The Benefits of Producing Organic Foods

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These days one cannot go to a grocery store without seeing or hearing the word “organic”, but what does organic mean. According to the Merriam- Webster dictionary it is of, relating to, yielding, or involving the use of food produced with the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides. Given this definition one can identify what organic food is but it does not shed any light on what organic means. Many people buy organic food and don’t even have a reason for doing so. “I hear it’s better for you,” they may reply. Organic food in reality is no more nutritious than conventionally(i.e. chemically fertilized, etc) grown food. (Science 2.0, July 29, 2009) While there may be no difference nutritionally speaking, the methods for producing organic and conventional food is quite different as explained in the definition given above. The method for growing organically is much better for the environment and in turn better for us, the human race. The question here is not whether organic farming can feed the world or not but how much longer will the planet be able to survive the effects of conventional farming methods. Organic, sustainable farming must fulfill its potential of feeding the world so that the world can continue to thrive.

The use of chemicals on conventional produce may not make it to our dinner tables but it does show up elsewhere. It leaves traces in our water, in our air and in our soil. Over time the nitrogen based fertilizers that are used ultimately kill the ground that they are meant to make fertile. According to a 21 year study performed by a group of Swiss researchers, who by focusing on the lev...

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...genetic mutations, birth defects, nervous system disorders, immune and endocrine malfunctions.

With all of the side effects of conventional farming there really shouldn’t be a question of whether or not organic farming can sustain the world. We need to start treating the world as the precious commodity it is or we won’t be here to worry about where our food comes from. With any type of farming whether it be conventional or organic there is a need for distribution which in turn also contributes to the downfall of a cleaner planet. However, I believe that organic farming is definitely a step in the right direction. The materials needed are right there. I think every community needs to push for local suppliers and local producers. This game plan would not only stimulate the economy in that community but it would also make for a healthier environment.

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