|
Organic Food
Custom Search
Organic food is produced without pesticides, hormones and antibiotics. And, because it?s free of potentially harmful chemicals, organic baby food also may lower your baby?s risk of developing food allergies.[4] Organic food is everywhere: co-ops, farmers’ markets, specialty stores, and now even big box stores and major grocery chains. In fact, organic food sales are increasing 20 percent per year, according to Craig Minowa, an environmental scientist at the Organic Consumers Association, a non-profit public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability.[5] Organic food is wasteful because it doesn’t last long and isn’t large enough to satiate you. When it comes to health the USDA and the Food and Drug administration consider the use of growth hormones and antibiotics safe and that the typical levels of pesticides used are also safe.[6]
Organic food is not only for small soirees of the weeds-and-seeds set; major events are going green too. Eric Fenster and Ari Derfel, principals of Back to Earth Organic Catering in Berkeley, Calif., tell of an event they produced last year for the Breast Cancer Fund that included foods from local farmers; free-range, organic-fed chicken; wild-caught, ecologically harvested fish; and organic spices and oils.[7] Organic food is produced by farmers whose production systems avoid the use of synthetically compounded fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, and livestock feed additives. Organic farming systems utilize biological methods such as crop rotation, crop residues, animal manures and mechanical cultivation to maintain soil productivity and tilth, to supply plant nutrients, and to control weeds, insects and other pests.[8] Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards.[9] Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients, bioengineering or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards.[10] Organic food is the best food possible. It’s synonymous with premium quality, delicious flavor, conscientious farming, and optimum health.[11]
Organic food is produced through a system that is based on ecological balance and humane care for the plants, animals and people that make up the farm environment. Soil health is central to organic farming.[12] Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; petroleum-based fertilizers or sewage sludge-based fertilizers; bio-engineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled organic, a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards.[13] Producers or producer organizations must complete a proposal describing their project and explaining how it will help other producers understand and adopt sustainable agriculture practices. [14] Products with less than 70 percent organic ingredients may list specific organically produced ingredients on the side panel of the package, but may not make any organic claims on the front of the package. Look for the name and address of the Government-approved certifier on all packaged products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients.[15] Production costs were also compiled and compared for the certified organic and the conventional systems. The most notable discovery was that while labor costs were greater in the organic system, material costs were significantly lower.[16] Produce that has been produced locally helps sustain the local economy. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are fresher which makes them taste better and are picked when they ripen instead of being picked ahead of time.[17] Pesticide residue on fresh fruits and vegetables has been shown to be minimal; however, it is present and in larger amounts with some fruits and vegetables than others. Although pesticides used by non-organic farmers are FDA-approved and are said to pose no health risks, many consumers are concerned and would rather avoid the risk all together.[19] Pesticide exposure can occur through means other than food intake, but research shows that reducing pesticide intake via food has an immediate observable effect on body-burden levels of pesticides. So, when in the produce aisle, pick organic when you can, and when you can't, try to avoid foods with high pesticide residues and substitute those with low pesticide residues.[20] Studies show that organic fields have deeper vegetation, more weed cover, and contain 88% more 'epigeal arthropods' (squiggly soil creatures) . A new Swiss study demonstrates that organic soils have more soil microbes, more mycorrhizae - the fungi that attach themselves to the tips of plant roots and help plants absorb nutrients - and more earthworms .[24] Studies from China, Guatemala, South Africa, and the United States show that a clear link exists between diets containing unprocessed corn (known as maize in most of the world) and NTDs. Unprocessed corn is found in tortillas and other products that contain whole ground corn.[25] Local politicians are already talking about what to do with the increase as well as local activists and organizers that wish to see minimal negative impacts. Talks of adding an EMX line with a dedicated lane have been discussed, as well the use of a trolley or light rail system. Local, sustainable, and earth or worker friendly labels, are a few possibilities. The Smithsonian’s “Bird Friendly ” coffee certification is one that comes to mind as going beyond just the organic or fair trade labels.[27] Locally grown organic food is available all over the world. One of the best examples is Cuba, a country that entered into sustainable food production by default when the dying Soviet Union stopped sending subsidized fertilizers and pesticides to the island.[28] LocalHarvest also lists local co-ops. [29] Nature does not work that way. Nature Quest label is for products which are usually not available in organic form. As expected, the quality of Nature Quest products are of the highest standard.[32] Natural foods don't have to adhere to the same rigorous standards organic foods do. However, the term "natural" generally means a product has no artificial ingredients or preservatives and that meat or poultry is minimally processed and free of artificial ingredients.[33] Natural foods don?t have any additives or preservatives, but they could have been genetically modified or grown with pesticides. Eating natural foods is great, but it clearly isn?t the same as eating organic.[34] Natural pesticides used in organic management are usually restricted under certification schemes. International guidelines for organically produced foods include lists of substances that can be used for plant pest and disease control if the need for such is recognised by the certification body.[35] Farmers' markets are growing and so are organic food companies. While each might have a different approach, or even philosophy, the same consumer is shopping at both venues.[36] Farmers? markets can re-establish our rural communities as social gathering places where people meet each other and exchange ideas. And with tough economic times on the horizon, this should certainly be the course we take.[37] CSA members prepurchase "shares" in a season's harvest, and pick up their weekly portions from distribution sites. Thus, consumers provide direct financing for farms, participate in the risks and rewards of annual growing conditions, and participate with farmers in distribution networks.[40] CSA food is local, organic, safe and fresh. The crop-rotation system actually builds up the topsoil.[41] Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Comments on this rule can be submitted by April 4, 2007. FSIS argues that this rule will minimize the economic impact of labeling changes because the meat and poultry industry will have two years to adapt to the new requirements and because labeling changes will become less frequent.[44] Processed foods containing many ingredients (e.g. If only 70% of the ingredients are organic, the food can be labeled ?made with organic ingredients.?[48] Processed products such as crackers or potato chips are less likely to carry the same pesticides as produce. Fruits and vegetables are probably the most notorious for pesticide residue.[49] Eating organic food is the only way to know, for sure, that what they are eating does not contain genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. Well, how do you know for sure what you are eating is actually organic? Eating in this manner is not a function of nature, and it?s not a function of the free market. I think if we want to make healthy food accessible, we have to change the rules of the game.[56] Students get fresh, delicious food, and the farmers gain new markets for their products. And, because this food is grown in environmentally friendly ways, our soil, water, and wildlife resources also benefit.[57] Students might track only one or two main ingredients (produce, grain, or meat) in each item. I would also ask children to document attempts at communicating with farmers and corporations, and the results of each contact. Consumers can avoid buying products that are not truly organic by looking for the USDA “Certified Organic” seal on the outside of the container. [59] Consumption frequency was also related to the values. Consumer groups differed significantly in values and in liking of breads.[60] Consumers are misled when they see the beautiful fruits and vegetables and are more likely (to unknowledgeable consumers) to buy the most beautiful. [61]
|