| |
| |
| What is Organic Farming?
Organic farming is the production of food using all natural methods - avoiding all synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms. Its' core philosophy is that of sustainability or 'zero impact'. The organic farmer seeks to leave the earth in its' natural state after the harvest. The focus of organic methods is on soil quality. Crops are grown without artificial fertilizers and pesticides, and livestock is reared free of drugs and hormones. Proponents of organic food believe it produces food with higher quality and nutritional value than conventional chemical-based methods. Many countries including the US and the EU have certification programs to control the use of the term "Organic". This benefits the consumer by ensuring best practice has been followed. This varies from region to region but includes things like the minimum length of time a field can be left free of chemicals before it is allowed to be used for organic farming. There are many different styles of organic food production but they all adhere to the same principles: * no artificial fertilizers or drugs * no genetically modified organisms * prevention of soil depletion * 'bio diversity' - the growing of a range of crops not just a single species. One recent researcher found that vegetables in the 1950s contained more than eight times as many trace elements as modern crops, which he attributed to the excessive use of nitrate fertilizers. You can read all the latest research at http://www.ge-free.com/ Organic farming has come about as a consumer reaction against the chemical based methods that have been used so widely in 20th century food production. Really though it is simply a formalized definition of traditional agriculture as it has been practiced for thousands of years before 20th century chemicals were invented. So far, organic farming has been limited to small businesses growing for local markets. Organic farming methods are very expensive compared to their chemical counterparts, and the production yields are low when compared to 'conventional' farming. Consumers of course are willing to pay a premium for the improved flavor and nutrition value of organic produce but it remains a premium market. This will change as more large scale organic producers enter production. Most countries now have 'all organic' type food stores in the larger cities. So long as there are people who enjoy healthy living and an alternative to the chemical ridden norm, these businesses will continue to flourish. Jeremy is the owner of http://www.ge-free.com/ and publisher of Organic News. His site reports on all the latest news and research articles to do with Organic Food.
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Turning an Addictive Snack into a Complete Meal The proliferation of fast food restaurants, convenience stores, and vending machines in virtually every corner of residential America has created a serious nutritional problem. "Snacking" - a harmless-sounding verb that deceptively implies something unobjectionable - has reached addictive proportions[i]. What About Potassium? Information on potassiumWhen you read about potassium and senate document report 264 you'll life should be changed forever. You're going to discover that the biggest fallacy most people aren't aware of is that if we eat a balanced diet, (the four food groups), we get all the nutrients we need to stay healthy and live a long life. How The Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health When was the last time you consumed soda? Most likely, it wasn't that long ago. You may even drink several cans or bottles each day. Bumble Bee Fish Oil - Do You Need It? The makers of Bumble Bee Tuna generated some buzz today by announcing they will be producing a fish oil supplement with their Tuna's name on the bottle. None of the reports mention if they are using an particular standization and quality processes or what methods they are using to ensure that environmental toxins are not being concentrated into their supplement. Six Ways Soy Benefits Your Health Soy, and most soy-based products, are nutritional powerhouses. Soybeans are the only plant food that has all of the essential amino acids our body requires, making it a complete protein. Discover Which Fruit and Vegetables Help Relieve Arthritic Pain If you or someone you know suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, you know how painful and debilitating it can be. If you haven't walked a mile in those shoes, you can't imagine how frustrating it can be. The Crucial Role of the Salt in Our Health Salt is vital for our health. Right now, you have around 250 gr. Ever Hear of This Fruit? I want to tell you about the most healthful and most delicious tropical fruit that you'd ever want to taste. It's called the mangosteen, and the reason you've probably never heard of it is because you can't buy it in the United States. Saturated Fat Diet Piles on Pounds Around Organs Having a large amount of such "visceral fat" is associated with increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, said Dr. Kerry Stewart, an associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. (Fitness) Health Thoughts, Living on the Health Minimum Wage? Random thoughts taken from valuable sources, what many nutrition experts consider to be the most important nutrients and health habits a person should have to help them stay healthy long term. We would categorize them into the following areas. Fiber in a Nutshell? There are numerous diets out there that guarantee that they are the ones that will work. We all know who and what they are. What You Eat Can Protect Your Skin from the Sun (ARA) - By now you probably think you've heard all of the health reasons there are for eating your vegetables. But recently, researchers from Harvard University have announced that lutein -- a potent antioxidant found in such dark green, leafy vegetables as spinach and kale -- may protect the skin from sun damage. Is Vitamin E Beneficial Or Harmful? Cutting Through The Clutter Of Different Scientific Opinions Numerous reports have recently appeared in both the lay and medical press questioning the value of vitamin E supplementation and suggesting that there are risks associated with its use even at doses previously thought to have been "safe". What do we do with the hundreds of studies and extensive clinical research that has been published in the medical literature suggesting benefit in cardiovascular disease, alzheimers, diabetes and other degenerative diseases? A search of the National Library of Medicine yields over 25,000 citations, many funded or sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other prestigious medical and scientific organizations. Try a Slow-Carb Habit Carbohydrates - found in grains, breads, pasta, and sugar, as well as vegetables, fruit, tofu, beans, and dairy - provide the body with the most efficient fuel for energy production and brain activity. They're nutritionally essential, a principle currently downplayed by the "low-carb craze". Food Additives: Safety versus Health Maintenance / Prevention The topic of food additives is not quickly addressed in one article. Searches on the internet can reveal information that is either pro or con regarding food additive substances. Who Said Bananas Are Not Good For You? After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.Bananas: Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fibre, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Is Organic Really Better for You? I had finally come to a place in my life where I was concerned about my health and that of my family. After all, it's not the quantity, but the quality of life right? And if you can increase both, all the better! We started exercising, eating healthier and taking vitamins. Startling New Evidence: You Can Slow the Aging Process, Scientists Say What if you could actually slow your rate of aging, and live healthier longer, simply by eating certain foods? U.S. The Virtues of Water Did you know that much of our dry skin comes from not drinking enough water? If your skin is dehydrated, then what is drying up on the inside? The human body is over 70% water. Water is not only important for hydration, it is the primary transporter of nutrients throughout the body and is essential for proper bodily functions including elimination. Focus On Fiber: How Much Is Enough? Looking for an easy and natural way increase your vitality and improve your overall well-being? Try eating more fiber! The average American only gets about half the amount of fiber they need everyday for their body to function optimally. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), fiber helps lower cholesterol and is important for the health of our digestive system.
|
| © 2006 |
