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Frequently Asked Questions
What are organic fruits and vegetables?
Organic food does not contain pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Organic foods also have more nutrients such as vitamins C, E and K plus omega-3 fatty acid. These healthy ingredients make organic food better for our bodies and the planet.
Organic foods are grown with sustainable agricultural practices that help to preserve soil quality, and increase biological diversity. They are free from harmful chemicals, radiation, and sewage sludge.
Although organics are most commonly associated with produce, organics can also be found in dairy, meats, poultry, eggs and baked goods.
According to the USDA, "organic" means that crops are raised in compliance with federal standards. Farmers cannot use conventional (non-organic) methods to grow these foods. However, they can use approved organic pest control methods like crop rotation and covering cropping or animal feed made with organic materials.
Further, the farmer must be careful about the amount of pesticide and fertilizer he uses in the growing season. Farmers cannot use genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial growth hormones, synthetic insecticides, or synthetic fertilizers.
All the above requirements are met by vegetables and fruits that are labeled "100% Organic". Some farms don't label their products 100% organic, as it could confuse consumers. Instead, they will label the product as "made from organic ingredients". "
How can you tell organic food from non-organic?
If you ask any chef, he'll tell you there's nothing more important than fresh ingredients. That's because when we eat well, we feel better.
The same applies to our food. Organics can be traced back to their source and whereabouts. We also know it was not treated using harmful chemicals.
Organic foods can be made without synthetic pesticides. Organic farmers aren't allowed to use these substances.
However, organic farming is not an easy task. There are many safe ways to grow them.
Many people refer to organic agriculture as sustainable agriculture. This means that organic farming does not use as many resources as conventional methods, but it still provides the essential nutrients needed to sustain life.
Organic farming practices include crop rotations and cover crops, manure composting, intercropping, and cover cropping. These practices help to prevent soil erosion and improve water purity.
They reduce the amount of chemical runoff that can enter waterways. Many of us live in urban areas so we have access to local farms that produce organic produce.
There are two types of certification programs for organic products. The USDA National Organic Program certifies the one while the independent certifying agency certifies the other. Both require strict adherence of organic standards.
Certified organic products may bear the USDA seal or the symbol O Seal, which indicates that the product meets federal requirements.
Is organic meat healthier?
If you have been paying attention for long enough, you will probably 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 products are not only safer for our health but also reduce pollution and waste.
There are two sides to the coin. Organic produce is more difficult to grow and takes more resources. Organic food is more expensive than non-organic.
Organic meats are typically higher priced than conventionally raised animals. However, there are ways to reduce these costs without sacrificing quality.
Local purchases can help you save money. Buying locally grown fruits and vegetables helps keep prices low because farmers receive incentives to grow healthy crops.
Another way to cut costs is to look for deals. You may be able to get discounts when you buy organics.
Consuming less meat is another way to save cash. Because of the amount of feed required to raise livestock, meat production can become 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.
Why should I buy organic?
Many health issues have been linked to conventional agriculture, including obesity, diabetes and cancer. You must make healthy choices when buying food.
The Environmental Working Group has the following tips for choosing "cleaner" food.
Always purchase organic fruits, vegetables and other products whenever possible.
Look for USDA organic labels on meat, poultry, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and honey.
Avoid processed foods that are labeled "natural" or "no added ingredients."
Check ingredient lists carefully. It is possible to add an ingredient during processing if it isn't already listed.
It is better to eat fresh meats than canned or frozen. Foods that are frozen or canned often have less nutritionally-rich ingredients, such as high fructosecorn syrup.
Is organic food healthier?
There are two types: foods that we grow and those that we purchase from others. There are exceptions to these categories, but most people will answer your question yes. Organic food is healthier as it doesn't contain any harmful chemicals or pesticides, herbicides and preservatives.
There are many supermarkets that sell organic food across North America and Europe. Organic food is now available in most grocery stores, making it easier to find organic foods.
Organic food is better tasting and healthier because it contains more vitamins and minerals. Organics are often grown without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. This means that they do not pollute the soil and water sources.
Organic farming is regulated by the USDA. Farmers must follow strict guidelines to ensure safe eating. There are currently more than 30,000,000 acres of US farmland which have been designated organic.
As an added benefit, organic food is often much cheaper than conventional food. For the same amount, consumers pay less. Organic farms are able to charge lower prices for their crops because they don't have to purchase expensive chemical inputs like insecticides and fungicides.
According to the Environmental Working Group Organic food is actually 10 percent more expensive per pound than conventionally grown food. You can make a change to organic food if your family is concerned about their health.
Organic food has become a popular alternative to standard American diets. Although many may think that organic food is only available at specialty markets and gourmet restaurants, this isn't true. Organic food is easily available in all regular grocery stores in the United States.
In recent years organic food sales increased substantially. In 2012, the US market value for organic food was $43 Billion. This is an increase of $21 Billion from 2007.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
- To provide the highest quality products and services to every customer, with a dedicated workforce that puts the customer first and takes the extra step to achieve 100% customer satisfaction and loyalty. (hollinsorganic.com)
- Popular clothing brands, like Patagonia, are labelled as organic by using 100 percent organic cotton for many of their styles. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ewg.org
- EWG's 2022 Shopper’s Guide to pesticides in produce
- Clean Fifteen(tm). Conventional Produce with the Least Pesticides
ams.usda.gov
doi.org
- 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 concern - A review - Journal of Food Science and Technology
usda.gov
How To
5 Reasons to Buy Organic Products
Organic foods are grown without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. They contain no genetically modified or irradiated food ingredients. They are not made with sewage sludge, industrial solvents, or any other chemical substances. During its growth, the food's natural environment remains unaffected by contamination. It is free from artificial additives and preservatives. It does not contain hormones or antibiotics. They are also grown in conditions that ensure they retain their nutritional value for longer periods of time.
- Health benefits. Nonorganic produce is more chemically-laden than organic. It's therefore less likely that it will cause allergies and other sensitivities. This also means that you are consuming less toxins and carcinogens.
- Eco-friendliness. Organic produce is low in water consumption. Organic farms are located far from cities where there is a lot of pollution, because they require so much energy to grow. This helps to reduce the amount of air pollution.
- Sustainability. Organic farming relies more on soil fertility than chemical fertilizers. This results is healthier soils with higher organic matter. Rotating crops and allowing the soil to rest between harvests improves soil health. Strong immune systems are developed when farm animals only eat grasses and grains that have not been treated with hormones or antibiotics.
- Taste. Because they are picked at their peak ripeness and then shipped long distances to supermarkets, conventional fruits and vegetables can often taste bland. Organic produce tastes sweeter and more rich because it was picked when it was still young.
- Nutrition. GMOs, BPA, and other harmful chemicals are often found in conventional processed foods. You can avoid them by sticking with whole foods such meat, fish, eggs, seafood, seeds and beans, as well as fruits, veggies, herbs, and vegetables.
