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Organic Foods

Organic products are produced without the use of persistent and toxic chemical fertilizers and insecticides, so they are better for us and the environment. Look for the "Certified Organic" or "USDA Organic"seal on fresh and packaged goods to ensure that products have been verified to meet the strict regulations required of organic production.

Why Buy Organic

Organic farming is better for the environment, better for business, more energy efficient and just plain tastes better! Read on for more compelling reason to by-pass conventionally grown products.

  • Organic products meet stringent standards: Organic certification means that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without toxic chemical inputs. The manufacturer and/or farmer and all ingredients have been thoroughly investigated by a 3rd party certification process.
  • Organic foods have higher nutrient properties: Essentially, one can consume smaller amounts of organic food and actually obtain more nutrients than would be found in larger servings of non-organic foods:
    • Higher protein quality than conventionally produced products.
    • Higher levels of vitamin C
    • 5-20% higher mineral levels
    • More flavonoids
    *according to the research compiled by the Organic Trade Association
  • Organic food tastes great: It's common sense, well balanced soils produce strong, healthy, flavorful plants.
    • In a study done by Washington State University in Pullman, published in the April 19, 2001 issue of the journal of Nature, researchers compared an organic, a conventional and an integrated apple production system and three different evaluation methods all indicated that organic foods taste better: 1) Mechanical analysis on fruit firmness at harvest and after six months storage was higher for organic than its two competitors. 2) The ratio of sugar content to acidity, was higher in organic apples, indicating increased sweetness. 3) Consumer taste-testers also prefered organic fruites. To find out more go to http://www.nature.com, The Sustainability of Three Apple Production Systems.
  • Organic production reduces health risks: Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Now, the EPA considers 60% of all herbicides (weed killers), 90% of all fungicides (mold killers), and 30% of all insecticides (insect killers) as potentially cancer causing. Organic farming prohibits the use of these chemicals and pesticides. It also prohibits the use of antibiotics in animal feed (routinely used in conventional farming and known to create antibiotic-resistant pathogens). Organic farms also benefit the farm workers who would have high exposure to any chemicals and synthetic pesticides used in conventional production.
  • Organic farms respect our water and soil sources: Topsoil erosion is a serious problem due to over use of chemicals, mono-crop farming. Because organic farming prohibits the use of these chemicals as well as nitrogen leaching, it eliminates the problem of toxic runoff. Because a healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy food chain, soil-building activities are also an integral part of organic farming practices.
  • Organic farmers work in harmony with nature and preserve diversity: Organic agriculture respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is an essential part of a total farm and is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas. Organic farmers and gardeners have also been collecting and preserving seeds and growing unusual plant varieties for decades which helps preserve biodiversity.
  • Organic producers are leaders in innovative research: Organic farmers have led the way, often at their own expense, with research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimizing agriculture's impact on the environment.
  • Organic farming helps keep communities healthy: According to the USDA, half of U.S. farm production comes from 1% of farms. Organic farming allows family farms a viable option to stay in business and keep rural communities alive.