Why Choose Organic
Foods?
Are you concerned that the food you are eating may be harmful
to you and your family? With news reports about GM (genetically
modified) foods, health scares about eating beef, chemicals
on food affecting people's health and the intelligence of
children, it's no wonder that many are looking to organic
foods as an option.
WHAT IS ORGANIC FARMING?
Organic farming produces plant and animal foods without the
excessive use of chemicals. It focuses on using fertile soil
along with a variety of crops to maintain healthy growing
conditions which produce a food with more nutrients and less
chemicals than typical commercial foods. Organic farming prohibits
the growing of GM foods, a controversial issue among commercial
growers.
Animals reared on organic farms are treated properly with
room to behave like animals and are fed healthy food sources
not laden with drugs and other chemicals.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ORGANIC FOODS?
One of the common benefits proclaimed about organic foods
is that they taste better - but there are many other benefits
to incorporating organic foods into your diet. Besides the
physical benefits to you there are environmental benefits
and benefits to the animals and people who live and work on
the farms.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Organic foods prevent people from ingesting regular amounts
of pesticides and insecticides commonly found in commercial
products. Animals are not routinely given antibiotics and
other medication which enters the food supply to humans. Some
research suggests that this excessive use of chemicals in
food can be linked to increased health problems and interferes
with the healthy development of children.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Organic food also protects the planet. Organic farming ensures
that bio-diversity remains available in the foods we eat and
the wildlife that live on the farms. Fruits and vegetables
are naturally available in 100's of varieties. Commercial
growing limits the variety of each food available by mass
producing only a handful. Many species of birds, insects and
other animals are affected by the chemicals and farming conditions
used in growing commercial foods.
Organic farms grow a mix of crops and promote a balanced
ecosystem including insects that protect crops from pests
and worms and other micro-organisms which fertilize the soil.
HUMAN AND ANIMAL BENEFITS
Organic farming is considered 'sustainable' farming. The
workers and the animals are not as exposed to dangerous toxins
or working and living conditions. This enables people to continue
growing healthy foods for the rest of society without reliance
on huge machinery and chemicals.
The animals raised on organic farms are not subject to the
terrible living conditions imposed on commercially reared
animals who often live in exceedingly small spaces without
the freedom to move or interact. These unhealthy conditions
lead to a spreading of illness which is combated with regular
doses of antibiotics.
On organic farms the animals' needs are given priority. Healthy
food, clean living conditions and freedom to behave like animals
means healthier animals. When animals are sick they are cared
for individually according to their actual needs.
Organic, sustainable farming protects humans, animals and
the environment. Increasing the demand for organic products
will encourage this form of farming and ensure that the food
supply available to our children is a healthy one.
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