Why organic

Organic farmers rely on a whole ecosystem to keep pests under control, where animals like beetles and birds feed on pests such as aphids and slugs. If pesticides were substituted for more sustainable farming practices like organic, this could slow or reverse the decline in insects! Did you know? This means organic farms are more ecologically diverse. This can kill fish and other aquatic life. Organic standards ban the use of these manufactured fertilisers, lowering the risk of pollution in rivers, seas and waterways.

Organic farming joins the dots between our own health and the health of our planet, our animals and our wildlife:. Eating organic food means supporting a way of farming that works for people long into the future — from farmers out in the fields to those tucking in at home.

For a food product to be labelled as organic, every step in the supply chain, from farmers and packers to food processors and shops that sell organic products, must meet organic standards and prove it to an organic certification body, like Soil Association Certification. Food that contains fewer pesticides The best way to reduce your exposure to pesticides in food is to buy organic.

Certified organic food, including fruit and vegetables, processed food and meat and dairy products will , overall , contain less pesticides. As mentioned above, pesticides are named as a key driver of insect and pollinator decline. Read on to learn the basics on organic food and farming and its benefits for both you and the earth!

Food and ingredients produced via organic farming is food that is as natural as can be. Organic always means:. Tossing up between organic and non-organic products?

Not sure why organic products are more expensive? Here are just a few reasons why you should shop organic! Studies have shown that organic food contains more vitamins, minerals and micronutrients than conventionally grown food.

There are no harmful pesticides used. Try buying organic chicken thighs instead of conventionally raised chicken breasts, for example. Join a food co-op. A natural foods co-op, or cooperative grocery store typically offers lower prices to members, who pay an annual fee to belong. Local and organic! Buy in season. Fruits and vegetables are cheapest and freshest when they are in season. Shop around. Making junk food sound healthy is a common marketing ploy in the food industry but organic baked goods, desserts, and snacks are usually still very high in sugar, salt, fat, or calories.

It pays to read food labels carefully. Organic food is more labor intensive since the farmers do not use synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or drugs. Organic certification is expensive and organic feed for animals can cost twice as much. Organic farms tend to be smaller than conventional farms, which means fixed costs and overhead must be distributed across smaller produce volumes without government subsidies.

Organic Foods: Are they safer? More nutritious? Organic FAQs — Reasons to go organic. Animal Feed — How livestock feed affects animal health, and the health of people who consume animal products.

Non GMO Project. The Problem with Pesticides — Examines some of the potential health effects of pesticides. Toxics Action Center. This holiday season alone, millions of people will turn to HelpGuide for free mental health guidance and support. So many people rely on us in their most difficult moments. Can we rely on you? All gifts made before December 31 will be doubled.

Cookie Policy. Is it worth the expense? Find out what the labels mean and which foods give you the most bang for your buck. Modern conventional farming methods include excessive use of chemicals and planting only one crop multiple times monocropping.

This has led to a decline in soil fertility, and an increase in salinity and blue-green algae in waterways over many years. Organic farmers try to minimise damage to the environment by diversifying their crops, using physical weed control, and animal and green manure. Organic food is often more expensive than conventionally produced food.

This is because organic farming generally operates on a smaller scale, production is more labour intensive. Also, without herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals, yields are generally smaller. Organic farms are only certified after they have been operating according to organic principles for three years. Before , a standard guidelines and rules did not exist for domestic and imported organic foods.

Two key standards now govern the production, processing and labelling of organic food in Australia. These are:. These standards provide an agreed set of procedures to be followed in organic food production. The standards include requirements for production, preparation, transportation, marketing and labelling of organic products in Australia.

While it is mandatory for exported organic produce to be certified and meet the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce, the Australian standard for domestic and imported foods is not mandated, and certification is voluntary.

Its purpose is to assist the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission ACCC to ensure claims made about organic and biodynamic products are not false or misleading. Biodynamic farming is a type of organic farming pioneered by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. It uses traditional farming methods with prescribed preparations and places strong emphasis on ecological harmony and environmental sustainability.

Biodynamic food is grown with prescribed composts , preparations and natural activating substances. As well as purchasing organic food products, many people are adopting a sustainable lifestyle by growing their own produce, keeping backyard chickens or setting up a beehive to make their own honey.

If you choose to eat organic food, you may like to start an edible garden. Organic gardening can be enjoyed by everyone and its benefits include:. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. The size of a standard drink can vary according to the type of alcohol. A common misconception is that anorexia nervosa only affects young women, but it affects males and females of all ages.