Organic Youthing

I've always been concerned with the amount of spraying or the growing of our veggies or protein for that matter because of the commercial desire to get food to market for economic advantages.

I'm happy to eat organic fruit that has not been sprayed, potatoes that I know chemicals have not seeped thru the skin and chicken that has not been given growth hormones.
I've joined a local coop to support organic and local farmers and personally to enjoy my food.

This is a wonderful article today by Holistic Moms Network. I couldn't have explained it better.

WHAT IS . . . ORGANIC?

Defining Organic

There's no doubt that "organic" is hot! According to a recent survey, sales of organic foods and beverages grew from $1 billion in 1990 to more than $24 billion in 2009. Organic non-food sales also reached $1.8 billion in 2009.

What does organic really mean? The Organic Trade Association states that organic production is "a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers." Foods that are produced organically "are minimally processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation to maintain the integrity of the food."

Organic Certification

How do we know we are getting organic products? The USDA certifies organic foods and products that are made from at least 95% organic ingredients. Smaller farmers who sell less than $5,000 per year in organic products are exempt from certification even though their products may be farmed in accordance with organic standards. If you are buying from small, local farmers, get to know your farmers and their practices to ensure you are getting what you want.

Why Organic?

Why the push for organic products and foods? Because organics are better for you and for the planet. Research shows that organic foods have more antioxidants and nutrients; do not contain synthetic growth hormones, pesticides, or antibiotics; and are not genetically engineered.

In addition, the use of synthetic pesticides to kill insects, weeds, and fungi have dire consequences for our health and the health of our planet. Pesticide exposure has been linked to birth defects, higher rates of breast cancer, low sperm counts, and Parkinson's disease, among others. Nitrogen runoffs from pesticide use have also been implicated in contamination of drinking water; declining fish populations; and the formation of acid rain.

Learn More about Organic Farming  - Organic Valley Farms

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comment form