Why should I buy Organic food?

Why should I buy Organic food?

We live in a world where consumers are flooded with front-of-packaging claims about ‘health’ benefits & an overwhelming amount of information across the internet & media about what IS healthy & what ISN’T. In trolling through these vast seas of information, consumers will come across the terms ‘organic’ & ‘certified organic’. In the recent Australian Organic Consumer Trust Survey over 77% of consumers want to know what being an organic product means & what exactly are the benefits of buying certified organic food & choosing an organic diet for their health.

In this article we will discuss these terms and uncover some truths & myths associated with growing, producing & shopping organic. So firstly, what makes a food or ingredient ‘organic’ or ‘certified organic’?

Anyone can say something is ‘organic’. Your garden soil is ‘organic’, right? The word ‘organic’ has multiple meanings, but its most common usage refers to something that is related to, derived from, or characteristic of living organisms, or of a system or process that involves living organisms. In the context of chemistry, ‘organic’ refers to compounds containing carbon atoms, typically in combination with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur or other elements.

In the context of food and agriculture, ‘organic’ generally refers to a method of farming and food production that emphasizes the use of natural inputs and processes, and minimizes the use of synthetic substances such as pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Overall, the term ‘organic’ often connotes a focus on natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly practices and products, and may imply a preference for products that are free from synthetic or harmful ingredients.

The problem with using the term ‘organic’ is that in some cases it has become a marketing tool, & when it comes to your food production, this general term doesn’t have a strict definition. Companies have come to exploit this term with the implication that products are ‘organic’, when in fact they are not. Vague terms such as natural, free range, pesticide free, no artificial colours flavours or preservatives, have flooded the internet & appear on a vast range of product packaging with no regulation or definition. For example the term ‘free range’ is regulated by its own industry, and outside any government regulation.  Add into that, a sea of green-washing terms such as sustainable, carbon-conscious, eco-friendly, biodegradable. Is it any wonder we can become overwhelmed & confused??

Did you know…

Thankfully, the term ‘certified organic’ enables us, as a consumer, to have confidence that the product or ingredient has been strictly regulated and followed a rigorous process to be able to claim the term. Most importantly, the certified organic industry is government regulated. Farmers who wish to certify their farm’s produce as ‘certified organic’ must in the first instance meet the requirements of the National Standard for Organic and Bio-dynamic Produce. The National Standard outlines the minimum production and processing standards Australian products must comply with in order to be sold as certified organic. The farm and the production methods used must be verified as meeting organic standards through one of the accredited organic certification organisations. This comes at a yearly cost to the farmer or producer, & thus, with strict inspection protocols, is a carrot to maintaining the highest of standards.

Here is an outline of what it means to be certified organic:

Chemical & Hormone free. Certified organic products have been grown, stored, & processed without the use of synthetically produced chemicals such as fertilisers, herbicides, fungicides, humectants, pesticides, preservatives, colours or additives.

Sustainably farmed. Certified organic farming and production methods promote ecosystem health through true biodiversity, maintaining the natural genetic variety of plant & animal species. The planting & harvesting is according to the four seasons and prevents topsoil degradation. These methods include, but are not limited to, crop rotation, manure & fallow crops, the use of beneficial insects & the strict refusal to use synthetic chemicals or mono-cropping.

Non-Genetically Engineered or Non-GMO. Certified organic products cannot be derived from, processed or have any contact with plant or animal species that have been genetically engineered. Genetic manipulation techniques are the very opposite of organic farming techniques, which promote the natural order over artificial human intervention. In other words, mother-nature knows best!

Free of antibiotics, drugs, synthetic vaccinations & growth hormones. Certified organic farming makes use of livestock management practices that minimise animal stress and cruelty. The health, happiness & wellbeing of the animal is of utmost importance. Animals are fed certified organic feed, have constant access to clean water & pasture areas, adequate ventilation & are treated humanely at all times. Drugs, antibiotics & GMO or MRNA injections are forbidden.

Wray Tip: Look for the bud logo! In Australia ACO certifies many organic products that you will find on retailer shelves, so look out for the ‘bud’ logo on the packaging. This means that the product has been produced and processed according to the ACO’s strict organic standards.

Wray Tip: Wray Organic Online stocks products that are either Certified Organic or 100% organic ingredients, so you can shop with confidence & save time, knowing we have already done the research for you.

Buying organic food can be a great way to support sustainable agriculture and reduce your exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Here are some tips to help you navigate through the sea of information & help you make informed choices when shopping for organic food:

1. Look for the certified organic logo. The logos from recognised certified organic regulators around the world ensure that the food has been grown and processed according to strict organic standards. So products that are certified organic with a legitimate logo or contain 100% organic ingredients, are generally safer than those that simply contain some organic ingredients. Some products claiming to be ‘organic’ may only contain one or a few organic ingredients from their list.

2. Buy local. Local organic farms & small businesses often offer organic produce and meat that may not be available at larger supermarkets. This also supports local businesses and reduces the carbon footprint associated with excessive transportation & mass production.

3. Consider the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) from the USA produces an annual list of the fruits and vegetables with the highest and lowest levels of pesticide residue. The Dirty Dozen are the top 12 most contaminated produce items, while the Clean Fifteen are the 15 least contaminated. Keep in mind this is based on USDA information and not from Australian certifiers, but it will, at least, give you a guide as to what to look out for.

4. Buy in Season. When fruits and vegetables are in season, they are often more affordable and have better flavour, texture & life in your fridge. In addition, buying local and in season can reduce the carbon footprint associated with fresh produce & ensure what you are eating is in fact full of the nutrition you expect from that product.

5. Read labels carefully. Your food choices are going to be specific to your own dietary needs and those of your family. Just because something is labelled ‘certified organic’, it does not mean it is a good choice for your current dietary needs. For example, if you are looking to avoid sugar, you should read the labels, as some certified organic foods may contain certified organic sugar that is in greater quantities than you may be looking for.

6. Ask questions. Certified organic products have a long chain of accountability, with actual certification numbers attached to their registrations, so you can look them up for further information. At the end of the day, don't be afraid to ask questions & if you are unsure about a particular product, ask the grower, producer or store staff about how it was produced and processed.

Buzz words in the media in recent times talk a lot about ‘saving the environment’, ‘global warming’ & refer to a ‘climate emergency’. Sometimes these concepts can be overwhelming and we are left feeling helpless. To put it simply, however, the number one thing we can all do, each & every one of us, is to buy certified organic products in supporting organically farmed agriculture. It’s not only a great thing you can do for your own health & the health of your family, but it’s the number one thing you can do for our planet & future generations by looking after that top six inches of our soil, our air & our animal health.

Organic fresh produce & grocery products are surging in popularity as people question the wisdom of eating highly processed foods, fresh fruit & vegetables that are quite literally packed full of synthetic chemicals and dangerous toxins. With our increasing desire for natural solutions & lessening that daily toxic load on our bodies, a growing number of us are thankfully embracing the simplicity of organics. Just food, nothing else thanks. Just this planet, for the sake of future generations.