Lyla Feldman


We have all heard that organic food is the healthiest choice for kids because of their growing bodies.  Making the complete switch to Organic may seem very costly, but there are a few items that are actually worth the higher price.  Especially in today’s economy, providing healthy food for your family is a huge expense, to say the least.  Before you think that I have lost my mind, listen up.  Read on to find more about which organic foods to put on your next grocery list. 

 

Most organic produce does not make much of a difference.  Broccoli, asparagus, onions, peeled fruits – avocados, bananas, oranges, all have a low level of pesticides compared to others.   People who buy organic milk do so because of the antibiotics, artificial hormones, and pesticides used in the commercial dairy industry.  Potatoes make up about 30% of Americans overall vegetable diet.  A recent study found that they contain one of the highest pesticide contents of all 43 fruits and vegetables tested.

 

Peanut butter is another child favorite used to garnish all sorts of fruits.  The ugly truth is that 99% of all peanut farms use fungicide to treat mold, a very common problem.  By buying organic peanut butter, you will steer clear of digesting any of that!  You don’t have to go to an organic supermarket; most conventional stores now carry it.  Ketchup is also a staple in many families.  75% of all tomato consumption is thru paste, juice, processed tomatoes, and ketchup.  Research shows that organic ketchup has double the antioxidants of conventional ketchup.  Apples are the 2nd most commonly consumed fruit after bananas and they are the most pesticide contaminated fruit. 

 

My generation certainly was not given the choice to “go organic.”  I had never even heard of the term organic until I started babysitting for some family friends.  I noticed the kitchen cabinets and refrigerator were always filled with foods with very different packaging than I was accustomed to.  It would be interesting to do a side by side comparison between kids who grow up on organic food and those who don’t. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Warren

surabhi singh


In the past, it was wrongly presumed that consumer’s choice was spontaneous and instinctive. In fact, human behavior is the result of stimuli from environment, acting upon instincts, appetites and emotions. The consumer is said to be free to choose what goods he will buy and in what proportions he will by them. Consumers want to get maximum satisfaction to choose any of the goods and services. If we see the food choices of consumers, there is long term gradual change in this. Now consumers are more conscious about their health and they want nutritious and healthy food even for giving high prices. Table 1.1 shows in a schematic way the long term and differentiation of consumer preferences for food in a growing economy. The development may be divided into 3 phases-

 

Table 1.1 Change and differentiation of consumer preferences for food in a growing

economy

 

Influence of income and prices

Strong (1st phase)

Decreasing (2nd phase)                    Small (3rd phase)

Get enough food

 Eat more

(Health trend)                                  Concern about residuals

Eat healthy                                      Concern about the environment

Less calories                                   Eat, buy and prepare food more

More vitamins                                eventfully

(Diversification trend)                    More transparency

Eat better and more                        Less anonymous mass

Diversified                                     Consumption

Enjoy food                                     Back to nature

(Convenience trend)

Eat, buy and prepare

Food with more convenience   

 

Phase 1. The situation is characterized by a general food scarcity. For this reason food demand is dominated by the nutritional need of getting food. The income and price elasticities of demand are high. The development of the per capita demand for food depends very much on income development.

 

Phase2. With growing income the basic physiological needs are satisfied resulting in a decline of the income and price elasticities of demand for basic food. Other motives behind food demand are gaining relative importance: the health trend, the desire to enjoy food/the diversification trend and the convenience trend.

 

Phase 3. The income and price elasticities of food demand are very small. The main trends of phase 2 prevail; however, they are differentiated and partly reversed. A growing concern about residues is promoting the demand for more food safety. The growing concern about residues is promoting the demand for more food safety. The growing concern about the environment is stimulating the search for problem solutions, which preserve resources. These trends are partly accompanied by a nostalgic move “back to nature” and by wish for more transparency and less anonymous mass consumption. They are contrasted by an increasing hedonism, the desire to eat, buy and prepare food more eventfully. For many people food consumption is becoming part of an “adventure seeking behavior”

Who are the organic consumers?

            What we consider as the “organic consumer” is that person who is responsible for buying food for the household and who buys organic food at least once or twice per month. So, if there are people who buy randomly or less than once a month then they are not considered regular organic consumers.

 

Values and behavior of organic consumers

What do organic consumers think, that is, what is in their minds concerning organic products, is a determinant factor of consumer preference for organic food. In spite of taking cognizance, a change in attitude and thinking about organic food is prerequisite, in order to feel confident and positive about this new direction.

 

An organic consumer has more positive beliefs concerning organic products. For example, this product tastes better, is more natural, is healthier-they believe that more than non-organic consumers. They believe that the people who are important to them, people who are close to them, also by organic products- they believe that it is a good thing that they buy organic products. The other aspect of what the organic consumer think, as compared to non-organic consumers, is their moral norms indicate they are doing a very good thing for the environment, the right thing for society. This is something that differences them from non-organic consumers. Non-organic purchases do not associate those beliefs to buy organic products.

Consumers’ values to make a choice for organic food can be seen in two terms-use values, such as utility from taste, health and freshness, i.e., private good attributes which can only be enjoyed by actually consuming the product. The other non-use values are public good values related to improved environment and animal welfare. The majority of all consumers-acknowledges and value organic goods for their non-use values (environmental or animal welfare attributes), as well as for their use values (health, taste or freshness attributes). The group of consumers having use values only is negligible. In the same way that most people agree exercise- is important; they also agree that a sustainable, clean environment is important.

Wier and Anderson (2003) studied consumers’ attitudes, values and purchasing behavior for organic foods. They concluded that organic buyers were more health concerned, more focused on residues, animal welfare and environmental attributes, less focused on low prices and more often they preferred domestic products.

But only some walk their talk. To better understand which consumers buy green and why, we have to look beyond what consumers say they do. To examine what they actually do.

 There is no question that consumers are changing the way they buy. A variety of societal factors are driving consumers to increasingly seek out unique and differentiated products that fit their lifestyle. Consumers purchase of green or sustainable organic products are not just motivated by the produces themselves but by the values they represent. We can change non-organic consumers minds to make them believe that organic products are better in different ways-for the taste, health or the environment and demonstrate that people who are important to them, whether it’s people who are related or not, such as celebrities, if they buy and consume organic product, then we might be able to move these consumers into the organic market.

 

References

GFK Denmark (2001): GFK ConsumerScan. Den okologiske forbruger 2000 (in Danish), Copenhegen. Okologisk Landsforenin (2002): Forbrugarnotat 2002 (in Danish). Arhus.

 

Wier, M. and Anderson, L.M. 2003: Demand for Organic foods-Attitudes, Values and Purchasing Behaviors. Newsletter from Danish Reaseach Center Farming. 2.pp 1-3

 

Blake, F. 1987. The Handbook of Organic Husbandary. The Cordwood press. pp 9-70.

 



Lewis

Amy Nutt


You’ve probably noticed that organic foods are becoming very popular. This is because many individuals are learning the benefits of organic foods. At first, it seemed as if ‘organic’ was a word used to describe an exotic type of food, but it is anything but. Some individuals would even steer clear of the organic foods section in their local supermarket because of the fact that these foods were different. But now, organic food is something that is found all over the supermarket. There is a section in produce designated for organic, but you will find these foods scattered all throughout the supermarket.

But what is meant by ‘organic’?

Well, it all starts with the gardening. Organic gardening is different than most methods that are currently used. In other words, the methods are different than the methods that are used to grow the rest of the fruits and vegetables in the produce section.

The methods

When you think about it, the methods that are used in organic gardening are the same as the metghods used before there were pesticides and fertilizers. In other words, the soil is organic. It has no chemicals in it. There are also nothing but organic fertilizers used on the crops. This means that there are no manmade chemicals used in the growing of these crops. Everything that is used to help them grow is 100% natural. This means that there are no pesticides and other chemicals being carried into your body when you eat them.

Unfortunately, crops raised using non-organic fertilizers and chemicals have shown evidence of being ingested by people. It is believed that these chemicals cause cancer and other illnesses because they are not natural to the body.

The benefits

The benefits of organic gardening are many. First of all, you are not taking in pesticides and fertilizers that may not have been washed off the vegetables. Second of all, organic farming is good for the earth. Without using non-organic fertilizers and pesticides, the ground is not being polluted with the chemicals.

Here are some other benefits you may find interesting:

- Organic farming involves using insects against insects to keep the crops from being consumed by pests. If lady bugs are released in the early spring, they will get rid of aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs, and so much more.

- Disease can easily be prevented by using other organic products. Eco Oil is one of those products because it prevents disease that can be caused by insects and also keeps insects away.

- Because studies have shown that pesticide intake by children can be harmful, organic foods keep this from happening. This can prevent a lot of health problems in the future.

As you can see, organic foods are much healthier for you and your family. That is why you need to look for a label that says ‘organic’ when you are shopping in your supermarket. You can now find organic noodles, juices, and so much more. So not only are your fruits and vegetables organic, but so are other foods because of the use of organic ingredients.

It makes us wonder why it is we turned to other gardening means. Perhaps it is because organic gardening does require a higher degree of effort than the methods that are primarily used today. Although it takes more effort, it is the healthier choice for everyone. In a way, it gets us back to the roots of gardening in that there was a time in which the only way to garden was through organic means. The only thing missing at that time were the organic fertilizers and various other organic gardening tools. But it is about time that we do get back to our roots. Organic gardening allows that.



Carlos

Bob Hall


In the last ten years there has been huge advancements in technology which has led to homogenization and mechanization of farming. Now farmers have access to herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, mass production, additives and pesticides. This is most definitely affecting the health of mankind. New diseases, like bird flu, are spreading very quickly among humans as well as animals.

The W.H.O. (World Health Organization) has produced certain reports that show how chemicals as well as other dangerous products that are used in our food along with the process in which the food is manufactured is actually threatening our health.

If your garden has a little extra space where a few pots can fit, you should consider growing an organic vegetable garden of your own. Here you can see seven reasons why this would be good for you:-

1. There are no additives in organic vegetables - Many organic food associations have studied and concluded that additives in the food you eat can lead to osteoporosis, migraines, hyperactivity and heart diseases.

2. There are no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides - These chemicals are applied on crops so that they can be grown irrespective of weather conditions or plague and they greatly affect quality of the crops. Also, most pesticides are poisonous to human beings.

3. No genetic modification [GM] of vegetables - Hormones, drugs and antibitoics are used on many vegetables to get more, larger vegetables. This practice has one consequence. That the vegetables all look similar and are pretty much tasteless.

4. Eating organic vegetables made yourself is healthy - These vegetables won’t have any of the chemicals or products mentioned above. They are much more natural as compared to any ones that you may find at a super market. You won’t be risking your health as there will definitely be nothing dangerous added in your vegetables.

5. Home grown organic vegetables are more tasty - When pesticides, hormones, antibiotics and synthetic fertilizers are used to grow vegetables, they grow un-naturally and have no taste. When you grow them yourself you will be able to experience their full flavor.

6. Growing organic vegetables is environmentally friendly - Since you are not using pesticides or any  other harmful substances, you won’t damage the air or the soil with these harmful components.

7. If you grow organic vegetables of your own then you are adding to self sustainability as well as sustainability of our planet. There are many small communities across the country where vegetables are grown naturally and then exchanged between the members and this creates a better, much more friendly place for everyone.

Lastly, growing organic vegetables simply means that we will not add anything, that they are not naturally meant to have, to help them grow. As you will be able to guess, fertilizers, additives, hormones or pesticides are all components that are not found in food that is grown naturally. To take good care of your own health, you should grow organic vegetables of your own. All you need is a few pots.



Floyd

Peter Singer And Jim Mason


Using the label “organic” to distinguish one tomato from another is a big stretch from the word’s original meaning, for until the middle of the twentieth century it simply meant something living or derived from living matter. In that sense, the idea of an “inorganic tomato” is a contradiction in terms, unless it is, say, a tomato-shaped glass ornament. With very few exceptions — salt is one — all our food is “organic” no matter how it is produced.

The specific sense of “organic” we use when we speak of “organic food” today traces back to 1942, when J. I. Rodale launched a magazine called Organic Gardening. Nowadays Rodale is hailed as a pioneer, but then he was often derided as a crank and a throwback to obsolete ways of farming. He advocated maintaining soil fertility and stability by putting organic matter — animal manure or compost — back into the soil rather than relying on the “inorganic,” or synthetic, fertilizers that were then widely seen as the modern way to go. So in Rodale’s usage, it was the fertilizers, and from them, the farming methods, rather than the food, that were organic, and the concern was primarily with the soil, not with issues like biodiversity or animal welfare. But the meaning of “organic farming” soon parted company from Rodale’s original narrow distinction between fertilizers. Varying definitions spun out of control as different associations of “organic farmers” tried to set standards in accordance with their own values. Some wanted to stick with a narrow definition in terms of what you could and could not put on the soil, the crops, or the animals. Others wanted to include an entire way of life, including healthy living, an equitable form of distribution, concern for wildlife, and so on. Among organizations of organic farmers around the world, the broader view prevailed. The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements settled on this definition:

Organic agriculture is an agricultural system that promotes environmentally, socially, and economically sound production of food, fiber, timber, etc. In this system, soil fertility is seen as the key to successful production. Working with the natural properties of plants, animals, and the landscape, organic farmers aim to optimize quality in all aspects of agriculture and the environment.

Such a definition does not, however, lend itself to being reduced to a label that can be put on products to show that they were produced organically. Without specific standards that could be encapsulated in a label, consumers were often unsure what the various “organic” labels used by different associations and producers really meant.

In 1990, the U.S. Congress decided to clear up the confusion by authorizing the Department of Agriculture to establish legally enforceable “USDA Organic” standards and a certification scheme so that consumers could be confident that their food really had been produced in accordance with the standards. That led, in 2002, to a set of standards that most people in organic farming considered a reasonable compromise among the various views of what organic farming is all about. Crops must be grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, and most synthetic pesticides and all herbicides are also banned, although biological and botanical methods of control can be used. Soil fertility is to be maintained by the use of animal and plant waste (but not sewage sludge, which can contain toxic heavy metals), crop rotation, and growing “cover crops” like clover between other crops. (Cover crops are plowed into the soil to restore nitrogen and organic matter.) Animals used for meat, eggs, or milk must eat organic grains or other organic food and must not be given growth hormones or antibiotics. (Sick or injured animals may be treated with antibiotics, but then their meat, milk, or eggs cannot be sold as organic.) Organically raised animals must have access to the outdoors, including access to pasture for ruminants. Neither plants nor animals can be the product of genetic engineering, and organic food cannot be irradiated.

Reprinted from: The Way We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter by Peter Singer and Jim Mason © 2006 Peter Singer and Jim Mason. (May 2006; $25.95US/$34.95CAN; 1-57954-889-X) Permission granted by Rodale, Inc., Emmaus, PA 18098. Available wherever books are sold or directly from the publisher by calling (800) 848-4735 or visit their website at www.rodalestore.com.



Taylor

Diana Walker


There are many things in our society today that are causing disease, illnesses, and ailments. The main reason for so many conditions in our world is the food we eat. Foods loaded with pesticides and other toxins are slowly killing our bodies rendering our immune system too weak to handle the onslaught of disease that enters through various avenues.

One of the best defenses for the body is whole organic foods. Organic fruits and vegetables are not genetically modified.  Organic plants are grown with no pesticides, artificial fertilizers, human waste or sewage sludge and they have been processed without ionizing radiation or food additives. Organic meat has been raised without antibiotics or the use of growth hormones. In other words, organic foods are produced naturally without any man-made chemicals.

Knowing this, there are so many reasons why eating organic foods is beneficial.

1. Your body can fight disease, bacteria and viruses when it is fed organic food. There are no chemicals in the food and you are adding a more wholesome option when you eat organic. Many of the chemicals found in non-organic foods have been linked to many types of cancer. By eating more organic foods, your body will be healthy and in turn you have more strength and energy.

2. Organic foods contain at least 50% more nutrients, vitamins, and minerals than their non-organic counterparts. Food that has been chemically altered in any way has far less nutritional value and therefore is not as healthy for your body.

3. The same growth hormones and antibiotics that are added to many foods that we eat, like chicken, enter the human body.  These hormones and antibiotics may be cause early maturation in children, especially young girls. Eating a diet rich in organic foods help to assure that your child will mature as nature intends.

4. Because organic foods are lower in fat it helps to fight and prevent obesity. Health experts warn that a diet high in fatty food lead to heart disease, stroke, and other life threatening diseases. A diet filled with organic foods helps to prevent these conditions and keep weight down.

5. Antibiotics found in non-organic foods are a direct cause of allergies. Many of the allergies people suffer can be avoided by eating organic foods.

6. Organic fruits and vegetables are not only grown using nature but they taste better as well. When you eat organic you get the full flavor of the food you are eating without added toxins that tend to ruin the true taste.

7. Organic foods safeguard against toxic metals like cadmium, lead and mercury. Heavy metals damage nerve functions and block hemoglobin production which leads to anemia. The same metals are also linked to a lower IQ and disease such as multiple sclerosis.

In addition to the above reasons, by eating organic foods you are helping to save the environment and supporting small scale local farmers. Keep in mind also that contrary to popular belief, purchasing organic foods is not always expensive and there are many ways to purchase it at a lower cost.

Take the time to learn about the benefits of organic food and apply it to your daily eating habits. It will change your body and your life.



Lorrie

Louise Truswell


 

If there is one form of farming that is suited to being organic, it has to be growing vines. Vines are brilliant because of their hardiness – they’ll flourish in grotty soils and go weeks without rain. But does going organic make a better wine? Read on to find out how organic wines stand apart from normal wines.

Better wines for the planet and for you

Organic wines are made without using any unnatural chemicals, such as herbicides and pesticides, which are added to vines to kill weeds and pests. So when you buy organic wine, you’ll be getting wines that are kinder to both the soil and you, reducing the build up of non-natural toxins within your body. If you find that you ever get a headache after drinking a glass of wine, it’s likely to be due to the chemical residues in the wine - try an organic wine for a change and you are bound to see the difference.

Dedicated winemakers

For a winemaker, deciding to produce organic wines is a very brave decision and exposes them to a lot more hard work, dedication and risk when it comes to attending to their vines. Inspections are needed daily to check for disease and pests, and winemakers have to rely on natural predators and eco-friendly agents whose effectiveness depends on thorough nurturing, care and an awful lot of extra work. But one thing is for sure when you buy organic wine, you can be safe in the knowledge that you’ll be buying wine from dedicated winemakers.

A better tasting wine

Due to the shear hard work and care that is required when it comes to producing organic wines, you can be certain that you’ll be getting a wine from a winemaker who has done all they possibly can to bring you the best quality possible.

Organic wine – the perfect match for organic food

To really make the most from your organic wines, team them with some organic meat, fish and vegetables for a perfect match.

Value for money

Even though organic vines often produce lower yields and require a lot more manual labour, they rarely cost more (if at all) than normal wines. Why? Because organic wines have faced a degree of criticism over the years and organic winemakers are having to do all they possibly can to change this opinion.

New and exciting wines

With organic wines increasingly available, you’ll have a wide variety of wines to choose from. You may even come across some organic wines made from unusual or unfamiliar grapes. However, don’t be put off – most winemakers are simply playing to nature’s strengths, growing what’s best suited to their soils and what will grow unaided. So why not take the time to sample a few and stock up.

To find out more and to choose from a range of organic wine, visit virginwines(dot)com



Trish