Organic Food

Organic foods are becoming more available. You probably (and hopefully) see them in your grocery. And you no doubt have noticed organic produce costs more than non-organic. Is buying organic worth the extra money?

The simple answer is yes. But why organic food is a better is may take some explaining. In the next few paragraphs I will review some key reasons you should be eating organic.

What are the requirements for a produce to be called organic?(1)

1. All organic operations are required to maintain records of their production and handling activities.
2. In order to be certified organic, land must have had no prohibited substances applied to it for a period of 3 years immediately preceding harvest of the organic crop. Prohibited substances include synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically engineered organisms
3. Organic producers must not use sewage sludge or arsenate compounds
4. Organic livestock producers must not feed mammalian or poultry slaughter by-products to mammals or poultry. The feeding of manure is also prohibited.
5. organic handlers must use management practices to prevent pests
6. Organic handlers must implement measures to prevent the commingling of organic and non-organic products and protect organic products from contact with prohibited substances

Links:

Footnotes:
(1) James A. Riddle, Endowed chair in Agricultural Systems, University of Minnesota - First World Congress on Organic Food:
Meeting the Challenges of Safety and Quality for Fruits, Vegetables, and Grains