The value of organic foods

Jan. 6, 2008

When deciding whether or not to purchase organic foods, most people are immediately drawn to price and wonder if that item is really worth the extra dime.
When we choose to buy “organic,” we are not simply buying the label. We are investing in the farmers who abide by the national standards in which their products are grown, processed, and handled in accordance to the USDA. We as consumers are saying “no” to the common practices of industrial farming in which animals may be treated inhumanly and/or given antibiotic and synthetic hormones; we are also saying “no” to the practice of genetic engineering and the use of irradiation.
When you make that decision to buy organic foods, you must realize that the extra expense is a more accurate reflection of the real cost of foods that are grown in a sustainable system. Organic farmers know that soil fertility is the key to successful production, and avoid the use of most synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and all herbicides. Soil fertility is maintained with the use of plant and animal compost while avoiding sewage sludge that is typically spread on conventional fields. Animals used for meat, eggs and milk must be fed organic feed and are not given growth hormones or antibiotics. Organically raised animals also have access to the outdoors, including access to pastures.
By purchasing organic foods, you are minimizing your exposure to pesticides, steroids, and antibiotics. You are supporting agricultural practices that are generally more environmentally friendly, particularly with regard to their lower pesticide residue and pollution from nitrogen run-off. You are also ensuring more ethical practices with regards to the way animals are grown and processed. Your decision to purchase a product that is certified USDA Organic is not just a higher price at the checkout line, but more of an investment in your health
and the environment.