Which Is Better: Standard Or Organic Farming?

Foods produced by organic farming can differ worldwide regarding the standards in cultural, mechanical or biological practices.

Synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers are not allowed in organic farming. There are certain organically approved pesticides that may be used under very limited conditions.

The United States, Canada, European Union, Japan and Mexico are a few countries that require producers to obtain special certification in order to sell foods as organic within their borders. Within these regulations, organic foods are produced in a way that complies with the organic standards set down by national governments and international organizations. Selling foods with an organic label is regulated by governmental food safety authorities such as the USDA or the European Commission.

I’m trying to Eat Healthy, Should I Only Choose Organic?

It’s really good if you are choosing healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean produce and whole grains. Whether you should include organic foods or even change everything over to organic is pretty much your own call. Supermarkets now have the options for both, but organic will cost you somewhat more.

Those true believers in organic foods will tell you they are more nutritional, safer and have better flavor than standard growth foods. There is no solid answer to that question. At this point in time, there is insufficient evidence to support claims that organic foods are safer or healthier than non-organic foods. If referring to the non use of pesticides and other chemicals, they probably are safer.

In all fairness to conventional foods, the level of pesticide residue found in these foods is way below the level that the EPA has stated as unsafe. The consumer has to make their own call on whether these small levels, over time, could add up to a health risk.

What Are The Standards To Label Foods As Organic?

Organic crops may not be grown using pesticides or chemical fertilizers, although there are some organically approved pesticides that under limited conditions may be used. You may not use irradiation, industrial solvents or synthetic food additives.

Animals must be raised on organic feed, may not use any growth hormones or antibiotics. These animals must have outdoor access, including grazing and pastures.

Organic Foods Are More Nutritional

At this time, there is little to no evidence that one produce is more nutritious than the other. Some studies have shown that organic foods are showing higher levels of vitamin C, various minerals along with antioxidants. Antioxidants are believed to protect your body against cardiovascular disease, cancer and aging. The actual differences are of such a low scale, that the actual impact of nutrition is pretty small.

Organic Foods Are Tastier

There could be something to that as most organic farms are smaller and are able to sell their product pretty quickly at harvest time. Some fruits have been reported to be a little drier, but offer a much higher level of flavor. Some foods, such as bananas, are picked before they have ripened, are cooled to prevent them from ripening while being shipped and then induced to ripen quickly upon their arrival at stores. There are opponents that believe the use of exposing these foods to propylene or ethylene (chemicals produced by plants) could open the door to a weaker organic standard.

Is Organic Worth The Price Tag

Whether advocates or opponents believe organic foods are safer, more nutritious or offer more flavor, the bottom line is up to the consumer. That has to be your call and whether you believe it is safer for the environment and your family. If you believe organic is a safer route to go, then I would think you will not mind paying the higher price tag.

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