Recently, many conscious shoppers have been trying to figure out if organic food really is better for them, or if the organic food movement is just a fad with no real substance behind it.
First off, let’s examine the word organic in its applied sense. Organic farming must meet certain standards when it comes to animal, environmental, and human concerns. Organic farms leave chemicals out of the equation and cultivate their food naturally. Organic farming is part of a larger movement that is concerned with not harming the environment, human beings, and wildlife. Land roughly the size of Italy is used for organic pursuits, and the global organic market is valued at over $27 billion.
The Labels on Organic Products
Foods with the organic label attest to the following: that it comes from a farm, and that it uses processors and importers approved by a recognized certification process. Ninety-five percent of the ingredients in processed foods have to be certified organic, and the remainder of ingredients is subject to approval.
Organic food producers have to follow these guidelines to achieve organic certification: No fertilizer can be used, as it has nitrous oxide. Other methods are used to keep soil fertile, such as manure and the rotation of crops. Crop rotation alternates planted crops so natural nutrients are left behind. Instead of using pesticides, farmers can weed and plant different crops side-by-side so that they keep both crops’ pests under control. They can also use particular insects to take out more harmful ones.
Most additives (like artificial coloring or preservatives) are forbidden. All animals need to have space and access to free range areas. The food these animals eat must also be organic. There are minimum slaughter ages and other humane considerations for animal treatment.
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