Why Does Organic Matter?

What Does Certified Organic Mean?

Why does organic matter? Should we eat everything organic? Does organic mean it is also GMO free? Do pesticides actually affect my health?

Let’s start by looking at the technical meaning of organic. Pro-cert, one of the top organic certification agencies has this to say about organic:

“Organic is a claim referring to methods of agricultural production and food processing that minimizes disruption of the natural environment and encourages the health and vitality of the soil, promotes humane animal management and preserves ecological integrity.”

In other words, organic means:
• No synthetic pesticides
• No synthetic preservatives
• No chemical fertilizers
• No hormones or antibiotics
• No genetically modified organisms (GMO’s)
• Humane treatment of animals
• Preservation of ecological integrity

Simply put, organic means growing/raising something NATURALLY…the way nature intended it to be.
A few questions for your consideration.

CAN PESTICIDES REALLY AFFECT YOUR HEALTH?

Yes, most definitely this has been proven over time. The buildup of chemical pesticides and herbicides in our bodies have been linked to many health problems including birth defects, obesity, immune and nervous system disorders, diabetes, cancer, and ADHD. All farmers and their families should also be protected from being exposed to these high levels of pesticides. Also, it is not just about what organic foods DO NOT contain, but what organic foods DO contain. Organic foods have higher amounts of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega, which are all important building blocks for good health.

HOW TO MAKE THE SHIFT TO ORGANIC?

Deciding how to introduce organic foods to your diet can feel overwhelming, but there is a quick way to get started.

We suggest you use the “dirty dozen” or the “clean 15” lists as guides to prioritize your organic purchases. For example, the “dirty dozen” features the top 12 fruits and vegetables that contain the most pesticides.

On this year’s list are strawberries, spinach, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, apples, nectarines, sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, celery and potatoes.

Every step you take matters.

WHY DOES ORGANIC COST MORE?

It is true that organic foods can sometimes cost more, but there are legitimate reasons for this pricing.

Organic farming and production practices are more expensive, and often more time consuming than conventional methods.
Government support for organic production is not equal to their support for conventional agriculture.
The love and care that organic farmers invest in their crops simply cost more and is reflected in the price of organic foods.

The good news is that purchasing more certified organic foods we can all help to grow the organic marketplace and change our food system for the better. A greater demand for organic foods will also help to reduce pricing.

A man and a woman stand in front of a large body of water

A WORD FROM OUR OWNERS:

Organic matters because our health matters, and the health of the earth matters. Organic farming methods reduce pollution and wasted energy and even protect and promote healthy soil and ecosystems. Read more about why organic matters.

“At Jo Anne’s Place, we do our best to carry companies that are certified organic and prioritize sustainable methods. By supporting organic growth, we are not only protecting our own bodies, but also preserving our planet for future generations – something we’ve known to be true for over 45 years! Thank you for partnering with us and the planet!”

Paul & Margo Hudson,

Owners of Jo Anne’s Place Health Foods

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