Organic verses non-organic
Many of you have probably pondered the question on more than a few occasions. Which is best for my baby, or for that matter, folks like us? Which is better- Is it organically grown foods or am I better served with non-organic foods? Many of you probably swear by either organic living or non-organic living and walk a strict line on the topic. Then there are probably many of you out there who go both ways. Is there a right or wrong answer to this question? Well, I am here to tell you that the answer to this all-important question that deals with choosing organic or non-organic foods while raising your baby…Ready…You are correct. There really is no right or wrong answer. It is how you feel about either and your confidence in your decision. I will point out several points of views, from both sides, from proponents of each. The following views are those of others that I have compiled in hopes of shedding light on this issue.
Before we get started into the “Why’s and How Comes of Organic verses Non-Organic” Lets understand a few definitions as it pertains to the foods we are talking about for our babies. These definitions are for those of us who will be purchasing these foods. For those who grow their own, the meanings may have some slight differences.
- “Organic foods” are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers and are largely free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
- “Non-Organic” is a term that refers to food that has not been grown, raised or produced in accordance with organic standards.
- “Genetically modified organisms” or GMO’s for short, are novel organisms created in a laboratory using genetic modification/engineering techniques.
Why Organic verses Non-Organic, the Pro’s and Con’s
Why go organic? For many, the belief is that organically grown foods are better for you. Organic food may be a bit more pricey at the market but organic foods are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. The truly organic label means that the farm’s soil and crops are managed in a way that they don’t pollute the environment, use less water and have a better soil quality. While regulations may slightly vary, organic crops must be grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes (GMOs), petroleum-based and/or the use of synthetic fertilizers manufactured from fossil fuels, and sewage sludge-based fertilizers in the United States. Produce may be labeled organic if it was produced in soil that had not been treated with banned chemicals for three years previous to harvest.
Instead, organic farmers rely on mulching, composting and the use of animal manures. They also do not use fertilizers made from sewage sludge, which is the residue left over from human waste that has been processed. They also use more organic approaches like the use of insects to control and eat pests, traps and naturally produced pesticides. Organic farmer do not use GMO’s or genetically manufactured Organicism’s.
Organic meat farm practices include no use of growth hormones or antibiotics in cows, pigs, chickens, goats, sheep and other farm animals. Animals are not fed with animal biproducts, like fat, flesh or blood from other animals. Animals only eat on organic feed or graze on natural grasses.
Is there a difference between natural and organic?
Does the Terms “Natural” and “Organic” have the same meaning? No, is the simple answer. Unfortunately, natural does not always imply organic, and no assurances can be made. “Natural foods” are often believed to be minimally processed foods that are free of hormones, antibiotics, and artificial flavors.
The biggest drawback or ‘Con” Organic goods have a higher price tag than conventional ones. In comparison to demand, organic food supply is restricted. Organic food production costs are usually higher due to increased labor input and farmers’ inability to produce enough of a particular product to reduce the total cost.
What is the difference between certified organic and organically grown?
Certified organic is grown without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. Organically grown does not have these restrictions. People buy organically because they believe in the health of their food, and they want to support local farmers.
Why go Non-Organic, the Pro’s and Con’s
What are the benefits or draw backs to going non-organic? The following appeared in an article from Forbes Magazine, dated March of 2016-
The USDA, (United States Department of Agriculture) which oversees the foods labeled as “Certified Organic”, states quite clearly on its website about its role in “Organic”, that “Our regulations do not address food safety or nutrition.” Foods labelled “Certified Organic” must adhere to certain rules and regulations but aren’t endowed with any particular nutritional or safety features. Let me repeat that again… Foods labelled “Certified Organic” must adhere to certain rules and regulations but aren’t endowed with any particular nutritional or safety features. However, many consumers believe that the Organic label means the food has superior nutrition and is safer, especially in regard to pesticide residues. This is not true. Studies have shown no appreciable difference in nutrition between crops grown either organically or conventionally.
As for the safety issue. When most people hear the word “pesticide,” they imagine something scary in terms of toxicity to humans and the environment. The reality is that modern agriculture employs an integrated suite of non-pesticide control measures, and the actual pesticides used today are mostly relatively non-toxic to humans. Organic farmers also use pesticides, and the products they are allowed to use are constrained with few exceptions are by whether they can be considered “natural.” That is not a safety standard since many of the most toxic chemicals known are “natural.” Like all pesticides, these natural options are subject to EPA scrutiny, and so the pesticides that organic farmers are allowed to use are “safe when used according to the label requirements”
When it comes to pesticide residues on our food, there is a USDA testing program that demonstrates year after year that the pesticide residues on both organic and conventional foods are at such low levels that we need not worry about them.
I have always been concerned about the human impact on the environment, and particularly about the impact of farming since that industry has the largest “footprint” in terms of land area. Some of the farming practices that are commonly employed on organic farms are very positive from an environmental perspective, but those practices are also used by progressive “conventional” growers. There are also quite a few farming practices with excellent environmental profiles which are difficult to implement under the organic farming rules (e.g. no till farming, spoon-feeding of nutrients via irrigation). Compost, which is a major input for organic farms, has a shockingly high “carbon footprint” because of methane emissions. The carbon footprint of “synthetic” fertilizer is much smaller.
Loss of natural habitat, according to the UN (United Nations), is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. Depending on the crop and the region, organic farming tends to yield between 19-60% less than conventional farming. I know that many organic lobbying organizations like IFOAM are trying to juice the numbers with their own studies, but the point is that organic yields are significantly lower in the best of situations and can be catastrophically lower during years with high pest outbreaks.
Higher levels of pollutants in groundwater found from organic fertilizers.
A study by the EPA ( United States Environmental Agency) states that since organic farmers only use cow, pig and poultry manure and other natural composts to fertilize their fields. This runs off into surface and groundwater, increasing nitrate and acidic levels which can have enormous consequences on local ecosystems. The over-emphasis on animal manures in organic farming has also led to many serious human health crises, including most importantly, E. coli outbreaks due to fecal contamination from manure.
Food is a very personal, and very emotional issue for many of us. Concerns multiply when, as parents, we struggle with decisions that affect those precious to us, especially our babies. I totally get that, so I do not expect you to agree with the article, either from the non-organic way of life to the organic lifestyle. You are perfectly free to choose to eat either organic or non-organic if that makes you feel good and you can afford it. either way, good luck, and as always, do your research and due diligence so you can make informed decisions for your family.
Sources
- Organic vs Nonorganic, dos it really makes a difference? By Dana Angelo White, M.S., R.D., A.T.C : Food Networks, Healthy Eats.
- Organic Foods Defined, United States Department of Agriculture.
- Organic vs Non-Organic- An Overview of the pro’s and con’s: Living Organic Official Website.
