Is Organic Better?

Should we buy organic fruits and vegetables? We all know we need to eat more fruits and vegetables, but should they be organic and chemical free?

Literally, the word organic means “derived from alive;" something that was once part of a living organism or something that is alive. I am organic. And literally, a chemical is…. well, everything is a chemical--you, me, the water, the pesticide. So, what is this organic, chemical free food we’re talking about?

The generally accepted definition of organic food is that it is food grown with organic techniques; techniques that rely upon soil biology and environmental cyclical systems and that avoid synthetic chemicals. Anyone can say they’ve used organic techniques or organic fertilizers and so forth, but to have the word “organic” printed on a product, that product, food or otherwise, must meet the strict guidelines of the USDA.

Now, there is risk to everything, even organics. Organic agriculture allows the use of animal manures to enrich the soil, but they must be properly composted or you run the risk of pathogens getting in the food supply. Organic agriculture allows for the use of substances, like copper for instance, which do have toxicity if used carelessly or in improper amounts.

This is actually a very big discussion and I can’t begin to go into all of it--the growing process, the difference in the inputs, the soil biology, the downside to industrial agriculture (unhealthy processed food), the upside to industrial agriculture (helps to feed to world). There’s not room here for me to discuss how the term organic is a big advertising campaign (which it is, but it’s still valuable). And finally, I’m certainly not going to boil this down to a moral imperative. I’m happy to say that’s not my job. But, since we all know that eating fruits and vegetables is a healthy choice, here are some suggestions that will help you get the healthiest, tastiest vegetables and fruit out there. 

1. Buy food locally in order to get it in the freshest state possible. Fresh equals good taste and nutrition. That is scientifically proven. There is no conclusive research that states that organic is more nutritious. But recently harvested fruits and vegetables pack a significant nutritional punch. The best way to buy locally at this time is through farmer’s markets and CSA’s. CSA’s are “Community Supported Agriculture”. 

2. Know your farmer. Talk to him/her. What are their growing techniques? How long ago did they harvest that tomato? How do they treat for insects and disease? If they use pesticides they should follow an application-to-harvest interval. This is the amount of time that must lapse between the application of the pesticide product and when it is harvested for your consumption. 

3. If you can’t do number 1 or 2, buy what is in season at your local supermarket. Fact is, produce that is in season is cheaper and very likely is in a fresher state. Another little known supermarket fact is that frozen vegetables are often preserved in a good nutritional state. Whether they bear the USDA Organic stamp or not, they are a good option when fresh is not available. 

As for my question, is organic produce better? Well, here is my opinion and I have researched this enough that I am confident it is a good opinion. Generally speaking, farms that grow using organic techniques are impacting ecosystems in a kinder way than conventional farms. This has potential to be better for our water supply, the soil, and the animal/insect world. Generally speaking, organic farms are selling locally and the produce is fresher. Fresh is better for you and me, as I stated earlier. Generally speaking, organic farms are local farmers that benefit our local communities and economies. So, for me, generally speaking, given the choice between conventional produce and organic produce, I’ll choose organic.

As for the higher price of organics, that’s a real big discussion that has to do with farm subsidies to larger, conventional farms as well as the efficiency of industrial agriculture over and against the hard labor that goes into small, organic farms. Save that for another blog maybe. In the meantime, eat your fruits and veggies.