What's the deal with Organic?

Organic. Organic farming and locally grown produce. Instead of synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, organic farmers rely on biological diversity in the field to naturally reduce habitat for pest organisms. Organic farmers also purposefully maintain and replenish the fertility of the soil. 

Now going organic isn't new. Whether it relates to food or skincare it seems that whichever we apply this to; organic is seen by many as the most relevant choice that we can make to support and promote ecological balance and sustainability . But how much do you know about the organic industry? And does it really matter?

There is no doubt that organic agriculture and principles make the world a better place. Agriculture is one of the most basic practices of humankind - no matter what walk of life we tread, which path we choose to take; we all need to nourish ourselves - and these principles are the roots from which organic agriculture can grow and develop. Alongside the principles of history, culture and community values, these principles apply to the basic building blocks of how people tend the soil (healthy soils produce healthy crops), the water, the plants and the animals in order to produce, prepare and distribute food and other goods. They place emphasis on the way that people interact with living landscapes, how they relate to one another and how they will ultimately shape the legacy of future generations. It is undoubtedly a wonderful outlook - a positive, sustainable way forward but what makes a food 'organic'?

Organic food is food which has been produced using environmentally and animal friendly farming methods on organic farms. When it comes to food, to be labelled as organic, at least 95% of the ingredients must derive from organically produced plants or animals. Some ingredients however, are not available organically so therefore up to 5% of ingredients from a list of approved non-organic ingredients are allowed.  Non-foodstuffs such as salt, water and a restricted number of additives and processing aids are allowed. 

But organic food is so expensive! It all boils down to the old adage 'time is money'. Organic farms are typically smaller than conventional farms and due to their production methods of refraining from using chemicals and growth hormones, crops take longer to produce. Even so, for many people, realistically, it isn't always possible to buy everything organic unless the prices were considerably lower. A great way to introduce organic into your diet without feeling the pinch is to choose a variety of products which are easy to access and relatively cheap to buy. Organic dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, butter and cheese (full fat without the guilt!!) are produced by cows who are free to roam organic pastures; choose organic beef (cows which are not pumped full of hormones and antibiotics); choose organic eggs and chicken over products which are produced by GM fed chickens, and choose organic fruits and vegetables which would otherwise have the highest pesticide residue such as pears, apples, grapes, carrots, sweet potatoes, lettuce and cucumber. See the full pesticide report here. Local farmers markets are a good source of organic fruit and vegetables and also home delivered veg boxes from suppliers such as Abel & Cole are a great option.

All in all organic is the way forward. It may be expensive but it is a healthier and morally a better path to introduce and implement into our lives and diets. No matter how little we get involved, every organic purchase will help and support the organic industry and in a world where sustainable and ecological changes need to be addressed that can only be a good thing.