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why organic?
Better Food – Better Health – Better Living
The impact to the earth and the environment is lower. Organic farmers use less energy, water resources, and NO pesticides.
Eating organic food is healthy for us and our planet.
what is organic?
Although minor variations in standards exist across countries, the term 'organic food' is usually taken to mean a food that has been produced without artificial fertilizers and that has not been subject to treatment with synthetic pesticides or growth promoters of any type, including hormones and antibiotics To maintain the integrity of the final product, organic foods are minimally processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation. The "organic" food label identifies food grown with practices that:
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Prohibit the use synthetic pesticides, herbicides and soil fumigants. |
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Prohibit the use of genetic engineering |
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Improve the quality and fertility of the soil |
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Protect water quality |
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Reduce soil erosion |
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Rely on nature's biological systems for pest and weed control |
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Produce high quality, great tasting food |
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Isn't organic beef the same thing as natural beef?
No. The USDA's current definition of "natural" beef could apply to just about any piece of meat you'll find in your local grocery store. As long as it doesn't contain any artificial preservatives and has only been minimally processed (i.e. ground), it can carry the "natural" label. When you buy beef with the "natural" label at some stores, you could be inadvertently buying beef from huge factory feed lots that may have been given growth-promoting hormones and antibiotics. Beyond claims made on the packaging, there is no guarantee their feed is free of potentially harmful pesticides. By contrast, Natural Acres All Natural cattle are purchased from local farmers to ensure accountability to the All-Natural label and are free of antibiotics and growth hormones.
Organic, on the other hand, is a verifiable promise that the beef you are buying is guaranteed to be free of growth-promoting hormones and antibiotics and that the feed the cattle have been given is certified organic. In addition, organic livestock have virtually unlimited access to pasture and receive the most humane treatment possible. If it carries the USDA Organic seal on the label, you can trust the beef you are buying is 100% organic. |
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Is there any evidence for greater nutritional value of organic foods compared to conventional foods?
Organic foods clearly have much lower levels of synthetic agricultural chemical residues such as artificial pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and veterinary drugs (eg, antibiotics and growth hormones). Organic meat and dairy farmers are prohibited from using hormones and antibiotics in organic livestock and dairy production. Finally by eating organic foods, you limit your intake of genetically modified foods because organic farmers cannot raise genetically modified crops or livestock or use production aids that are genetically modified. |
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How do I know if something is organic?
Many organizations independently certify farms as being organic. Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture began an organic certification program. Food with the USDA Organic label is at least 95% organic.
You may not find the USDA organic seal on all organic products. It is voluntary for organizations to use the seal on their product. However, it can only be used on products with at least 95% certified organic ingredients. |
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