What does organic really mean? Is the extra money for organic chicken and avocados really helping to preserve the natural world? Let’s start with how organic farming is defined according to Meriam Webster as, “the use of food produced with feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin, without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides.” The exact standards for organic are different for every category of food produced. Growing organic fruits and vegetables requires using natural fertilization methods such as composted manure, fish meal and cover crops to boost the soil’s natural fertility. Organic pest control includes crop rotation, releasing beneficial insects to consume pest insects and natural pesticides, including products with plant- and mineral-based ingredients and microorganisms. Organic pigs must have access to the outdoors, shade, shelter, exercise areas, fresh air, clean drinking water, and direct sunlight. However, the amount of living space required for each pig varies from company to company. Organic pigs must be fed primarily organic grains and protein sources and must be processed at an organic processing facility. For dairy products to be deemed organic, the cows must have access to the outdoors throughout the year including living on pastures for at least 120 days per year, during which time at least 30 percent of their diet comes from pasture grass. No use of antibiotics, growth hormones or GMOs (genetically modified organisms) is permitted. Only 100 percent organic feed containing no hormones, plastic pellets (yes code 6509 on animal production practices and materials states that plastic cannot be used for roughage) or food by-products from other mammals. Organic poultry must feed on grains that are organically produced and pastures that are organically managed, and they must be processed at an organic facility. Birds must be allowed some access to the outdoors though the amount is not defined, and birds must not be kept in battery cages (stacked metal cages with an egg collection system in which chickens barely have enough room to turn around.) What does organic farming do to help the earth? Organic agriculture does not create fertilizer runoff that harms local water sheds. Natural means of pest control that are used on organic farms do not cause harm to insect populations. Animals that are allowed to graze will use up less grain and take generally less land for their food production. Organic animals are not routinely given any drugs or antibiotics that allow the growth of super bugs.
What organic can’t do. Organic does not fix over consumption of water by any means. Organic farms water fields to sprout weeds early so they can be tilled under, using more water than traditional farming. Organic foods use the same amount of energy being transported to distant grocery stores as conventionally grown foods. They are just as prone to being wasted or swaddled in unnecessary packaging as conventionally grown foods. And the lot of farm workers on an organic farm is no better than a regular one. Organic is helpful in protecting waterways and preventing superbugs so buying organic does help but will not fix much without other eating sustainability methods. Sources https://www.epa.gov/greenerproducts/introduction-ecolabels-and-standards-greener-products https://www.msc.org/what-we-are-doing/our-approach/what-does-the-blue-msc-label-mean https://www.epa.gov/agriculture/organic-farming https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organic https://www.safefruitsandveggies.com/organic-regulations/ https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Organic%20Pig%20Production_FINAL.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Poultry%20-%20Guidelines.pdf
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AuthorI am a high school student who is creating her own blog for the first time for school about our food system and environmental issues Archives
May 2022
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