Myth or Truth?
1. Organic Foods are Completely Free of Pesticides
Contrary to what most people believe, organic foods actually do contain pesticides. People believe that when purchasing organic foods, they are eliminating their risk of consuming pesticides. However, organic foods, just like GMOs or conventional produce, contain pesticides due to their farming methods. But one stark difference between GMOs and organic produce is that the kinds of pesticides used in the farming of these products are quite different. For non-organic produce, synthetic pesticides are used, which means that the pesticides are not made of natural ingredients. These pesticides have unnatural chemicals in them, a common kind of synthetic pesticide being glyphosate. For organic foods, on the other hand, the pesticides used are made from natural ingredients. An example of a natural pesticide would be vinegar, which is also known as acetic acid and works by burning small pests and also repelling others with its strong odor.
2. Organic Foods are Significantly More Nutritious
Shockingly for many, consuming organic products does not necessarily mean that you are consuming more nutrients. In fact, there are no substantial differences in nutritional values between organic foods and nonorganic foods. In a study done by Hunter and colleagues, when looking at the micronutrient content for both organic and conventional produce, the vitamin content, pro-vitamin content, and the mineral content were around the same levels. But it was noted that organic foods had higher phosphorous levels as well as less pesticide residues. While it is true that the nutrient levels for organic and conventional produce are relatively the same, there have been some health benefits to consuming organic foods.
3. Organic Foods are More Sustainable
It may be common for people to believe that organic foods being produced with natural pesticides and ingredients means that they are better for the environment. However, this is not necessarily true. Because organic farming produces much less product compared to products that have been modified in some way, conventional products, organic farming requires much more land. This causes land destruction on a larger scale than compared to GMOs or conventional products, and harms the environment. This oftentimes causes the destruction of various ecosystems as well, making them unsuitable for the animals living in these lands. While organic products do lead to better, more environmentally-friendly farming techniques such as intercropping and companion planting, it is also quite harmful for the land that they occupy.
4. Farmers Who Sell Organic Foods Make More Money
Of course, what divides organic foods the most out of any other kinds of foods is the high price point. This may lead to many believing that organic farmers make much more than conventional farmers do. However, due to the various strict regulations that organic foods are under as well as the production cost, farmers make relatively the same amounts no matter what kinds of foods they produce. Organic farmers have to go through stricter regulations, certifications, and requirements for their products to meet the standard of organic. The process of growing organic foods is also less cost effective than conventional crops, as there may be lesser yields compared to conventional products. Not only that, due to restrictions on what pesticides can be used, more money goes into natural pesticides when growing organic crops.
So why do farmers choose organic?
- Improve soil fertility, structure, and biodiversity
- Reduces exposure to toxic chemicals (for humans, animals, and the environment!)
- The rapidly growing industry