Organic, Schmorganic – What Does It All Really Mean?

Human beings suffer from a devastatingly chronic malady that modern science has not yet figured out how to cure. This widespread illness infects virtually all of mankind, but particularly those who live in highly developed areas with access to modern amenities and conveniences. In one moment, a person can appear to be perfectly healthy and of sound mind, but then out of the blue, they can be struck down with a wicked case of the ooo, I gotta have it(s).

This disturbing phenomenon is responsible for spazzy hands that fondle shiny retail objects for up to 4.37 minutes at a time (sometimes even longer!!) prior to plunking them down in front of a cashier. Scientists believe that the illness is particularly advanced when victims release what is commonly referred to as “shopper’s drool.” Once this hideous goo trickles out of the mouth and takes its sorry journey down the chin and beyond, a shopper’s dignity may be irreparably damaged but they are shockingly undeterred and continue seeking out new things and stuff to fulfill their inner void. Such is the state of the human race today.

Those who are anti-shopping and anti-consumerism might argue that the global push for entirely organic foods and products is simply good for big business. The fact that it plays into the pre-existing shopping culture prevalent throughout society is not only convenient, but also super-fantastic for profit margins. Marketing campaigns play up the greenification angle with their claims that consumers owe it to the Earth to get rid of their old, toxic-laden household crap and replace it with new, “green” crap…and enthusiastic shoppers gamely comply.

The rallying cry to go green and buy organic may potentially benefit our health and environment in the long run, but somewhere across the globe in countless big-box company boardrooms, business executives must be laughing themselves silly and thanking the gods up above for their auspicious timing. Regardless of the motivation, it is clear that organic items (whether fruits & vegetables, general grocery items, household goods, or clothing) are out in the spotlight strutting their superiority, but it’s challenging to identify consumerist-spun myths from valuable, bonafide facts. Your intrepid Agriculture Guide is devoted to keeping your best interests at heart, so we’ve compiled a helpful compendium of things to keep in mind when you are considering making an organic purchase:

OKAY…SO IT’S ORGANIC. WHY I SHOULD REALLY BUY IT?

Well…if you’re considering purchasing organic fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats or grocery items:
Conventional food production has become exceedingly volume-driven and is devoid of regulated standards that keep consumer and environmental health at the forefront of the production process. Widespread food recalls that continually sweep the globe suggest that something is terribly wrong with the current state of conventional food production.

In order to keep up with consumer demand (while still offering relatively affordable products to the masses), modern corporate farmers and food production companies have mastered the fine art of generating factory food. They have embraced science and technology in order to ramp up production and output, but in the process, little regard has been given to the actual nutritive content of the food they are producing, as well as the safety of their food items and their overall environmental responsibility. Consequently, consumers are exposed to genetically modified organisms along with a laundry-list of other potentially and often legitimately harmful elements such as hormones, chemicals and pesticide residues.

In contrast, organic food must fulfill rigid standards throughout its creation/production and be certified free of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. In the case of organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs, all crops must be strategically rotated each year and fertilized without the use of sewage sludge. Seeds from those plants cannot be scientifically altered at the genetic level or irradiated (a.k.a. treated with radiation in order to destroy germs, bacteria, and other food-borne illnesses and extend shelf life).
Organically-raised animals must have access to the outdoors, be free of antibiotics, consume high-quality feed and interact/behave in an instinctual manner. Even organic grocery items must meet higher expectations, such as being minimally processed and free of GMOs and chemical food additives. Strictly from a health perspective, organic products restore the integrity and nutritive value to modern day food production and enable the consumer to have greater control and peace of mind regarding what they put into their bodies.

Interested in learning even more about this truly riveting topic?

Then please stay tuned for the exciting conclusion of this two-part series…..

Tagged as: natural foods, organic farming