What does “organic” mean?
The term “organic” refers to the manner agricultural products are grown and processed. While the guidelines range from united states of america to united states of america, inside the U.S., natural crops need to be grown with out the use of synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes (GMOs), petroleum-primarily based fertilizers, and sewage sludge-based totally fertilizers.
Organic cattle raised for meat, eggs, and dairy merchandise must have access to the outdoors and be given natural feed. They won’t accept antibiotics, boom hormones, or any animal by-products.
| Organic vs. Non-Organic | |
| Organic produce: | Conventionally-grown produce: |
| Grown with natural fertilizers (manure, compost). | Grown with synthetic or chemical fertilizers. |
| Weeds are controlled naturally (crop rotation, hand weeding, mulching, and tilling). | Weeds are controlled with chemical herbicides. |
| Pests are controlled using natural methods (birds, insects, traps) and naturally-derived pesticides. | Pests are controlled with synthetic pesticides |
| Organic meat, dairy, eggs: | Conventionally-raised meat, dairy, eggs |
| Livestock are given all organic, hormone- and GMO-free feed. | Livestock are given growth hormones for faster growth, as well as non-organic, GMO feed. |
| Disease is prevented with natural methods such as clean housing, rotational grazing, and healthy diet. | Antibiotics and medications are used to prevent livestock disease. |
| Livestock must have access to the outdoors. | Livestock may or may not have access to the outdoors. |
Benefits of organic food
How your food is grown or raised could have a major effect on your intellectual and emotional health in addition to the environment. Organic foods frequently have greater beneficial nutrients, together with antioxidants, than their conventionally-grown counterparts and people with allergies to foods, chemicals, or preservatives frequently find their signs and symptoms lessen or pass away when they eat only natural foods.
Organic produce contains fewer pesticides. Chemicals which includes fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides are widely used in traditional agriculture and residues stay on (and in) the meals we eat.
Organic food is frequently fresher as it doesn’t contain preservatives that make it remaining longer. Organic produce is frequently (but not always, so watch where it’s far from) produced on smaller farms close to where it’s far sold.
Organic farming is better for the environment. Organic farming practices reduce pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, boom soil fertility, and use less energy. Farming without insecticides is also higher for nearby birds and animals in addition to humans who live near farms.
Organically raised animals are NOT given antibiotics, growth hormones, or fed animal byproducts. Feeding farm animals animal byproducts increases the threat of mad cow disease (BSE) and the usage of antibiotics can create antibiotic-resistant traces of bacteria. Organically-raised animals are given extra space to transport round and get admission to to the outdoors, which help to preserve them healthy.