jerry M asked:


I usually buy organic food when possible.

But what are the guarantees that farmers don’t just put the label “Organic” and still use pesticides and herbicides?

I remember hearing the interview with one farmer on NPR. He said that organic label makes food more valuable so he just puts it and really grows organic once every 3 years when someone comes to check.

I don’t know how widespread such practice is.

Ronnie Wilson asked:


If you are like many other individuals, there is a good chance that you have heard that organic foods are healthier to eat. This may have caught your attention. If you are uncertain about making the switch to organic foods, you may be looking for reasons why you should. One of the most common questions asked is why organic foods are better? For a number of answers to that question, please continue reading on.

When it comes to organic foods, it is important to know that not just anyone can make organic foods. There are strict standards. Foods and organic food companies that are certified by the Quality Assurance International group (QAI) must undergo rigorous tests and meet very high standards. When this is done, all foods should be stamped with a Certified Organic by QAI sticker or label. This certification helps to give many comfort in knowing that the foods that they eat are truly healthy.

Another one of the many reasons why organic food is better for you is because it usually tastes better. This means that you and other eaters are more likely to eat more organic foods, as well as stick with organic foods or start a fully organic diet. These steps can help to improve your health. This is mostly due in part because vegetables and fruits are grown without the assistance of pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals. Clean soil, which is required when growing organic foods, is likely to produce better results, which should mean better tasting food.

It has also been said that organic foods can help to lower the risk of cancer. Although some pesticides that farmers use are considered safe by many, there are still a number of risks, including a risk of cancer. This is alarming, but it is also something that many individuals are not aware of. Although the EPA does consider many chemicals, including weed killers and insect killers to be dangerous, they are still used on many of the foods, namely fruits and vegetables, that are sold today. This is not something that you have to worry about when buying organic foods. That is why many claim that organic foods can reduce your chances of cancer.

Although there are a number of benefits to eating organic foods, especially where health and wellness is concerned, many individuals are concerned with the cost. Yes, organic food does cost more money, but many still consider it to be well worth the cost. Some ask themselves if it is even possible to put a price tag on health. Even with the high costs of organic food, it is still possible to save money. You can do this by using organic food coupons, searching for organic food sales, and stocking up when you do find those sales. Many stores outline their weekly sales in store sale fliers or online. Organic food coupons can be found online or in weekend newspaper inserts.

Since there are a number of benefits to eating organically, you may be serious about doing so. If you are, you will find that you have a number of different options, in terms of organic food purchase points. Organic food, including fresh food, is sold online and locally. Your local options tend to include the organic food section at your supermarket or a specialty organic food stores.

Annie asked:


I recently heard a radio interview with the head of a large farming co-operative in the mid-west who said that while there is no doubt that organic farming is better for the land, and does produce healthier consumer products, it simply is too exspensive, labor intensive and un-predicatable in the amount produced on an annual basis to ever replace the methods used in commercial farming. Basically, it could not produce a sufficient amount of food to feed the people it would need to. I am interested to hear how proponents for having the US go totally organic respond to that statement. Thanks.
Hmmm…some interesting points. I tend to agree that going totally organic would cause major problems in the lower income brackets…they simply could not afford to purchase the produce or have the space to grow it on their own. And I do agree that it is time to force commerical farmers to be more responsible in how they grow and in the end results of what they grow..this world is too big and too many families are hungry to justify throwing away any produce that is usable. Thanks for the input!

Sydney

Permaculture bella asked:


What would the people who buy organic goods be surprised that farmers/producers can use on compost, the land, the crop?

If you have good reason there are other non organic substances you can use in certified organic farming. What are these? Have you used them?

Is organic, really organic?

Lucas