why organic is better for you

Why Eating Organic is Better for You

By: Saba Shojai

Organic: What Does it Mean?

“Organic”= the way farmers grow and process agricultural products Designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution Organic farming include using natural fertilizers

Organic vs Conventional Farming

Organic

• Increase sustainability • Promotes biodiversity• Good soil & air quality • Natural growing practices • Minimizes chemical use• Practice of crop rotation

Conventional

• chemicals and synthetics to manage weeds and pests

• unnatural farming methods • pesticides allow toxicity • Pesticides damaging to health

Organic Production

Organic food must be produced without: AntibioticsArtificial growth hormones High fructose corn syrup Artificial dyes Artificial sweeteners derived from chemicals Synthetically created chemical pesticide and fertilizers Genetically engineered proteins and ingredients

Organic Claims

“Organic” = at least 95% organic material “Made with organic ingredients” = at least 70% organic“Contains organic Ingredients” = less than 70% organic

Organic vs. Natural What is the Difference?

Organic

• third party government accredited certifying agents

• strict set of federal standards

• ecological sustainability • Avoids hazardous material

Natural

• Not regulated by third party

• No set standards • corporate marketing

departments • marketing tool

Pesticide Residue

Why Organic is Better

Organic product meet stringent standards Tastes great Reduces health risks

Why Organic is Better

Farmers work in harmony with nature Producers are leaders in innovative research Producers strive to preserve diversity

Organic Food Growth

• Increase in organic

food sales • Increase in

organic markets

Organic Production• Increase in

production over the

years