Organics, The Better Way?

PRESENTED BY: AMANDA HOGAN

Learning Objectives

What is Organic Food?

Understanding Labeling
Conventional vs. Organic Farming
Health Implications
When To Buy Organic
Shopping Tips
The Healthy Halo
What is Organic Food?

Organic food has been produced and processed

according to USDA standards. At least 95% of the
foods ingredients are organically produced.
Regulated by the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA)
Organic Labeling Whats what?
Other Food Labels To Note

Food Labels Explained

Natural This commonly used label does not include any standards of care regarding farm
practices, but only applies to how meat and egg products are processed. It simply means that meat,
poultry and egg products are minimally processed and contain no artificial ingredients.

Free-range Regulated by the USDA, this label indicates the bird was provided shelter in a
building with unlimited access to food and fresh water, with continuous access to the outdoors
during their production cycle.

Cage-free This label indicates the bird was able to freely roam in a building or enclosed area
with unlimited access to food and fresh water during their production cycle.

Humane This label claims that the animals were treated humanely during the production cycle,
however the labeling programs are not regulated and therefore these claims cannot be verified.

Grass-fed This label, regulated by the USDA, indicates the animals received the majority of their
nutrients from grass throughout their life. However, this label does not limit the use of antibiotics,
hormones or pesticides. Organic animals pasture diet may also be supplemented with grain.
No Sticker? Read to Barcode
Can Organic Farmers Use Pesticides?
Conventional vs. Organic Farming
Conventional Farming: Environmental Concerns

Soil Erosion Soil degradation

Desertification
Soil Fertility Declines
Increased Nitrogen
Loss of biodiversity
Global Warming
Conventional Fertilizers / Pesticides

Conventional Fertilizers - the majority of fertilizers

are extracted from minerals (e.g., phosphate rock) or
produced industrially (e.g. ammonia).
A pesticide is a chemical or biological agent (such as
a virus, bacterium, antimicrobial, or disinfectant)
that deters, incapacitates, kills, or otherwise
discourages pests.
Organic Fertilizers / Pesticides

Organic fertilizers are fertilizers derived

from animal matter, human excreta or vegetable
matter (e.g. compost, manure).
Naturally occurring organic fertilizers include animal wastes
from meat processing, peat, manure, slurry, and guano.
Organic vs. Organic

Can a food / product

be grown organically if
it doesnt carry this
label?
The Cost of Becoming ORGANIC

The answer
is Certification takes time and money
Both of which many small farmers cant afford

FEE COST
Application Fee $325
Annual Inspection Fee ~ $500
Annual Certification Fee $400 - $40,500 (based on sales)
Organics is BIG BUSINESS!
Get to Know Your Local Farmer

Organic Buzz Words

Sustainably Raised
Sustainably Produced
Dont be afraid to ask questions!
What pesticides do you use, if any?
What do your animals eat?
Are Organics healthier for you?
What does the research say?

More Nutritious?
No, not really
Pesticide Residues?
4 x higher in conventional foods
Antioxidants
20 40 % higher in organics
Debated
The Dirty Dozen
What do these foods have in common?
The Clean 15
Shopping Tips

Shop Farmers Market

Join a food co-op
Join a CSA
Buy in season
Organic doesnt always equal healthy
Avoid the Healthy Halo
Questions?
References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_farming
2. http://www.fullyraw.com/dirty-dozen-clean-15/
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/organic-food/art-20043880
4. http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=organic-agriculture.html
5. https://www.popularresistance.org/how-to-avoid-gmos-what-the-usda-organic-symbol-means/
6. http://zenandspice.com/mindful-shopping-know-what-you-are-buying/
7. http://www.vegsource.com/pahy/organic-foods---are-they-worth-it.html
8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_fertilizer
9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_fertilizer
10. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesticide
11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24968103
12. http://www.gentlesimplicity.com/conventional-vs-organic-farming-series-part-i-environmental-effects-of-conventi
onal-
farming
13. http://www.rockthegreen.com/uprooting-the-dirty-dozen
14. http://foodandfitness4real.com/2012/02/02/learning-the-facts-about-food-labels/
15. https://www.ccof.org/certification/fees