Organic Foods--The Benefits

Are you concerned that the food you are eating may be harmful to
you and your family? With news reports about GM (genetically
modified) foods, health scares about eating beef, chemicals on
food affecting people's health and the intelligence of children,
it's no wonder that many are looking to organic foods as an
option.

WHAT IS ORGANIC FARMING?

Organic farming produces plant and animal foods without the
excessive use of chemicals. It focuses on using fertile soil
along with a variety of crops to maintain healthy growing
conditions which produce a food with more nutrients and less
chemicals than typical commercial foods. Organic farming
prohibits the growing of GM foods, a controversial issue among
commercial growers.

Animals reared on organic farms are treated properly with room to
behave like animals and are fed healthy food sources not laden
with drugs and other chemicals.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ORGANIC FOODS?

One of the common benefits proclaimed about organic foods is that
they taste better - but there are many other benefits to
incorporating organic foods into your diet. Besides the physical
benefits to you there are environmental benefits and benefits to
the animals and people who live and work on the farms.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Organic foods prevent people from ingesting regular amounts of
pesticides and insecticides commonly found in commercial
products. Animals are not routinely given antibiotics and other
medication which enters the food supply to humans. Some research
suggests that this excessive use of chemicals in food can be
linked to increased health problems and interferes with the
healthy development of children.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Organic food also protects the planet. Organic farming ensures
that bio-diversity remains available in the foods we eat and the
wildlife that live on the farms. Fruits and vegetables are
naturally available in 100's of varieties. Commercial growing
limits the variety of each food available by mass producing only
a handful. Many species of birds, insects and other animals are
affected by the chemicals and farming conditions used in growing
commercial foods.

Organic farms grow a mix of crops and promote a balanced
ecosystem including insects that protect crops from pests and
worms and other micro-organisms which fertilize the soil.

HUMAN AND ANIMAL BENEFITS

Organic farming is considered 'sustainable' farming. The workers
and the animals are not as exposed to dangerous toxins or working
and living conditions. This enables people to continue growing
healthy foods for the rest of society without reliance on huge
machinery and chemicals.

The animals raised on organic farms are not subject to the
terrible living conditions imposed on commercially reared animals
who often live in exceedingly small spaces without the freedom to
move or interact. These unhealthy conditions lead to a spreading
of illness which is combated with regular doses of antibiotics.

On organic farms the animals' needs are given priority. Healthy
food, clean living conditions and freedom to behave like animals
means healthier animals. When animals are sick they are cared for
individually according to their actual needs.

Organic, sustainable farming protects humans, animals and the
environment. Increasing the demand for organic products will
encourage this form of farming and ensure that the food supply
available to our children is a healthy one.

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