Organic farming is the production of food using all natural methods - avoiding all synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms. Its' core philosophy is that of sustainability or 'zero impact'. The organic farmer seeks to leave the earth in its' natural state after the harvest.
The focus of organic methods is on soil quality. Crops are grown without artificial fertilizers and pesticides, and livestock is reared free of drugs and hormones. Proponents of organic food believe it produces food with higher quality and nutritional value than conventional chemical-based methods.
Many countries including the US and the EU have certification programs to control the use of the term "Organic". This benefits the consumer by ensuring best practice has been followed. This varies from region to region but includes things like the minimum length of time a field can be left free of chemicals before it is allowed to be used for organic farming.
There are many different styles of organic food production but they all adhere to the same principles:
* no artificial fertilizers or drugs
* no genetically modified organisms
* prevention of soil depletion
* 'bio diversity' - the growing of a range of crops not just a single species.
One recent researcher found that vegetables in the 1950s contained more than eight times as many trace elements as modern crops, which he attributed to the excessive use of nitrate fertilizers. You can read all the latest research at http://www.ge-free.com/
Organic farming has come about as a consumer reaction against the chemical based methods that have been used so widely in 20th century food production. Really though it is simply a formalized definition of traditional agriculture as it has been practiced for thousands of years before 20th century chemicals were invented.
So far, organic farming has been limited to small businesses growing for local markets. Organic farming methods are very expensive compared to their chemical counterparts, and the production yields are low when compared to 'conventional' farming.
Consumers of course are willing to pay a premium for the improved flavor and nutrition value of organic produce but it remains a premium market. This will change as more large scale organic producers enter production.
Most countries now have 'all organic' type food stores in the larger cities. So long as there are people who enjoy healthy living and an alternative to the chemical ridden norm, these businesses will continue to flourish.
Jeremy is the owner of http://www.ge-free.com/ and publisher of Organic News. His site reports on all the latest news and research articles to do with Organic Food.
post construction cleaning Deerfield ..Some say they don't or can't buy organic foods due... Read More
There's no doubt--carbohydrates have taken center stage in public discourse... Read More
For decades science has been looking for the answers to... Read More
Proper hydration is extremely important during exercise. Adequate fluid intake... Read More
It slows ageing, promotes healthy vision, has anti-cancer properties, increases... Read More
I know that the headline is a oldie, but it... Read More
Heart Disease remains the number one cause of death in... Read More
Calcium helps reduce constipationUsing calcium and magnesium in the right... Read More
If you have a business trip tomorrow morning, you've probably... Read More
You may have heard of the "Portfolio Diet" wherein it... Read More
Bye Bye HolidaysHoping everyone had a fun, fantastic, exciting and... Read More
Sprouts not only taste good, but they are also a... Read More
You can spot a juicer a mile off at the... Read More
All of my life I believed the best way to... Read More
Last year I had a number of clients who started... Read More
When we think about the benefits of being ensuring a... Read More
Whether you're concerned about cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or simply... Read More
Apart from eating many of the wonderful vegetables and fruits... Read More
The above foods contain high antioxidant capacity. These foods were... Read More
Olive oil is a healthy choice over other fats such... Read More
Eating healthy is fast becoming a way of life. American's... Read More
With so many people concerned about natural and organic foods... Read More
East Meets WestAsian cultures have realized the medical benefits of... Read More
The most dreaded word in many dieter's vocabulary is 'fat'.... Read More
Enzymes are the workers in our body that make everything... Read More
Airbnb cleaning service Bannockburn ..Approximately 30 years ago, food manufacturers were competing against the... Read More
Most people understand that it is wise to limit the... Read More
Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who's the healthiest of them... Read More
With so many people concerned about natural and organic foods... Read More
In parts 1-4 of this series of articles titled "Take... Read More
Do you know the risks to daily intakes of Starbucks... Read More
Strict "no carb" phases of low carb diets have developed... Read More
"Organic" has some quite specific legal definitions in most developed... Read More
Can we really stop the aging process, slow it down,... Read More
It is a question we must ask ourselves continually if... Read More
"It is a bone-deep change you are going into, my... Read More
Lactose is the primary carbohydrate in milk. Cow's milk contains... Read More
Coconut oil is less known compare to olive oil, corn... Read More
Chances are you may have had a food product that... Read More
Information on potassiumWhen you read about potassium and senate document... Read More
Most digestive disorders develop because of the bodys inability to... Read More
The topic of food additives is not quickly addressed in... Read More
About 12.6 million Americans currently have heart disease.1.1 million Americans... Read More
The egg, the symbol of birth, of life and, therefore,... Read More
According to the National Institute of Health, Magnesium is needed... Read More
After WLS we must concentrate on eating nutrient rich food.... Read More
I would like to raise a question: Is Rejuvenation possible... Read More
Heart disease results when plaque builds up inside the arterial... Read More
During a recent discussion with my father about low carb... Read More
Recently I found the book : "Eating and health according... Read More
Nutrition |