Organic is good for you and it’s good for our environment too.
Organic farmers use natural methods to cultivate their land rather than using chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Organic farmers encourage beneficial animals and insects and promote plant diversity across more land and use good old-fashioned human labour to get the most out of their natural crops.
There are many reasons to choose organic produce over conventional food, here’s just a few:
Organic farming yields produce that is not contaminated with chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.
Organic farming methods prohibit the use of chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides that damage the environment. Lots of these chemicals are not actually necessary, they are simply precautions against pests or weeds. And since most of the pesticides don’t target just one specific pest, they eventually kill all sorts of organisms, good or bad. Non-organic farmers tend to rely on chemicals because the beneficial insects which usually fight the pests have been killed off as well.
Organic farming yields plants which offer a larger quantity of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
By growing fewer plants per acre, organic farming allows each plant to extract more minerals from the ground needed for growth. Above the surface this allows more sunlight to reach the fruit, which plays a key role in the development of vitamins and phytonutrients – especially polyphenols and vitamin C. The end result is that organic foods are healthier for the end consumer!
Organic farming has minimal impact on the local fauna and flora.
Organic farming methods were established in order to reduce the impact on the natural habitat as much as possible. That’s why organic farmers only use natural fertilizers and beneficial organisms to increase their yield. Organic farmers analyse the past usage of surrounding areas to establish if it is suitable for organic farming. For example, a former conventional growing area can’t be used for organic farming – test samples from the ground have to be taken and must comply with organic standards. Also, areas close to highways cannot always be used for organic farming due to the pollutants in the air.
Organic farming doesn’t pollute water streams.
Most of the chemicals used in conventional farming such as fertilizers and pesticides, sooner or later end up in the water system. This effects any areas that the water runs through, as well as the body of water where it eventually stops, such as a lake or ocean.
A recent Canadian study predicted a collapse of all economically used fish populations by 2048 if changes are not undertaken, with the main reasons for extinction of species being over-fishing, water pollution and global warming.
Organic farming creates employment.
Since organic growing areas are larger and chemicals are not used, there is more hand work required to keep threatening factors under control. This translates to more employment!
Organic farming is just more natural.
Organic farming is actually nothing special. It has been used for centuries. Conventional farming has grown in recent decades, but now its long term effect is being realized. Organic farming is the only way to grow food in a sustainable way.