If you're not into dry lecture, check out Store Wars from the makers of The Meatrix for a fun tutorial on organic farming starring such charming characters as Cuke Skywalker, Princess Lettuce, Chewbroccoli, Tofu D2, Dark Tater, and more.
What does "organic" mean?
In terms of pure chemistry, any food item (even Cheese Whiz) is invariably "organic" because they contain carbon as part of carbohydrates, proteins, or lipids. But the kind of "organic" we're talking about when it comes to groceries is quite a bit different. The USDA now has special regulations defining "organic" foods. (Canadian standards are similar.)
Organic foods must be grown, harvested, and packaged without the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, or preservatives.
Organic produce is produced in such a way that maintains the integrity of the soil, prevents erosion, and prevents contamination of drinking water.
Organic produce must not be grown with fertilizer made from slewer sludge (standard practice on conventional farms...yum)
Organic meats, eggs, and dairy are derived from livestock which are fed organic feed, and not given artificial hormones or antibiotics (included rBGH), although they may be given standard vaccines in order to prevent disease. (Animals on organic farms who do fall ill may be treated with antibiotics, but legally their flesh, eggs, and dairy may not then be sold as "organic.")
Organic meats come from animals who are fed a natural diet, i.e., cattle are raised on grass or corn, not other cattle (which is how the whole "mad cow" thing came about and spread like wildfire).
Organic foods must not be genetically engineered or contain any GE ingredients, and must not be irradiated.
How can you farm without pesticides or synthetic fertilizer? Farmers generally use crop rotation, cultivation, mulching and composting, soil enrichment, and "encouragement" of predators and microorganisms which naturally keep pests away (such as ladybugs who enjoy feasting on aphids.)
Is organic worth it?
Organic food tends to have a higher price tag than conventional food. But, especially with the new guidelines which ensure that you really are getting the organic food you're paying for, the benefits in many cases may well outweight the cost:
Many studies show that organically grown produce is nutritionally superior to conventionally grown, in both micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and phytonutrients (the cancer-fighting components of plant foods).
With all the genetically engineered foods running rampant in the fields and grocery stores, sometimes buying organic is the only way to keep GMO's out of your kitchen. (For more information on GMO's, visit safe-food.org or go to the sidebars page for additional links.
Significant amounts of pesticide residue may remain on many varieties of conventionally grown produce, even after thorough washing. (Due to runoff from conventional farms, there may be trace amounts of pesticides on organic produce, but in much smaller amounts which are more easily washed off. For more information, visit foodnews.org.)
Livestock raised in "conventional" manner must suffer severe health consequences from the slew of antibiotics and hormones given to them. Buying organic meats, eggs, and dairy supports farmers who care about the health of their livestock.*
