Organic Food

Organic Farming

Organic farming is carried out in order to produce healthy food from healthy soil. There are very strict standards on what organic farmers can and cannot do. For example, there are severe restrictions on the use of artificial chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers. The health of plants and animals is maintained by measures such as careful planning, crop rotation and natural methods of pest and weed control. Animals are also raised without the use of drugs such as synthetic growth hormones, antibiotics and worming treatments and are fed an organic diet.

To ensure soil fertility, organic farmers use a method known as crop rotation. Crop rotation simply means that different things are grown or raised in a field each season. For example, a farmer might graze sheep in a field before moving the sheep and planting wheat in their place. Farmers also use green manure, compost and natural mineral products in order to maintain the soil’s natural fertility. Fresh manure is usually composted to ensure microbial safety. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are also strictly prohibited at any stage of organic food production.

Health Benefits

Some health benefits of eating organic food include:

• higher amounts of vitamin C
• lower water contents, making minerals and other nutrients more concentrated
• fewer potentially toxic nitrates
• higher levels of antioxidants
• no pesticide residue
• not genetically modified (GM free)
• natural pesticides produced by plants can help fight cancer
• no toxic metal contamination
• strengthened immune system
• superior taste

It has been shown that, on average, organic foods contain up to fifty percent more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other nutrients than foods that have been farmed conventionally. Organic foods are also not allowed to contain artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives.

Is It Really Organic?

So how can you tell if organic food is really organic? In Australia, any organic food or product that is sold must display a certification symbol or number by law. The symbol means that the product meets government standards. Certification of organic produce is carried by any of the seven organisations that have been accredited by the AQIS (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service).

Certified organic produce must be grown, harvested, prepared and transported in ways that ensure that the produce is not contaminated by any synthetic chemicals, fumigation or irradiation.

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