Interesting Info Organic And Natural

Interesting info

organicmama 16 years ago

I thought we could add interesting info about organices in this area.

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organicmama 16 years ago said:

Ok, I messed up and put my interesting organic info on it's own......duh...
Someday I will get the hang of this.

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organicmama 16 years ago said:

No. Natural and organic are not interchangeable. Other truthful claims, such as free-range, hormone-free, and natural, can still appear on food labels. However, don't confuse these terms with "organic." Only food labeled "organic" has been certified as meeting USDA organic standards.

From:pickyourown.org

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organicmama 16 years ago said:

According to the USDA, organic food production allows farmers to lower input costs, decrease reliance on nonrenewable resources, capture high-value markets and premium prices, and boost farm income. Organic agriculture also has many important environmental benefits:
It promotes sustainability by establishing an ecological balance to prevent soil fertility or pest problems. In the long run, organic farms tend to conserve energy and protect the environment by maintaining ecological harmony.

It enhances biodiversity, or the presence of multiple plant and/or animal species. Having a highly diverse genetic pool becomes useful in the future when beneficial characteristics can be tapped (that is, growing a diverse mix of crops helps to support beneficial organisms that assist in pollination and pest management).

Because organic agriculture utilizes practices such as crop rotations, inter-cropping, symbiotic associations, cover crops and minimum tillage, the length of time that the soil is exposed to erosive forces is decreased, which minimizes nutrient losses and boosts soil productivity.

By not using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, organic agriculture reduces pollution of groundwater.

Organic agriculture helps to minimize the greenhouse effect and global warming through its ability to sequester carbon in the soil.

From: HowStuffWorks.com

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organicmama 16 years ago said:

Organic food is produced by farmers who avoid the use of bio-persistent nonselective chemical pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers. Farmers emphasize the use of renewable (or sustainable) resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.

The specifics vary depending upon the type of food and its method of production. For example, Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic fruits and vegetables are grown without using most conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineer seed or plants; or ionizing radiation.

Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.

From: pickyourown.org

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organicmama 16 years ago said:

When you're buying organic foods, look for the “USDA Organic” label. Only foods in the categories “100% organic” and “organic” may display the USDA Organic Seal. Other foods with varying levels of organic ingredients may be labeled as follows:

“100% organic” - single ingredient such as a fruit, vegetable, meat, milk and cheese (excludes water and salt).

“Organic” - multiple ingredient foods which are 95 to 100% organic.

“Made with organic ingredients” - 70% of the ingredients are organic. Can appear on the front of package, naming the specific ingredients.

“Contains organic ingredients” - contains less than 70% organic ingredients.

From: ces.ncsu.edu/

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invisiblechef 16 years ago said:

http://www.deliciousorganics.com/Controversies/toptobuyorg.htm

Basically I buy frozen organic fruit, unless it's fresh apples, bananas and when on sale organic grapes and fresh organic strawberries when in season are the best. I try to buy all organic vegetables and or local. Also local fruit. Just started this last year to grow my own tomatoes and herbs.

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