Organic Panic- Is Organic Better?

admin | 3:05 pm | March 17, 2010 | Uncategorized

The last decade has seen a considerable shift towards healthier and more sustainable ways of living, which has given rise to a world-wide move into organic agriculture. Organic farming and food is relatively new to South Africa, but as more and more organic produce is becoming available, we’re becoming more curious. The biggest question regarding organics is probably, “what’s in it for us?” Organic activists tout organic food as both healthier for our bodies and better for our planet on an environmental level. Others argue that most of the benefits claimed are just a big hype. Is organic better? Read on to find out more of what you need to know to help you make an informed decision on how to incorporate organics into your life.

What is organic agriculture and why is it in place?

When applied to food, the term “organic” refers to a food that has been grown without the use of artificial fertilisers, pesticides and without genetic modification. Organic food has been grown by working with nature rather than against it, by recycling natural materials to maintain soil fertility and encouraging natural methods of pest and disease control, rather than relying on chemicals. Organic farmers are concerned with the bigger picture environmentally, namely the health of the soil and the ecosystems on their farms. This is why organic farming is touted as sustainable and conventional farming has been labelled unsustainable. According to Leonard Mead, previous chairman of the Organic and Agricultural Society of South Africa and owner of Allganix, which produces organic baby food, “The real benefits with organic food are related to environmental sustainability. Organic farming is environmentally friendly because it is not polluting the environment and our food with harmful pesticides. Pesticides also get into the soil, polluting the water table and therefore our drinking water, but this is avoided through organic farming.” He also goes on to say, “Some may argue that conventional fresh produce is subjected to minimal allowed amount of pesticides, but I still believe that none is better than some, and that these minimum levels may still be unsafe for babies and children.”

What about animal-based foods?

According to Mead, “The majority of South African meat and chicken comes from animals that are either fed with feed that has been grown in artificial fertilisers and has been sprayed with pesticides, or they are reared in a feedlot or battery system where they are fed a cocktail of hormones and antibiotics.” There is a debate as to how many of these additives actually reach our plates, but organic proponents say that the potentially dangerous chemicals do not pass through the animals systems, but actually accumulate in the fatty tissue. “Animals that provide us with organic meat and dairy roam and graze freely and never receive hormones, growth promoters or antibiotics. If an animal does need an antibiotic, they are not milked or slaughtered until that antibiotic is out of their system”, explains Mead.

Organic animal products are not always easy to come by, but the next best thing if you’re looking for a more ethical approach is something called “free-range”. All organic livestock are free range, but all free-range animals are not necessarily organic. Free range means that the animals are allowed to live more natural lives. They are free to roam the fields, interact with other animals and eat a plant-based diet. Free range animals may still fed hormones and antibiotics.

Are organic foods better for us?

Most people are motivated to go organic for ethical issues and issues related to the sustainability of the planet, but are they actually healthier for us than conventional foods? There is some evidence that organic food retains more nutrients, however because organic food is not so readily available in SA, it is best not to sacrifice on overall fruit and vegetable intake just to try and eat everything organic.  “The jury is still not out on whether organic food automatically guarantees you a higher nutrient content”, explains Mead

. He does warn though that, “Worldwide more and more information is linking pesticides and agricultural chemicals with various illnesses ranging from Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and ADD/ADHD to eczema and infertility.”

How to we recognise the real thing?

In essence true organic certification means that no harmful chemicals have been applied for at least 3 years; the farmer and processor have annual certification inspections and they use ecologically-friendly methods and substances to improve soil and control pests. A Certified organic product means that the produce and the farming processes have been inspected over a period by an independent, specialist certification agency to verify organic authenticity to the consumer. This process normally takes place over a timeframe of about 3 years. During the process, producers may communicate on products that they are “organic in conversion” (as may be seen for example on some major retailer’s products). These certification organisations really have only one reason for existence: to provide assurance to the consumer that products and organisations which claim to be organic, really do meet organic standards. Several certification agencies exist across the country, and these include Eco Cert, SGS, Afrisco and The Soil Association.

This article also appeared in business day health news