Organic Farming
What is “organic farming”? It’s a system that works in harmony with nature rather than against it. This involves using techniques to achieve good crop yields without harming the natural environment or the people who live and work in it. The soil is a living system containing millions of different creatures which are needed for recycling nutrients. It needs to be continuously nurtured. Organic farmers carefully manage the use of soil, land and water resources without using toxic pesticides that are poisoning farmworkers and farming communities.
Conventional farms use these synthetic toxic pesticides which drift through the air and water to other areas in the community causing people to get very sick. Children are especially at risk of being poisoned because their small bodies are still growing and are vulnerable to these toxins.
“The Whole Picture”
Organic food contributes to better health through reduced pesticide exposure for all and increased nutritional quality. In order to understand the importance of eating organic food from the perspective of toxic pesticide contamination, we need to look at the whole picture—from the farmworkers who do the valuable work of growing food, to the waterways from which we drink, the air we breathe, and the food we eat. Organic food can feed us and keep us healthy without producing the toxic effects of chemical agriculture.
Nutritional Benefits from Eating Organically Grown Foods
*Fruits and Vegetables have higher levels of antioxidants.
*They are richer in micronutrients like zinc, iron, copper and magnesium.
*They are easier on the immune system.
Personal Note: We have little control over air and water pollution in our environment, but we do have the power to choose what foods we eat. I have chosen to eat organic foods whenever possible. Most of the produce in my soup is grown organically. I grew up eating conventional foods and it wasn’t until a few years ago that I researched the subject and decided that it was in my best interest to eat organically grown foods whenever possible. Being an Environmentalist I’m deeply concerned about the damage caused by conventional farming methods to the land and our bodies. I also learned that I like the taste and texture of organic produce over conventional. It’s tastier and heartier with a deeper color and flavor.
I am blessed to live in a community which offers “organic” at reasonable prices. This might not be true for you. If this is the case I suggest that you do the best you can with what’s available in your area. Buy “organic” when you can get it and conventional when necessary. Organic produce might be expensive in your area…another consideration. If this is true…then grow your own! Start a community garden!
https://www.organicconsumers.org/sites/default/files/what_is_organic_farming.pdf
https://www.beyondpesticides.org/programs/organic-agriculture/why-organic/health-benefits
