Why We Support Organic
Organic farming encourages food production that nurtures living soil and
excludes industrial pesticides, resulting in the healthiest, strongest, most
flavorful crops. Simply put, organic food is grown the way nature intended.
The FDA approved many pesticides before research linked them to chemicals
that cause cancer and other diseases. Now the EPA considers 60% of all
herbicides, 90% of all fungicides, and 30% of all insecticides to be
carcinogenic. The bottom line is that pesticides are poisons made to kill living
creatures, and can also be harmful to humans.
Organic produce is raised without using most conventional pesticides,
synthetic fertilizers, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation. Organic farm
animals are not given antibiotics or growth hormones. Before a product can be
labeled "organic," a certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make
sure the producer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic
standards.
The inherent commitment of organic farming to crop rotation, living soil,
companion planting, rural enterprise, pure water and sustainable agriculture is
a critical step toward protecting our environment and our individual health. By
purchasing organic, you provide a marketplace for growers who make the future of
our planet a top priority. Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the
use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance
environmental quality for generations to come.
The increasing demand for organic foods reflects concern for the environment
and for human health; it also reflects growing public interest in strengthening
communities and relationships within communities. The popularity of farmer’s
markets in our communities highlight the value now placed on fresh organic local
food. The organic movement reflects a return to the values of accountability,
sustainability, and handmade quality. We see this everyday in convergences of
organic with gourmet.
At Sustainable Foods we recognize the importance of community health and
sustainable business practices that have less of a negative impact on the
environment. We believe that food organically grown is simply better for all of
us and better for our planet.
The OTA's 10 Reasons to Choose Organic Food
- To Protect Future Generations
The average child receives four times more exposure than an adult to
at least eight widely used cancer-causing pesticides in food. Food choices
made now, determine your child’s future health.
- To Prevent Soil Erosion
Soil is the foundation of the food chain in organic gardening. In
conventional farming, however, the soil is used more as a medium to
hold plants in place, so they can be chemically fertilized. Soil
structure is neglected and the top-soil is washed or blown away.
- To Protect Water Quality
Water makes up two-thirds of our body mass and covers three quarters
of the planet. Pesticides and other chemicals widely contaminate
ground water and rivers and pollute our primary source of drinking
water.
- To Save Energy
Modern farming uses more petroleum than any other industry. More
energy is now used to produce synthetic fertilizers than to till,
cultivate and harvest crops. Organic farming is still based on labor
intensive practices such as hand weeding and green manure instead of
chemicals.
- To Keep Chemicals Off Your Plate
Many pesticides were registered long before research linking them to
cancer and other diseases could be established. In addition to
cancer, pesticides are implicated in birth defects, nerve damage and
genetic manipulations.
- To Protect Farm Workers
Farmers have a much larger risk than non-farmers of contracting
cancer. Farm worker health is also a serious problem in developing
nations, where pesticide use can be poorly regulated. An estimated
one million people are poisoned annually by pesticides.
- To Help Small Farmers
Most organic farms are small, independently owned family farms of
less than 100 acres. Many family farms have been lost this past
decade. Organic farming could be one of the few survival tactics
left for family farms.
- To Support A True Economy
Although organic foods might seem more expensive than conventional
foods, conventional food prices don’t reflect hidden costs such as
pesticide regulation and testing, hazardous waste disposal and clean
up and environmental damage. If the hidden environmental and social
costs of chemically-produced conventional produce were added to that
produce, it would be more than double the price of organic food.
- To Promote Biodiversity
Single crops are more susceptible to pests, making farmers more
reliant on pesticides. Insects have become genetically resistant to
certain pesticides and despite the increased uses of chemicals, crop
losses are increasing. Organic farmers encourage natural predators
on their farms and are content with a smaller harvest.
- Because it tastes better
Organic farming starts with the nourishment of the soil, which leads
to the nourishment of the plant and, ultimately, our palate.