What Does Organic Mean?

The rise of organic farming in the United States came about following the general push to return to a more natural way of life in the late 1960s and 1970s. This was really a return to the traditional farming methods that were used exclusively until the rise of industrial farming in the 1920s. A major force behind this movement was science writer, Rachel Carson who published Silent Spring in 1962 (History). In this work, she focused on the loss of songbirds due to the widespread use of DDT and the otherwise “indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and weed killers” (History). The label “organics” sprung from consumer pressure

By organic we believe in planting and creating a beautiful landscape that will do well in every climate and season. We also use organic herbicides for the best results.

7A Organic agriculture is defined by the USDA as agriculture that uses methods that help preserve the environment and do not use synthesized chemicals like chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Farmers may use compost to improve soil fertility as an alternative to nitrogen and phosphorous based fertilizers. In organic agriculture, polycultures are often implemented, where multiple different crops are planted in one field. Crop rotation is also an essential part of organic farming, as it increases crop diversity and soil quality. Family farms better protect the environment when they switch to organic agriculture. Use of synthesized chemicals require more water, which can deplete water sources and even cause desertification, which increases soil

People tend to argue on the fact of whether or not organic foods are good for them. According to Soley’s article it states that “Organic foods are healthier for consumers, farmers, and the planet, says Cathy Fichtner, category manager for chocolate, cocoa, & caramel, Global Organics, Ltd. “Organic production reduces exposure to toxic and persistent chemicals in the foods we eat and for farm workers and their families (Soley, 2015).” By having this information published they are agreeing with the people who are for Organic foods. Organic

livestock that flourish in the absence of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and hormones. (Diekmann, 2013). The crops produced are grown in such a way that would minimize or greatly diminish any adverse effects on the environment. The farmers or corporations directing this process are thought to be dedicated to control biodiversity, to cultivate and preserve a healthy soil and maintain quality agricultural growing conditions. Another definition describes organic farming as a philosophy and system of farming that helps maintain ecological awareness of society. (Dunn, Borawski, Pawlewicz, 2014). It is an objective that enables farmers to grow products in cooperation and unity with the soil and its environment.

For a food to be considered organic, it must possess certain qualities. According to the USDA, the dirt that an organic food is planted in can’t have had prohibited things put in the soil in the last three years. Animals must be kept in natural environments that

Prior to the Twentieth Century all food was organic. “Organic” in terms of food, simply means that the product or its ingredients were produced without routine inputs of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, chemical preservatives or irradiated (radiation exposure) (5). Then along came the discovery and invention of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in 1920’s forever changing the costs, development and

Organic plants are seeds, that have not been tampered with, put into the ground to grow and produce crops. The plant can be helped by the practice of natural composting. Organic meats are not given antibiotics and are fed with natural organic foods.

To begin with, lets acknowledge the background of how the organic movement came into perspective. In the light of, the twentieth century all forms of farming were organic.

“You have to get the chemicals out. Why would you put petroleum products on the soil and kill soil life?” the quote states that the soil life is being harmed and killed by the use of other products to “better” the crop. “Organic farming contributes to terroir by getting out of the way of the plants natural metabolism.” this quote says that organic farming is good for the natural metabolism in plants that make it very healthy. Organic “definition: The growing of crops without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.” the quote states that the meaning of organic farming is to farm the plants without the use of many other products that harm the soil and the plants that later also harm the

First, organic foods do not have pesticides or any other harmful chemicals. “Consumer sureness in organic food is based both on lowering environmental impacts and health diseases” (Bernacchia et al. 565). Pesticides can result in many health problems. For example, it may cause neurologic and endocrine system disorders and cancer. In the article Organic and Non-GMO, Smith says that organic foods carry fewer pesticides than non-organic foods. “By pouring more and more pesticides on crops, we’re getting less healthy soil, less healthy food” (Smith 72). These chemicals may keep nutrients from being absorbed in the body. Organic farmers use natural ingredients, like manure or compost, to fertilize soil and plants. There are very helpful tips to ensure that the buyer chooses foods without harmful pesticides or chemicals. For instance, products with USDA Organic, or Non-GMO Project

Organic agriculture became visible on a wider scale in the 1960s, when farmers and consumers became concerned that the number of chemicals used in crop and animal production could have negative consequences for human health and the environment. Therefore, the word “organic” was intended and used to describe a process and method that is considered as environment friendly because of the sustainable fundamental principles such as: the lack of chemical use, the desire to reverse erosion, soil depletion, decline of crops varieties, low quality food and livestock feed, and rural poverty (Kuepper 2010).

Organically grown foods are not new to the world, they have been around since Native Americans lived on the land. Most people do not buy organic goods because of the cost and fear that the foods have been contaminated with different types of disease insects carry. Some do not even know what organic foods are; organic foods are foods produced by organic farming. “while the standards differ worldwide, organic farming in general features cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster recycling of resources, promote ecological balance a conserve biodiversity” (Arnett, 1). The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the organic food and make sure it is clean enough for human consumption. Different health organizations around the country try to encourage people to add organic to their diet. Conventional food chemicals are polluting the soil and finding their way into people’s water systems and slowly destroying their bodies. The destruction finds its way through the consumption of the food or the chemicals in the water. Despite the cost difference, organically grown foods are better than non-organic foods because they are healthier for human consumption, are more sustainable for the environment, and support the local food movement.

What makes something organic and why do they have the name organic? According to the article, “Can you dig it?” organic means “naturally intended” (Lisa, Truesdale). Organic products are expensive and must get certified to be labeled organic by the USDA. This article also gives lots of support on reasons why people should have an organic garden because it can help them and the environment by using natural fertilizers instead of using hazardous fertilizers—like using coffee grounds. Having your own organic garden, you often have more control over the earth than you think. You are also helping your own health and the planet when going organic. I found it interesting when the author said, “When growing your own goods, you’re reducing your carbon footprint, instead of getting in your car and driving to the store for food and ingredients that may have been shipped in from across the world” (Can dig it? By Lisa Truesdale). When you grow your own garden you have the ability to pick your own vegetables in the garden; in which you have more control of the choice of food you consume. The food grown in your own garden is a lot of the time fresher than most grocery stores and healthier for themselves and their family. Organically grown vegetables contain 20-40% more antioxidants than non-organic vegetables. Organic gardening helps the environment and the creatures living in it. Organisms such as

The National Organic Standards Boards defines organic agriculture is ìan ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony. The primary goal of organic