My Nature’s Path Organic Chocolate Chip Granola Bar is labeled organic by the USDA. But what does organic mean if it now includes mass produced-individually wrapped items? How does this benefit the environment? So here I am again posting about a GIANT topic in less than 1000 words.
A little background on the key terms or methods associated with food production.
You can produce in a conventional method, meaning the use of a chemically based, often capital heavy, means of production. Think CAFO’s (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) or as they are most often called- feedlots, giant corn producing farms, chicken breeding facilities like Tyson Chicken, and any farms supported by my favorite agricultural villain, Monsanto.
Then there is organic, by definition “of or pertaining to, or involving animals, produce, etc., raised or grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or drugs.” Examples are Earthbound Farms and Organic Valley and, depending on where you live, the vendors at your local farmers market.
Two other categories that you should know about but I won’t go into here are called beyond organic and biodynamic. One example of beyond organic is Polyface Farms (featured in the film Food Inc. and in Michael Pollan’s The Omnivores Delimma) beyond organic farms do not seek certification from the USDA nor do they receive any federal financial support. But they practice a version of organic that is absolutely amazing. You won’t get his produce or meat unless you live within the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia or are willing to travel several hours. They don’t ship produce or meat either. Building a farming empire is the opposite what beyond organic is about. It strives to heal the land and provide the freshest food imaginable.
Biodynamic agriculture, which focuses on the holistic relationships between soil, plants and animals, often include the use of an astronomical sowing and planting calendar. This method is a little new to me so for this post I’ll focus on the first two mentioned.
What does it mean to be organic in 2010? You’ve seen organic tv dinners, heard about organic high fructose corn syrup and perhaps enjoyed asparagus out of season but how should I view organic produce from Argentina?
An industrial organic farm is still an industrial farm in size but follows different rules.
National guidelines established by the USDA outline all the do’s and don’ts that large scale organic farms must follow. Typically organic farmers use methods such as crop rotation, integrated pest management controls to prevent invasive pests, natural fertilizers such as manure and compost to supply the soil with nutrients and give animals organic feed to minimize health risks. While industrial in size the large organic farm operations are able to remove unimaginable amounts of chemicals from our daily food, they reduce pollution levels and conserve water along with soil.
Yes, it’s still expensive but so is health care. I’d rather spend an extra couple of dollars on quality food than battle with my health. The cost are due to the more expensive farming techniques, in some cases hand weeding, lack of government subsidies…etc.
I’m a promotor of organically grown on any scale. While the researchers battle it out in theories and various articles funded by the food industry giants, I take a proactive stance and decide to be cautious with what I consume. And that bunch of asparagus you’re holding in your hand that’s organic from Argentina well if it’s not available locally and you have to have it, best is organic. And remember, you don’t have to be perfect everyday.

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