Organic, non-organic what’s the difference! Yes, they are all produced on a farm but there are differences in both organic and non-organic farm production. Did you know that some non-organic foods may affect your health and possibly even interfere with the intelligence of your children! This is a good time for you to put your fork down and understand that there is more to the word organic than you think.
So what is it that makes organic farming so substantially different? You would possibly think of “organic” as something natural and from the earth, right? Right! Well that is exactly what it is. There is very little if any chemical interference with crop production and animals are free to graze in natural surroundings and aren’t treated with as many drugs and antibiotics. The animals’ needs are a priority for any farmer. When an animal is ill on an organic farm they are separated from the rest of the heard and treated individually according to their needs. Raising livestock in this manner also decreases the chances of them contracting diseases.
Organic farmers feed their plants and animals food that has very little chemical content. They also focus on their growing conditions – they leave nature to do its thing and by doing so the ecological cycle ensures that the fertilizers for the soil are optimal. Basically what these farmers do is prohibit the growth of food in an un-natural way, indirectly cutting down our intake of chemicals and ensuring us that the food we purchase will be rich in nutrients.
Some of the chemicals used by traditional farmers to eliminate pests could also possibly eliminate hundreds of other harmless bugs, unintentionally. This may include worms and other micro organisms that are vital in the organic farming process. What we don’t know is that some of these insects actually protect crops from pests.
Apart from the fact that organic food tastes better (okay this is just my opinion!) there are a number of health benefits. It is also better for the environment to maintain a harmonious peace between the natural ecosystem and commercial farming life. You will also be digesting fewer pesticides which will indirectly be better for your health. The cost of organic food reflects the effort that goes into the production process.
Some grocery stores display their organic stamp of approvals but each supplier differs so in order for you to ensure that you are purchasing genuine organic products you would need to familiarize yourself with the logos that are regularly used.
Organic, sustainable farming protects humans, animals and our environment. Whether you decide to stick to your conventional food product which will always be better suited to your piggy bank or you choose to go organic, you will have a better understanding about the birds and the bees, so to say.
Ref:
www.go-organic.co.za
www.foodfacts.org.za
www.organicfoodinfo.net
www.time.com
www.ecohealth101.org
