Organic Issues

An increasing awareness of damage to the planet and how we treat our bodies are two major contributors of the gradual shift towards the patronizing of organic products. Many find the idea attractive that organic products are free of chemicals, which can be harmful to our bodies. Also there is the belief that organic methods of farming are better for the resources of the planet and far less a contributor to the greenhouse effect (as apposed to conventional farming). Governing bodies around the world play a big part in ensuring that organic products are regulated and that people are receiving healthier products. Despite the shift of attitudes towards organic products it still has its fair share of critics such as those who claim organic is actually unsafe due to a reduced protection against diseases and infection.

Organic Issues Articles

What are Pesticides?
Pesticides are toxic substances that are used to exterminate troublesome insects found in gardens and in plants.

Chemical Herbicides
Herbicides can be divided into different classifications. According to activity, herbicides can be either contact herbicides that destroy the plant tissue upon contact and systemic herbicide which are absorbed into the plant, leading to its destruction.

Genetically Modified Organisms
Organic farming opposes the use of genetically modified products regardless of whether they are animals or plants.

Genetically Engineered Food
There are already several genetically engineered crops in existence today, such as soy, cotton, canola and corn. Sometimes, the potatoes and tomatoes found in processed foods may also be genetically engineered.

Organic Farming & Climate Change
Unfortunately, conventional farming also plays a major role in contributing to the excessive production of greenhouse gases. It is responsible for producing considerable amounts of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide.

Childrens Health
A study conducted in 2001 proved that children who consumed organic food were less exposed to organophosphorus pesticide compared to children who took conventional diets.

The Organic Environment
The pro-organic view states that conventional methods used in agricultural production are depleting natural resources at a fast rate. The supporters of organic farming have cited fresh water, fossil fuels and pollution (air, water, soil) as some of the resources being over exploited.

Antibiotics in Our Food
Antibiotics are substances used to destroy specific types of bacteria and other microorganisms for the treatment of infection.

Organic Certification
cation standards vary from country to country. They usually involve a set of production rules for growing, processing, storing, packing and shipping organic products.