Ten Good Reasons to Choose Organic

The term 'organic' refers to the way in which farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruit, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Organic farming practises, such as the use of natural fertilizers, crop rotation and mulch to manage weeds, are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution.

Why should I choose organic produce?

1)To avoid chemicals.The majority of chemicals applied to foods have not been tested for long-term health effects before being declared 'safe' and more than 600 active chemicals are registered for agricultural use in the U.S.Eating organically grown foods is a way to avoid these chemicals. A commonly used pesticide was originally developed as a toxic nerve gas in World War 1. When it was no longer needed in warfare, it was adapted to kill pests on food. Organic foods are free of neurotoxins, which can damage brain and nerve cells.

2) Buying organic produce benefits small-scale organic farms and helps independent family farmers to make a living.It also helps support local growers and makes it possible for consumers to know their growers and learn about how their food is produced.

3) Organic growing supports wildlife habitats, which are being damaged by large-scale commercial growing and exposure to pesticides. Organic farming supports eco-sustenance,reduces pollution and protects the water and soil. Crop rotation keeps farmland healthy.

4) Organic fruits and vegetables contain more vitamins and antioxidants as well as calcium, iron,chromium and magnesium. They nourish growing children without exposing them to pesticides and GMOs.The soil that organic fruits and vegetables are grown in is managed and nourished by sustainable practises.

5) Organic farms are safer for farm workers. Research has shown a 70% increase in Parkinson's disease and other illnesses in people who are exposed to chemicals.

6) Eating organic meat lessens exposure to antibiotics,synthetic hormones and drugs. Conventional meat, poultry, fish and dairy are the highest risk foods for contamination by harmful substances. These foods are all high on the food chain, which means a large fish eats a smaller fish which eats an even smaller fish. Hormone supplementation is the biggest concern with beef, dairy products and farmed fish. All growth hormones have now been banned in Europe.

7) Organic farming helps preserve agricultural diversity and biodiversity, which is fundamental to life on this planet. GM and non-organic food is focused on high-yield monoculture and is destroying biodiversity. About 75% of the genetic diversity of agricultural crops has been lost in the last century. We have seen throughout history the dangers of depending on one or two varieties of any food. During Ireland's potato famine, millions died of starvation when a blight destroyed a whole crop of only a few varieties. Now, many industrial farmers grow just one crop. Alot of conventional food is hybridized to produce large, attractive specimens, rather than a variety of indgienous strains that are tolerant to regional conditions such as drought and pests. 

8) Choosing organic means helping to avoid GMOs which are rapidly contaminating the food supply.

9) Eating organic food helps in avoiding food additives. Organic regulations ban or severely restrict the use of food additives, processing aids and fortifying agents commonly used in non-organic foods, including preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colourings, flavourings and monosodium glutamate.

10) Organic produce tastes better. Well-balanced, well-nourished soil produces strong, healthy plants. This is especially true of heirloom varieties, which are cultivated for taste over appearance.