What does organic mean anyway?

“Organic” refers to a way farmers grow and process agricultural products. Organic farming is designed to encourage soil and water conservation as well as reduce pollution. As a result, it is much more labor intensive, as conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease are not used. Unfortunately, this comes at a greater price to consumers, leaving us to decide if it’s worth the additional cost or not

Here are some key differences between conventional farming and organic farming:

Conventional

• Apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth.
• Spray synthetic insecticides to reduce pests and disease.
• Spray pesticides from natural sources; use beneficial insects and birds, mating disruption or traps to reduce pests and disease.
• Give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to prevent disease and spur growth.

Organic

• Apply natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, to feed soil and plants.
• Use synthetic herbicides to manage weeds.
• Use environmentally-generated plant-killing compounds; rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to manage weeds.
• Give animals organic feed and allow them access to the outdoors. Use preventive measures — such as rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing — to help minimize disease.
• Products from the U.S. that are certified 95 percent or more organic display this USDA seal.:
  

• 100 percent organic: To use this phrase, products must be either completely organic or made of all organic ingredients.
• Organic.: Products must be at least 95 percent organic to use this term.

So What?
Pesticides pose serious health hazards in our population in particular to infants and children who may not only have unique exposures to these toxins, but also metabolize them differently.

For the past nine years, EWG has scrutinized pesticide-testing data generated by scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and FDA. These sources are the basis for EWG's signature Dirty Dozen™ list of foods most commonly contaminated with pesticides. As health conscious consumers, paying more for organic is warranted especially with the following produce:

• The most contaminated fruits are apples, strawberries, grapes, peaches and imported nectarines.
• The most contaminated vegetables are celery, spinach, sweet bell peppers, cucumbers, potatoes, cherry tomatoes and hot peppers.
  

So, if you’re looking for a deal, but you’re worried about the impact of non-organic foods- budget for replacing the dirty dozen produce, and make sure you properly wash and or peel the non-organic produce (I place in lemon and sea salt water and let sit for 15 minutes)

For more questions about eating healthy, and budget friendly come see me

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