What is Organic

• Organic is a system of farming and food production that aims to produce sufficient quantities of high quality food, using methods that deliver a breadth of benefits across our whole food system, from people to planet, plant health to animal welfare.

• Organically grown crops tend to use natural fertilizers like manure to improve plant growth. Animals raised organically are also not given antibiotics or hormones.

• Organic farming tends to improve soil quality and the conservation of groundwater. It also reduces pollution and may be better for the environment.

• The most commonly purchased organic foods are fruits, vegetables,grain, dairy products and meat. Nowadays there are also many processed organic products available, such as sodas, cookies and breakfast cereals.

The benefits of organic food

How your food is grown or raised can have a major impact on your mental and emotional health as well as the environment. Organic foods often have more beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants, than their conventionally-grown counterparts and people with allergies to foods, chemicals, or preservatives often find their symptoms lessen or go away when they eat only organic foods.

• Organic produce contains fewer pesticides.

• Organic food is often fresher

• Organic farming is better for the environment.

• Organically raised animals are NOT given antibiotics, growth hormones, or fed animal byproducts.

• Organic meat and milk are richer in certain nutrients.

• Organic food is GMO-free. 
• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or genetically engineered (GE) foods are plants whose DNA has been altered in ways that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding, most commonly in order to be resistant to pesticides or produce an insecticide.

• Organic Foods May Contain More Nutrients.

• Organically Grown Crops Have More Antioxidants and Vitamins.

• Nitrate Levels are Generally Lower.

• Less Chemicals and Resistant Bacteria.

How to Know if You’re Buying Organic -

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set up an organic certification program.

This means any farmer or food producer selling organic food must meet strict government standards.

If you decide to choose organic, it’s important to look for the USDA organic seal.

Watch for these statements on food Labels so you can identify food that is truly organically grown:

• 100% Organic: This product is made entirely from organic ingredients.
• Organic: At least 95% of the ingredients in this product are organic.
• Made with Organic: At least 70% of the ingredients are organic.

If a product contains less than 70% organic ingredients, it cannot be labeled organic or use the USDA seal. Similar standards are enforced in Europe, Canada and Australia. Each country or continent has its own seal to help consumers identify organic food.