Why Organic Food Is Not Worthwhile

When considering differences between organic and conventional foods often the first thing people comment on is the nutritional value. Organic foods have grown in popularity due to the perception that they are better nutritionally. Barbara Hey (2009), health reporter and author of the article, “A Different Health Debate: Conventional versus Organic Food” and Smith-Spangier, Crystal, et al. (2012), emphasize that the benefits of organic foods and farming are important to society. That organic food can help protect what’s most valuable to people, their health. They suggest that eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is a good investment in preventative care. Jeff Gillman (2008) agrees and states, “ …preventing disease is much more cost effective than treating disease. Organic foods can play a vital role in keeping people healthy” (139).

Sales of organic food have risen steadily over the past couple of years, reaching nearly $30 billion in 2011, or 4.2% of all U.S. food and beverage sales, (Adams). Many people believe that organic foods are ultimately the better choice when it comes to health due to the absence of pesticides and hormones. But other people—especially those whose food budgets may be more defined—wonder if organic food is really worth the inflated price tag. Despite the price, Organic foods are worth producing and consuming rather than conventional foods due to the immense benefits they provide.

The UDSA has no claims saying that organic foods are safer, healthier, or even more nutritious than traditional foods. Furthermore, there is only little research on outcomes of people who is on a strict organic diet. Also although food may be raised organically, some food

A reason why someone would choose organic foods instead of conventional foods is because the individual wants to avoid harmful chemicals like pesticides. When someone goes into a field to spray the crops with pesticides, the individual usually wears a white suit for protection from the harmful chemical that is being placed on the food and soil (Akbaba et al., 2012). If the skin must be protected from the pesticide when farming then why would someone choose to consume that food? Eating mainly conventional fruits and vegetables can

No matter where we go as consumers, we are faced with an endless amount of variety when it comes to product choices. Within the last several years the organic food market has become a popular trend among Americans. In today’s supermarkets, organic foods are everywhere, as they are no longer limited to only upscale retailers. Large corporations are jumping on the bandwagon and bringing the organic industry to the mainstream market, making the products readily available to the average consumer. The movie Food Inc. portrays this when the film shows Wal-Mart transitioning into this industry as it is flourishing with the recent health campaigns. In 2013 the organic food industry grew to $35.1 billion dollars, an 11.5% increase compared to the previous year ("Market Analysis"). Consumers seem to believe that organic foods have more health benefits, such as nutritional value, environmental benefits, and also take account for animal welfare. So what is the truth about organic food and why is it becoming so popular? It seems as though while organic food maybe the better choice, most consumers do not have a clear understanding on what organic food actually is and what it means.

To the casual shopper it may appear that one of the biggest differences between organic and non organic food can be found on the price tag, however, it is important to realize that the true cost of food is not necessarily the price listed on the price tag. Looking more into the quality, how its made and where the food comes from, is beneficial in our choice of the food we pick. Picking organic food have become ever-so popular. Organic food is grown or raised using little or no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial chemicals. Instead, organic farmers try to work with natural processes to promote the health of their crops and livestock. For example, an organic farmer might apply compost (decaying plant material) instead of chemical fertilizer to replenish the soil. Instead of using pesticides, the farmer may rely on natural predators to control insect pests. (Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia)

Choi 3 stated organic foods have higher antioxidants such as nutrients which are used to fend of diseases and to counteract negative effects to the body. (Peet) Organic foods are proven to contain more nutrients needed to grow and to reduce health risks. Organic foods are 100% better for everyone as well as for the environment. Benefits of organic foods outweigh the benefits of non-organic foods. Despite the lack of appearance, and paying and few extra cents for organic food, it will always be better than the cost of cancer. Organic foods will always be prominent than any other type of food. Eating the correct apple is all it takes to preserve one’s life. It does not take any wits to notice that the less appealing apple would be chosen if given another chance to choose. Saving the one and only earth in existence along with people living inside of it? Or consuming deadly chemicals just for its exhibit?

Organic food is a current topic in today’s healthful world. There are different sides to the organic food argument. One is that organic food is much better than conventional food. The other is that conventional food is just as good as organic and more for your dollar. To some families organic food is more then they can afford because of the extra work that is required to grow it. People say that organic food is better because it has no chemicals or fertilizer in it but that is not true because they do put fertilizer on it just “natural” fertilizer that is certified by the USDA. Conventional food which to many people think is not safe because of the chemicals in it but it is just as safe as organic food.

simple economic principles. The demand for organic food is still on the rise and as the years pass society becomes increasingly aware of the health benefits related to eating organically. The overarching issue with the price of organic foods is that the demand exceeds the supply of the organic food market. In the economy, specifically the Floridian organic food industry, products that are high in demand eventually become costlier because the production has to occur at a faster rate and higher volumes of supplies needs to be purchased. The production of organic food has been flourishing for the last 60-50 years so the production of organic food is new in its elements and helping the organic food market expand is a long term solution to the expensive prices of organic food.

According to the Organic Trade Association, in 2010 organic sales accounted for over four percent of the U.S. total food sales (Cohen). This puts into perspective how much of a role organic food has come to play in U.S. food sales. In our world today, one choice that people are constantly being faced with when out shopping for groceries is whether or not they should purchase organic foods. Many people assume that organic foods come with many more benefits than regular food which is why they cost more. However, contrary to popular belief, along with the extra cost of organic food there are actually little to no health nor environmental benefits, which is why we should stray away from purchasing these products.

Organic food is one of the fast growing markets in the world. Only in the U.S., retail sales of organic foods were $6.2 billion in 2015: California made up the biggest part of the country’s organic food market, with $2.436 billion of total sales; Colorado was on the ninth place with $155 million of total sales (“2015 Certified Organic Survey” 9). Today, organic products are available in almost every conventional grocery store and often have a higher price over conventional products. In fact, the majority of consumers believe that organic products do not contain pesticides or antibiotics, and they are better for health and the environment. Because the U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the use of the “Organic” and “USDA Organic” labels, it is a primary driver of the marketing success of organic products in the U.S. Misunderstanding of the principles and practices of organic farming, labels and quality of organic food, values and motivations of consumers, have made many debates in our society.

In a study done by Annals of Internal Medicine, it has been proven that the consumption of organic products has the same nutritional values as conventional products. Although quality nutrition is not a factor in the cost for organic products, the real cost is stemmed from the neglect of pesticide in the product. Ultimately organic products are raised in a superior environment unlike conventional products which are raised in cost effective methods. Non-organic products mature in ghastly conditions. Products purchased by a future consumer should ultimately benefit them. Avoiding mature products from vile origins is the reason I believe organic products are worth inflated costs.

Do you know everything that happens to the food you buy before you buy it? You probably do not because the food industry does not want you to know. If you did know, you would not want to eat your food. Have you ever wondered why you can buy tomatoes in the middle of winter, or why meat does not have any bones? Foods have been imported to your supermarket from all around the world. Produce is harvested when it is not completely ripe and then later ripened with chemicals such as ethylene gas. Meat and dairy corporations make you believe that th¬¬eir food comes from farms and ranches, when really; their food is being produced in factories. The only way to know the truth about your food is by getting it from reliable sources. Organic farmers tell you the truth about what is done to their food before it becomes an item on the shelf of a supermarket. Consuming organic foods greatly impacts everyday life and health because it contains more nutrients, creates a safer environment, and is able to reduce risks or even prevent diseases and health issues.

There is also the problem with animals and how they are treated when it comes to non-organic food. Most of us have probably seen the horror that goes on in chicken coups and how some cows are treated at farms. Organic meat practices are much better for the animals, just small things like being free range and cage free. Kobe beef is extremely expensive because the cows are treated with care and fed properly. How the animal is treated can make a difference in taste and I also feel a little better knowing the animal didn’t live the worst possible life.

One argument towards shopping for organic food is in fact very costly. Buying Organic food