Farm to Table Essay

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).

A growing number of consumers favor organic foods, claiming that it tastes better and is healthier. Why organic? Organic foods grown naturally in well-balanced soils, ripened by the sun are healthier and tastier than products with synthetic chemicals and growth hormones.

The history of organic foods is controversial. When consumers hear the term "organic", many expect foods that are treated with fewer or no "bad chemicals", foods that are more nutritious, or "natural", and those that are less processed or may entail closer care and attention to crops and livestock. However, this is a long list of expectations that are difficult to meet, so the question is actually whether or not the certification process and benefits are worth the hassle. When it comes to health, there is no difference between organic and conventional produce. Both offer the same nutrient benefits. While choosing to eat fresh produce is better for your health than processed food, choosing organic does not lead to any additional benefits. This

Organic food is an alternative to conventional food. It is marketed as pure, wholesome and natural. Organic food is generally considered healthier than conventional grown foods. People shopping for organic food usually do so to avoid the chemicals, not necessarily because organic products have more nutrition.

The use of pesticides has been very harmful for humans. In Daniel Pepper’s “The Toxic Consequences of the Green Revolution,” it states that in India because of the excessive use of pesticides, people have gotten cancer, along with stillborn children and kidney failure. With these serious illnesses, it gives more body to the argument.

After countless studies, pesticides have been linked to cancer, Alzheimer's Disease, ADHD, and even birth defects. Pesticides also have the potential to harm the nervous system, the reproductive system, and the endocrine system. Not only are pesticides found in farms, but they are found in or around your home, too. Lots of people use insect repellent in the summer to avoid getting bitten by blood sucking insects such as mosquitoes. Well, insect repellent has the pesticide in it. If you have a wooden deck on your house, then that probably contains that pesticide Chromated Copper Arsenate, which helps in to preserve the wood so it does not rot overtime. Some other common items that contain pesticides are known as bleach, certain types of paint, and even a few swimming pool chemicals. If you have a lawn, you probably have weed killers, or herbicides, to prevent the growth of weeds. Some pesticides are also used on other animals besides insects, such as unwelcome rodents like rats and roaches. All sorts of food products have pesticides such as organic foods and much more. DDT was a most used pesticide for insect control in the United States until it was banned in 1972 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). DDT was initially used by the military in WW II to control malaria, typhus, body

Pesticides are normally misused by people with little knowledge or care for their harmful effects. Without effective enforcement of regulations, pesticides are easily spread beyond their projected areas. According to research, the overuse of pesticides causes many human diseases, animal diseases, and disruptions in our ecosystem. Well defined regulations, along with consumer education, could limit the misuse of pesticides and protect our fragile pollinator populations from continued decline to help ensure future food sources for many generations to come.

“A Who's Who of pesticides is therefore of concern to us all,” said Rachel Carson, American marine biologist, conservationist, and author of Silent Spring, “If we are going to live so intimately with these chemicals eating and drinking them, taking them into the very marrow of our bones - we had better know something about their nature and their power.” Pesticides are typically used to get rid of pests on crops or even in a person’s home. Despite the great work pesticides do for crops or getting rid of pests in the home, they have many adverse side effects on human health. Pesticide can cause cancer, birth defects and disorders in children and infants, and contain many dangerous chemicals. (Howard, 119)

Pesticides have caused more talking points than most other food related topics. Pesticides are dangerous chemicals sprayed on to the crops to kill off any and all pests and bugs. Exposure to pesticides can cause diseases and illness to any organic being that come into contact with it. The University of Colorado conducted a study that shows exposure to a common pesticide causes the person to develop Parkinson's disease. Many are against the uses of pesticides.

First, consumers should not purchase organic foods because they are expensive. In The Truth About Organic Foods Samuel Fromartz says “...buying organic can cost you-as much as 50 percent more…” People are paying more money for less food. People are not getting their money's worth of food when buying organic. In Organic food -- better for you or not? A study takes a look Rosie Mestel states “Many people shell out extra money for organic food…” Organic food costs more than conventional food. If you are buying organic foods you can't spend that money on other things such as a new car or college if you are buying organic foods you can't spend that money on other thing such as college and cars. That's just a few examples.

Organic food is healthier for both the environment and the bodies of people and animals that surround farming sites. The process of organic farming helps the earth in many ways:

Why should more individuals eat organic food other than non-organic food? Organic food is grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation. That will make eating organic food a healthier choice for your body, giving the individual more nutrients. The only problem with organic food is that it is costly. There are numerous reasons why it's so expensive, however, one of the big factors, according to Melissa Valliant is, “organic farmland only accounts for 0.9 percent of total worldwide farmland, and organic farms tend to produce less than conventional farms. Conventional farms have the farmland and the supply to keep costs down since manufacturers are able to reduce costs when producing a product in larger quantities.” If there is a way to increase the demand and improve

First of all, pesticides can fatal injuries to a large variety of animals. The infamous toxins can, in the future, kill species off to the point of extension. Some lifeforms at risk include insects and rodents. Birds are also subjected to

One concern about pesticides and herbicide usage is the amount of residues left on the end product of crops sprayed with the chemicals, and their effects on human health. (Williamson, 2007, p. 184). However, these effects are closely tested and levels are strictly regulated to ensure there is no danger from possible pesticide residues. Since 1910, many rules, regulations, and agencies have been formed to monitor the safety of the pesticides and herbicides used in conventional farming. These chemicals must meet specific safety standards in order to be registered for use, and regulations on levels of each product safe for use are also put in place. (Tafel et al.,2007, p.184). All pesticides are rigorously examined to ensure they have no significant effects on human health, or the environment. The residues in the food chain are closely monitored, and regularly tested, to ensure they are below legal limits. In a recent survey of residues

Organic Food is very safety for human body, and contains much more vitamins, calcium, iron than non-organic