Local Organic Goodness

Eating local organic food is one of the best things you can do for your health, your community and the environment. The word is spreading rapidly about the many benefits of eating organic as compared to eating conventional produce. Consumers are driving the market because more people are choosing to buy organic. The demand for organic food continues to increase at a rate of 20% or more each year, with varying factors triggering this demand. The main reason is because people want to take steps for better health and quality of life. Choosing to live a more natural lifestyle is just one thing you can do to change your life for the better.

Local organic food is far superior in quality for a number of reasons. Scientific research is continually demonstrating a real hazard, with the chemicals involved in the production of conventional crops. Some of these chemicals such as mancozeb, and chlorothalonil have been labeled as known carcinogens. A carcinogen is a substance that is known to cause cancer. Pesticides and herbicides are toxic substances which do kill living organisms. In recent decades certain pesticides have been banned due to health risks. There was a study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry which clearly showed chlordane, DDT, and other organochlorine pesticides have continued to show up in the food supply even after they were banned. This goes to show that it can take years for the pesticide residues to completely go away. Chlordane in particular has been linked to digestive disorders. The Organic Trade Association has also stated that side effects from pesticide exposure range from nausea, asthma, headaches, fatigue, and some of the most serious are cancer and neurological disorders.

The mass production of conventional food has also depleted the soil and the nutritional value of food. One apple today doesn't have nearly the amount of vitamins than it had 100 years ago. Conventional farming is also non sustainable meaning that it can't continue to go on like this for long. Over a period of time land will stop producing when if it is over worked. The ability to grow food depends heavily on the fertility of the soil.

Organic Farming

Organic farming does take more work and patience yet the result is well worth it. Organic farmers pay special attention to the soil, making sure they don't over produce. They rely on using manure, good compost, covering plants, and crop rotation. Crop rotation is essential because it involves rotating different crops within the same space. The rotation changes depending on the season. This is just one method farmers use to increase soil fertility. Organic farmers also use natural predators like lady bugs to keep bad bugs like red spiders, and leaf hoppers away. This type of farming encourages natural organisms to flourish, boosts resistance to disease, and increases soil fertility. All plant life thrives in fertile soil. The extreme care that goes into the production of organic produce helps create a better product.

Better Taste

Although it takes more work to produce an organic tomato the taste is sure to please any palate. Unlike conventional, organic produce is picked when it is ripe. The soil is also extremely rich in vitamins and trace minerals. When food is grown from fertile organic soil the taste is far better. The main reason for this is because the food is packed with more nutrition. Local organic food also retains the most nutrition because when food travels from other countries or other states it loses essential vitamins from shipping and processing. When you eat local organic produce you get delicious fresh food from your own community.

Better For the Environment

When you buy organic food that is grown within your own city, you are also helping the environment. The majority of produce found in most supermarkets has been shipped from other states and countries. This is expanding our resources and increasing pollution. Buying local organic food reduces the amount of carbon pollution going into the atmosphere. When you support organic farmers you help preserve the land for future generations by reducing the amount of hazardous chemicals that go into the land.