Like other smart shoppers, you’ve probably asked yourself if organic food is better for your health, or if the so-called advantages are just a bunch of hype.
First off, let’s examine the word organic in its applied sense. Organic farming refers to a system that relies on certain principles of animal, human, and environmental concerns. Organic farming forgoes the use of chemical products in growing food. This is just one aspect of a larger concern for doing less harm to the environment, human beings that consume the food, 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 Meaning of Organic Labels
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. With processed foods, at least 95% of the agricultural ingredients have to be certified organic. The remaining 5% can consist of non-organic ingredients, but only in the case of approved contents.
To receive certification that their food is organic, food producers have follow these rules: Chemical fertilizers cannot be used, as they contain nitrous oxide. One has to employ natural methods like manure, as well as crop rotation, the act of alternating planted crops so that more 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.
Colorings, preservatives, and most other additives cannot be used. 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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