Worried that the food you eat may be harmful to you and your family? With news about GM (genetically modified) foods, health scares of eating beef, chemicals on food affecting health and children’s intelligence, it’s no wonder that many seek organic foods as an option.

What is organic farming?

Organic agriculture produces food of animal and vegetable, without the excessive use of chemicals. It focuses on using fertile soil along with a variety of crops to maintain healthy growing conditions which produce a food with more nutrients and less chemicals than typical commercial foods. Organic farming prohibits the growing of genetically modified foods, a controversial issue among commercial growers.

Animals reared on organic farms are treated properly with the ability to act like animals and are fed healthy food sources not laden with drugs and other chemicals.

What are the advantages of organic food?

One of the common benefits proclaimed know that organic food is better – but there are many other benefits to incorporating organic foods into your diet. Besides the physical benefits are benefits and environmental benefits for animals and people living and working on farms.

Health Benefits

Organic foods prevent people from ingesting regular amounts of pesticides and insecticides commonly found in commercial products. The animals are regularly given antibiotics and other drugs that enter the food chain to humans. Some research suggests that excessive use of chemicals in food may be linked to increased health problems and interferes with the healthy development of children.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Organic food also protects the planet. Organic farming ensures that biodiversity is still available in the foods we eat and the wildlife that lives on farms. Fruits and vegetables are naturally available in 100 varieties. Commercial growing limits the variety of food available for each mass production of only a handful. Many species of birds, insects and other animals are affected by chemicals and farming conditions used in growing commercial foods.

Organic farms grow a mix of crops and promote a balanced ecosystem including insects that protect crops from pests and worms and other micro-organisms which fertilize the soil.

HUMAN AND ANIMAL BENEFITS

Organic farming is considered “sustainable agriculture. The workers and the animals are not as exposed to dangerous toxins or working and living conditions. This allows people to continue to grow healthy food for the rest of society, without recourse to huge machines and chemicals.

Animals reared in organic farms are not subject to terrible living conditions imposed on commercially reared animals, often living in small spaces without the freedom of movement or interaction. These unhealthy conditions lead to a spread of the disease is combated with regular doses of antibiotics.

Organic farms needs of the animals’ are given priority. healthy food, clean living conditions and freedom to behave like animals means healthy animals. When animals are sick are treated individually according to their real needs.

Organic, sustainable farming protects humans, animals and the environment. Increased demand for organic products to promote this form of agriculture and ensuring food supply available to our children is a healthy one.