Organic production is on the rise in the North American market as more and more consumers want food that doesn’t come from pesticide-laden fields. As you consider your produce options, are you aware of the detrimental effects of overconsumption? Consider these facts about organically produced foods before you make a purchase next time.
What is organic farming
Organic farming is growing crops without using conventional fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizer. Organic farms are not allowed to use genetically modified crops. In order to be labeled as organic, the farm has to follow a set of rules and restrictions that define what materials may be applied and in what quantities. For example, farmers cannot use synthetic fertilizer in their fields because they may pollute nearby streams with toxic chemicals. Instead they must use composted plants to feed the soil.
13 considerations for organic farming
Organic production is a process that uses organic materials, substances, or practices in the place of non-organic ones; organic chemicals are formed in place of non-organic chemicals. Organic food production and farming is popular among consumers who prefer foods that do not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), pesticides or other chemicals.
How to buy Organic produce
When people think of organic produce, they usually only think of fruits, vegetables, and legumes. There is more to organic than this though. Organic producers have very specific rules about what types of things can be used during the production process for produce. For example, one rule states that pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are not allowed in organic produce production.
How to tell if an item is organic
To mark an item as “Organic,” the manufacturer must go through a number of steps. They must have to certify that their farming process yields no synthetic chemicals, animal by-products and genetically modified organisms, evaluate workers with the minimum wage, and label their product with the USDA Organic seal. They must also be current in their pesticide testing. In order for this food to be labeled “organic,” it needs to have been grown on farms for at least three consecutive years, produce at least 95% of its yield from organic farming practices, use 100% renewable energy sources during all stages of production
Conclusion
Organic production is one of the most heavily regulated industries. The essential elements to organic production are that it is natural and uses fewer chemicals. What this term really means is what can you find in vegetables, fruits, and other foods that has been grown without synthetic pesticides, growing operations using genetically engineered seeds, or being irradiated with high levels of radiation.