Department of Agriculture with regard to organic food produce says...

a system of ecological soil management that relies on building humus levels through crop rotations, recycling organic wastes, and applying balanced mineral amendments and that uses, when necessary, mechanical, botanical, or biological controls with minimum adverse effects on health and the environment.

What is organic?
Organic food is produced using environmentally and animal friendly farming methods.

Organic Definion

Basic definition means living and used to define carbon based life forms. Organic is more of a description of the agricultural methods used than the food itself. Organic foods are the foods produced without using synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, irradiation or chemical food additives.

Why choose organic?

Why buy organic food? Find out about the advantages and benefits of choosing organic. Food you can trust you can be safe in the knowledge that hydrogenated fats and controversial additives like aspartame and MSG are banned under organic standards. Better for the environment organic farming reduces pollution and greenhouse gases released from food production by restricting the use of artificial chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Wildlife protection organic farms are havens for wildlife and provide homes for bees, birds and butterflies. In fact. Plant, insect and bird life is up to 50% greater on organic farms. Higher animal welfare organic standards insist that animals are given plenty of space and fresh air to thrive an grow guaranteeing a truly free-range life.

Organic Foods.

An agricultural revolution? A consumer fad? Depends on who you ask.

Whats available?
Almost anything.. Sugar Corn flakes Fruits Vegetables Meats Pasta Baby Foods & you name it

Organic Vs Non-organic Produce

Organic produce

Conventionally grown produce

No Pesticides Grown with natural fertilizers (manure, compost) Insects are controlled using natural methods (birds, good insects, etc..)

Pesticides used Grown with synthetic or chemical fertilizers Insecticides are used to manage pests and disease

Organic baby food..

Why choose organic baby food what are the benefits?

Higher nutrition levels put simply, organic food is packed with nutrients. A babys digestive system is more efficient that that of an adult at absorbing foods, enabling nutrients to be used more quickly. No nasties it is not just what organic food does contain, it is also what it does not that is important. A babys nervous, circulatory, and reproductive systems are all developing fast so it is vital that alien chemicals do not disrupt them during the growth phase. Fewer pesticides because a babys diet is often restricted to just a few types of less processed food, for example, apples, potatoes and carrots, then may receive higher exposure of pesticides and although the EU has set maximum levels for individual chemicals used in infant formula and baby foods, this does not take into account the cocktail effect of lots of pesticides The best method of reducing exposure to potentially harmful pesticides would be to eat organically grown food, where their use is avoided.

Public Perception
Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious?

The evidence is unclear. Some studies suggest that, on average, organically grown fruits and vegetables may contain slightly higher levels of vitamin C, trace minerals, and antioxidant phytonutrients than conventionally grown produce. Lets find out more on the nutrient value & taste

Nutrient Value
Several studies have compared the nutritional content of organic and conventionally grown plants, and most have shown no significant differences in key vitamin and mineral content. However, although the differences are small, research has shown that some organic food has: Lower nitrate levels Higher vitamin C levels Higher levels of selenium. Few studies of milk that the authors found were all of raw milk, and suggest that raw organic milk may contain significantly more beneficial omega-3 fatty acids than raw conventional milk. Similarly, organic chicken was found to have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

Taste

While there are reports indicating that organic and conventional fruits and vegetables may defer on a variety of sensory qualities, the findings are inconsistent.
There is evidence that some organic fruit is drier than conventionally grown fruit; a slightly drier fruit may also have a more intense flavor due to the higher concentration of flavoring substances.

Calories

More organic food is consumed presuming that it is lower in calories inspite of the fact that the nutrition labels showed identical calorie content to the conventionally grown food.

Are there pesticides in organic foods?

Organic foods are not necessarily completely chemical free. They may be grown on land not previously used for organic food production and, therefore, might contain chemical residues. However, the pesticide residues in organic food are considerably lower than those found in foods produced with synthetic chemicals.

contd
However, American cancer society has stated that no evidence exists that pesticides residue will lead to any form of cancer.

Organic or not? Check the label..

The most important point to remember that natural is not organic, Must meet federal standards to be Organic 100% organic foods are completely organic or made with 100% organic ingredients should display their certification seal Organic means food that contains 95% organic ingredients and may display certification seal.

Labeling & Terminology.contd

Made with organic ingredients means that food that contain70% organic ingredients Contains organic ingredients food that contain less than 70% organic ingredients

Why should you pay more for organic food?

..contd

Organic foods are labour intensive since farmers do not use pesticides, chemicals or drugs. Organic certifications and maintaining this status is expensive. Organic feed for animals can cost twice as much. Organic farms tends to be smaller than conventional farms.

Indian organic growth.

Grown 25 fold in last seven years It is a combined effect of farmers efforts, NGOs work, Govt. interventions and market forces push Producing wide range of commodities Developing domestic market Growing awareness for safe and healthy contamination free food.

Typical Organic Consumer

Six out of ten people would choose organic food if it was easily available and cost no more than conventional food. Reasons for buying organic food
46% say health is the main reason 40% say it taste better

Reasons for not buying organic food

42% say the costs are too high 15% say they are not seen in shops 10% say there is not enough variety 4% say they dont buy because it does not taste better
(source: MORI report Institute of Food Science and Technology)

Tips to buy Organic food..

Organic food is often more expensive than conventionally grown food but if you set some priorities, it may be possible to purchase organic food and stay within your food budget. Purchase the organic versions of the foods you eat the most..eg.. Banana, grapes, papaya. Shop at farmers market, food co-operatives or a community supported agricultural farm, supermarkets, organic food retailers. You must buy products in season.

Implications for the Mainstream Food Industry?

Possible to see the current interest in organic foods as a reaction to consumer unease over use of pesticides, recent food scares and a reluctant lack of trust in the mainstream food industry. The way these issues are handled by traditional marketers will influence how the organic market will develop.

Conclusion Things to remember

Organic farming is the production of food without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified (GM) components. Organic foods are not necessarily completely chemical free, but the pesticide residues will be considerably lower than those found in produce manufactured with synthetic chemicals. Choose foods labeled `certified organic by accredited certifying organizations. Organic farming is better for the environment and more sustainable.

Feedback
Now wed like your comments and questions How do you feel about the organic movement? What benefits/detriments do you foresee? Is this just a fad?