicken, make sure it comes only from chickens fed 100% organic feed and never given antibiotics. Omnivore chickens eat both animals and plants. Omnivorous chickens have a digestive tract composed of a crop, proventriculus, gizzard, small intestine, large intestine, and anus.
When buying dairy products, ensure they come from cows fed 100% organically grown feed. Just like ruminants, dairy cows also have four stomachs. The fourth stomach, or the udder is where you get milk.
Check the label when purchasing livestock of any other type to find out what percentage was used in the animal's diet. One example is pork that may be labeled '95% Organic'. This means that 95 percent came from organic sources.
What are natural beauty products?
Organic Beauty Products are natural products without synthetic chemicals such as petroleum, parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, and artificial preservatives. These ingredients are common in cosmetics such as shampoos, perfumes, and cosmetics.
Organic beauty products are not tested on animals and contain no genetically modified organisms.
The USDA defines organic as "a system that fosters the cycling of resources." It has been used for many decades to describe food products grown without pesticides.
The harmful effects of chemical compounds on our bodies have led to an increase in the demand for ecofriendly beauty products.
These include cancer, allergies and skin irritation.
Organic beauty businesses are committed to providing safe, healthy products that consumers can use while protecting the environment.
Statistics
- When packaged products indicate they are “made with organic [specific ingredient or food group],” they contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients. (usda.gov)
- Cosmetic brands such as Laurel and Rose Mira are 100 percent organic and have a wide array of skincare products. (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)
- 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)
External Links
[TAG39]
- Occupational Pesticide Exposures and Cancer Risk: A Review: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B: Vol 15, No 4
- Genetically modified foods: Safety, Risks and Public Concerns - A Review - Journal of Food Science and Technology
[TAG42]
[TAG45]
- Organic food and the impact on human nutrition: A comparison of the status-quo and potential research - ScienceDirect
- Technical Note: Simultaneous vitamin and carotenoid analysis of milk from total mixed-ration-fed cows is optimized for xanthophyll detection. ScienceDirect
[TAG48]
How To
What happens to the body when you switch over to organic products
Organic products can be grown without synthetic fertilizers, hormones or antibiotics. They come from clean water sources and free-range animals. The term "organic" means they do not contain any chemicals or additives. This product was naturally produced and contains no harmful chemicals.
The term "natural" refers to how food is grown. It's used to describe foods that have not been altered into their final form (e.g. fruits). Natural foods are often fresher because they're not subject to heat radiation, chemical preservatives or any other treatment. But, not everyone believes that natural foods are healthy. Experts say that there aren't many differences between organic and conventional food. Both types of food are tested for safety, quality, and purity. Organic produce has less pesticide residues and pollutant than conventionally grown food.
Most grocery stores now carry organic meats and poultry. For organic meats, poultry, eggs and seafood, you should check with your local supermarket. Some companies only sell organic products, while others offer separate sections. USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified are some of the options.
You should avoid eating these items if you are pregnant or nursing. Pesticides can harm unborn infants and babies.
Resources:
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