Certified Organic FoodsBefore crops can be certified, all organic farmers must use only approved materials. All farmers that grow organically must follow strict requirements. That means seeds must be organic for planting and the soil chemically free. For animals, feed must be organic and animals cannot be given antibiotics or growth hormones. This is why certified organic foods are the best for your health. All organic foods are grown free of pesticides, herbicides, hormones, antibiotics, and other harmful chemicals. Organically grown foods and grass fed animals are cared for using organic substances that do not harm the plants or animals. Instead of harmful chemicals sprayed on the plants during growth to keep bugs at bay, plants are sprayed with natural organic substances such as tobacco leaf and cayenne sprays. Garlic, mint, and baking soda all have pesticide-like properties that can ward off bugs and other insects naturally.
Organic Food and FarmersWhich farmers grow organically? Most farmers in the United States grow “conventionally”, which means they rely on synthetic (man-made) chemicals and fertilizers to grow their crops.Usually small farmer’s and individual households grow organically. Each area of the country usually has several small farmers who grow organically and sell to their local retail stores and farmer’s markets. You can find a farmer’s market in your state by checking out this resource: http://apps.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets/ If your area does not have a farmer’s market there are other areas you can buy certified organic foods. Many major grocery store chains now carry these types of foods. Check with your local grocer and ask if they carry organic produce and meats for healthy eating plans. All organic foods should carry the label that states it is organic. If you are passionate about eating healthier and want the best food there is to offer, why not grow your own organic vegetables.
Organic QualityDiets with organically grown foods taste better and has more vitamins than store bought foods. If you have ever eaten a vine ripe tomato and compared it to a grocery store tomato, you’ll know what I am talking about. Organic gardening is not that difficult once you get the basics down.The Internet has lots of useful resources and information to help you get started. Then you can tell all of your neighbors and friends what you have grown organically – they may want to buy some of your produce, or you can give it away. Farming organically is always the healthiest choice for everyone. Organic farming keeps the environment cleaner and safer. Have you ever witnessed pesticide-spraying airplanes dumping their chemicals onto the crops? I’ve often wondered how much of that spray is getting into the ground water, rivers and streams. Think about all the millions of pounds of chemicals that are sprayed into the air and onto the food supply that you eat every day. Eating certified organic foods will always be the smartest choice for everyone involved.
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