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 Choosing Organic Produce
There are plenty of products in supermarkets that are marked 'organic' on food labels, and as far as you have heard - it’s good for you (but you’re not quite sure why). Let’s look at what is involved in making organic farming and why it may be the best option for you and your family.
The Soil Association
The Soil Association symbol that can be found on many organic products means that exhaustive checks have been carried out therefore deeming the product as authentically organic. There are strict standards and if a product does not meet the criteria, it does not get the symbol.
Farming without unnecessary chemicals is good for the environment and the welfare of the animals, crops and countryside. Organic food is good for your health and the value of nutritional, wholesome food is no more important to growing babies.
Why Go Organic?
No food has higher amounts of beneficial minerals, essential amino acids and vitamins than organic food. Here are a few reasons:
It's healthy
On average, organic food contains higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants.
No additives
Organic food doesn't contain food additives that can cause health problems such as; heart disease, osteoporosis, migraines, some skin allergies and hyperactivity. Amongst the additives banned by the Soil Association are hydrogenated fat, aspartame (artificial sweetener) and monosodium glutamate.
Avoids pesticides
Over 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming and residues are often present in non-organic food. The UK government has recently found high levels of pesticide residues in baby food, spinach, dried fruit, bread, apples, celery and chips.
No GM
Genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are not allowed under organic standards because organic food and farming prohibits the growing of any GM crops and the use of any GM products, including feed for livestock. The Soil Association is working hard to ensure that people have the right to choose GM free food. Buying Soil Association certified food is a good way to avoid GM.
Reliance on drugs removed
There is growing concern about the high use of antibiotics on farm animals and its possible effects on human health. Organic standards prohibit this routine use. Natural systems for fertilising the soil and keeping pests under control are used instead of relying on chemicals. Organic farmers work to nourish the soil with all the necessary nutrients, giving the plants all the goodness they need.
High standards
Organic food comes from trusted sources. All organic farms and food companies are inspected at least once a year. The standards for organic food are laid down in European law.
Animal welfare
Care for animals is taken very seriously under organic standards. The benefits of the organic approach are acknowledged by animal welfare organisations such as Compassion in World Farming as well as the UK government. Chickens and eggs that hold the Soil Association Organic symbol are produced to a higher standard:
- The birds are free range, spending more of their lives roaming outside
- They are looked after in smaller flocks
- They have better access to fresh grass and air
- They have more space in their houses.
- Their diet is rich in organically grown cereals
- The routine use of antibiotics is not allowed
- Genetically modified feed is banned
- Inspectors check every Soil Association farm to ensure that standards are being met.
Good for wildlife and the environment
The UK government has said that organic farming is better for wildlife, causes lower pollution from sprays, produces less carbon dioxide - the main global warming gas - and less dangerous wastes. Trees, hedges and wide un-farmed field edges are important on organic farms, these provide ideal habitat for natural predators such as beetles, spiders and birds that control pests. Organic farms have 44 per cent more birds in fields and about five times as many wild plants. The farmers fertilise their fields by rotating their crops, using composted manure and planting crops that naturally feed nitrogen to the soil.
Tastes great!
Lots of people prefer organic food because they believe it tastes better. Many top chefs choose organic produce because organically reared animals are put under less stress and fed as natural a diet as possible. Both organic fruit and vegetables tend to grow more slowly (because artificial fertilisers are banned) therefore allowing the food to develop its natural taste and goodness.
"In my opinion good organic food is always healthier for you – it’s food with a sparkle".
Jamie Oliver, TV Chef
As well as numerous reasons why you might eat organic foods, there are some big issues that come up time and again. The Soil Association investigates these issues and informs the public. It lobbies the policy makers to ensure the best for consumers' food and health, and for animals and the environment.
If you’d like more information about going Organic, then please go to www.whyorganic.org and http://www.soilassociation.org
Source: The Soil Association and WhyOrganic.org
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