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)
- All organic operations are required to
maintain records of their production and handling activities.
- 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
- Organic producers must not use sewage sludge
or arsenate compounds
- Organic livestock producers must not feed
mammalian or poultry slaughter by-products to mammals or
poultry. The feeding of manure is also prohibited.
- organic handlers must use management
practices to prevent pests
- 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
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