The Organic Difference, Part 5
Local and seasonal
Although not actually written into the legal standards that govern organic food, the majority of organic growers support local food initiatives, which encourage consumers to buy their food locally and seasonally. The organic community supports local food initiatives such as farmers markets, where farmers sell their own produce usually in monthly gatherings held [...]
The Organic Difference, Part 4
Biodiversity
Encouraging natural biodiversity is an inherent aim of organic farming, not only in the greater environment in which the farm exists, but also in terms of the kind of crops and livestock that are being farmed. Organic farmers often grow unusual varieties of fruits and vegetables that are fast disappearing from our countryside, and they [...]
Organically Grown Foods
The food we eat should be tasty, nutritious and healthy. The way it is grown should help, not harm our environment. But can we really be confident that the fruit and vegetables bought from a supermarket meet these two simple criteria? Are we sure the levels of pesticides, insecticides and fungicides our food has been [...]
The Organic Difference, Part 3
Avoiding synthetic chemicals
One of the biggest differences between conventional and organic farming systems is the former’s reliance on synthetic chemicals - either pre- or post-harvest. There is no place in organic farming for synthetic chemical pesticides. Instead, organic farmers concentrate on improving soil health, planting disease-resistant varieties, inspecting their crops frequently, rotating crops, and encouraging [...]
The Organic Difference, Part 2
Self-sustaining
Organic farmers aim to be self-sustaining. For example, they keep livestock alongside crops, thereby providing valuable manure for the land and organic animal feed. They rotate crops and pastures, preventing disease and soil imbalances. Growing plants known to attract pest-eating insects beside a valuable crop - companion planting - is another way in which they [...]
Why Choose Organic Foods?
Are you concerned that the food you are eating may be harmful to you and your family? With news reports about GM (genetically modified) foods, health scares about eating beef, chemicals on food affecting people’s health and the intelligence of children, it’s no wonder that many are looking to organic foods as an option.
The Organic Difference, Part 1
If you wish to live a truly green life you cannot afford to ignore what you eat. Much of the planet is used to grow food, be it wheat on the American prairies, rice from the fields of China or bananas from a Caribbean island. So many countries give over most of their land to [...]
