Sunday, March 31, 2013
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Why Organic matters
Organic farmers and food producers grow and produce food without
using synthetic chemicals such as pesticides and artificial fertilisers.
They do not use genetically modified (GM) components or expose food to
irradiation.
Animal welfare and environmental sustainability are important issues for organic farmers. The term ‘organic’ can also cover animal products. For example, eggs certified as organic are free range, rather than from caged (battery) hens.
Types of organic produce available in many areas include fruit and vegetables, dried legumes, grains, meat and meat products, dairy foods, eggs, honey and some processed foods.
Organic farming is also concerned with protecting the environment and working in harmony with existing ecosystems, including conserving water, soil and energy, and using renewable resources and natural farming cycles. Traditional farming methods are often used, such as rotating crops to prevent depleting the soil of nutrients.
Organic food is often more expensive than conventionally-produced food. This is because organic farming generally operates on a smaller scale, production is more labour intensive and, without herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals, yields are generally smaller.
Organic farmers and food producers grow and produce food without
using synthetic chemicals such as pesticides and artificial fertilisers.
They do not use genetically modified (GM) components or expose food to
irradiation.
Animal welfare and environmental sustainability are important issues for organic farmers. The term ‘organic’ can also cover animal products. For example, eggs certified as organic are free range, rather than from caged (battery) hens.
Types of organic produce available in Australia include fruit and vegetables, dried legumes, grains, meat and meat products, dairy foods, eggs, honey and some processed foods.
Organic foods are not necessarily completely chemical free. They may be grown on land not previously used for organic food production and, therefore, might contain chemical residues. However, the pesticide residues in organic food are considerably lower than those found in foods produced with synthetic chemicals.
Certain naturally occurring pesticides, including pyrethrins, light oils, copper and sulphur, and biological substances such as Bacillus thuringiensis, are permitted for use in organic farming.
Most people buy organically-grown food products because they are concerned about pesticides, additives, antibiotics or other chemical residues. Although pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables are monitored, many people believe organic food is healthier.
Several studies have compared the nutritional content of organic and conventionally grown plants, and most have shown no significant differences in key vitamin and mineral content. However, although the differences are small, research has shown that some organic food has:
Organic foods promote more humane treatment of animals, as well as providing meat that is free from hormones and antibiotics. Also, some people worry about the long-term health, economic and environmental consequences of GM foods and choose organic foods in support of an industry that does not use GM techniques.
Organic foods promote healthier and more sustainable use of natural resources. Modern farming methods, including excessive use of chemicals, have led to a decline in soil fertility, and an increase in salinity and blue-green algae in waterways over many years. Organic farmers try to minimise damage to the environment by using physical weed control, and animal and green manure.
You can buy organic food from:
Organic food is often more expensive than conventionally-produced food. This is because organic farming generally operates on a smaller scale, production is more labour intensive and, without herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals, yields are generally smaller.
Organic farms are only certified after they have been operating according to organic principles for three years. However, the use of the word ‘organic’ is now regulated in Canada and the USA it is important to make sure that products you buy come from certified growers and producers.
These standards provide an agreed set of procedures to be followed in organic food production. This helps to ensure the integrity and traceability of an organic food product from ‘paddock to plate’. The standards include requirements for production, preparation, transportation, marketing and labelling of organic products in Australia.
While it is mandatory for exported organic produce to be certified and meet the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce, the standard (for domestic and imported foods) is not mandated, and certification is voluntary.
‘Organic-certified produce’ means the food was grown, harvested, stored and transported without the use of synthetic chemicals, irradiation or fumigants.
Animal welfare and environmental sustainability are important issues for organic farmers. The term ‘organic’ can also cover animal products. For example, eggs certified as organic are free range, rather than from caged (battery) hens.
Types of organic produce available in many areas include fruit and vegetables, dried legumes, grains, meat and meat products, dairy foods, eggs, honey and some processed foods.
Organic farming
Animals raised using organic methods are treated humanely and with respect. For example, chickens are free range and not kept in cages, and cows are not kept in feed lots. Animals are also not fed any growth-regulating drugs, steroids, hormones or antibiotics. However, the animals may be treated with vaccines to prevent disease.Organic farming is also concerned with protecting the environment and working in harmony with existing ecosystems, including conserving water, soil and energy, and using renewable resources and natural farming cycles. Traditional farming methods are often used, such as rotating crops to prevent depleting the soil of nutrients.
Organic food is better for the environment
Organic foods promote healthier and more sustainable use of natural resources. Modern farming methods, including excessive use of chemicals, have led to a decline in soil fertility, and an increase in salinity and blue-green algae in waterways over many years. Organic farmers try to minimise damage to the environment by using physical weed control, and animal and green manure.Organic food is often more expensive than conventionally-produced food. This is because organic farming generally operates on a smaller scale, production is more labour intensive and, without herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals, yields are generally smaller.
Summary
Organic farmers and food producers grow and produce food without using synthetic chemicals (such as pesticides or artificial fertilisers). They do not use genetically modified (GM) components or expose food to irradiation. We buy organic food for health, ethical and environmental reasons.Animal welfare and environmental sustainability are important issues for organic farmers. The term ‘organic’ can also cover animal products. For example, eggs certified as organic are free range, rather than from caged (battery) hens.
Types of organic produce available in Australia include fruit and vegetables, dried legumes, grains, meat and meat products, dairy foods, eggs, honey and some processed foods.
Pesticides and other chemicals in organic food
Organic foods are not necessarily completely chemical free. They may be grown on land not previously used for organic food production and, therefore, might contain chemical residues. However, the pesticide residues in organic food are considerably lower than those found in foods produced with synthetic chemicals.
Certain naturally occurring pesticides, including pyrethrins, light oils, copper and sulphur, and biological substances such as Bacillus thuringiensis, are permitted for use in organic farming.
Organic food is a growing industry
The organic food industry is booming.
Reasons to buy organic food
Most people buy organically-grown food products because they are concerned about pesticides, additives, antibiotics or other chemical residues. Although pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables are monitored, many people believe organic food is healthier.
Organic food and nutrition content
Several studies have compared the nutritional content of organic and conventionally grown plants, and most have shown no significant differences in key vitamin and mineral content. However, although the differences are small, research has shown that some organic food has:
- Lower nitrate levels
- Higher vitamin C levels
- Higher levels of selenium.
Organic food and ethics
Organic foods promote more humane treatment of animals, as well as providing meat that is free from hormones and antibiotics. Also, some people worry about the long-term health, economic and environmental consequences of GM foods and choose organic foods in support of an industry that does not use GM techniques.
Organic food is better for the environment
Organic foods promote healthier and more sustainable use of natural resources. Modern farming methods, including excessive use of chemicals, have led to a decline in soil fertility, and an increase in salinity and blue-green algae in waterways over many years. Organic farmers try to minimise damage to the environment by using physical weed control, and animal and green manure.
Organic food outlets
You can buy organic food from:
- Most supermarkets now have an organic or wholefoods section.
- Some green grocers
- Health food shops
- Most fresh food markets
- The internet
- Certified organic retailers.
- Eat Locally Co-operatives and local organic farms
Organic food is often more expensive than conventionally-produced food. This is because organic farming generally operates on a smaller scale, production is more labour intensive and, without herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals, yields are generally smaller.
Organic food certification
Organic farms are only certified after they have been operating according to organic principles for three years. However, the use of the word ‘organic’ is now regulated in Canada and the USA it is important to make sure that products you buy come from certified growers and producers.
These standards provide an agreed set of procedures to be followed in organic food production. This helps to ensure the integrity and traceability of an organic food product from ‘paddock to plate’. The standards include requirements for production, preparation, transportation, marketing and labelling of organic products in Australia.
While it is mandatory for exported organic produce to be certified and meet the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce, the standard (for domestic and imported foods) is not mandated, and certification is voluntary.
‘Organic-certified produce’ means the food was grown, harvested, stored and transported without the use of synthetic chemicals, irradiation or fumigants.
How to identify food certified as organic
Suggestions for making sure the food you are buying is organically grown include:- If you are buying from an organic retailer, check for the Organic Retailers’ and Growers’ Association of your country as they differ for Canadians and USA here is the links (canadian certifications )notice, which should be prominently displayed
- Choose foods with the label ‘certified organic’ from one of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry accredited certifying organisations
- Check packaging for the grower’s name and certification number
- Do not be fooled by packaging that claims the produce is ‘natural’ or ‘chemical free’ if the proper certification labelling is not displayed. Read the ingredients is possible and choose brands you trust only.
Monday, March 11, 2013
It's what we leave out that counts
that is a good line to remember for all organic food and products in general this also applies to all foodstuffs if you really think about it and do some research. It's been a major adventure and journey becoming organic ( well mostly ) living in Northern Ontario it is not that easy, though as they say by popular demand more and more items are on the shelves. Personally I would prefer much more natural living as many are switching to already, some I know already have grand organic gardens and farms, and have done so for years but again location does matter. I shall be sharing links to information and articles soon, that really points the way and shines a light on why choose organic when you know the truths about many companies and corporations that manufacture our foods, meats, dairy and just about everything you will as we did join the dots and connections to the big picture and why what we put in our bodies and ingest, digest and eat matters so much. It is a massive problem on a global scale with an overpopulated world and resources that are still not enough ( as yet) to go around. Still you can make aware and simpler choices for you as knowledge is not only power but the truth as harsh as it can be will set you free chemical and toxin free organic you. The benefits of such only you will see and know in time and in a very short time too.
More to come as it appears on Why Organic matters
More to come as it appears on Why Organic matters
Friday, March 8, 2013
look closley
to develop macro and micro vision to look beyond behind and through the illusions of labels packaging and those pretty containers, remember and train your brain now - it is what's inside that counts and everything is produces and packaged to get you to buy their brand and products but you must be trained and rewired to buy what is priority for you. So its a case of getting into the right lane and the right brain for you.
Fortunately nowadays the wave is shifting so their are many more organic co operatives and segments depending where you live dotted here there an everywhere
When you find the stream or river that runs right for you swim in it and bathe there.
starting from the top
Here we will share, open for view and discuss what being organic has lead us too. It started with a simple seed, an old friend always said to me If you want to grow a healthy garden of mind and body and nourishment start with a seed a healthy seed and let it bloom and grow
So this is part of the whys and wherefores that show why organic matters, it is a really large garden and really over time, the days and years and months to come what else can you manage but your own garden.
Plant remarkable seeds
So this is part of the whys and wherefores that show why organic matters, it is a really large garden and really over time, the days and years and months to come what else can you manage but your own garden.
Plant remarkable seeds
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