The Halo Around "Organic Food" is BS

As con, I will be adopting the position of defending Organic food. Before we start discussing the benefits offered by organic food, it is essential to understand what organic food is. According to Mayo Clinic, the word "organic" refers to the way framers grow and process agricultural products. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don"t use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease. [1] More than often, people tend to equate word "organic" to "natural". However only foods that are grown and processed according to USDA organic standards can be labelled organic. Terms such as "all natural" may not be the same as "organic. " [1] Part I - Basic Facts Conventional Farming vs. Organic Farming Promotion of Plant Growth - Conventional: Apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth - Organic: Apply natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, to feed soil and plants [1] Control of Pets and Disease - Conventional: Spray synthetic insecticides to reduce pests and disease - Organic: Spray pesticides from natural sources; use beneficial insects and birds, mating disruption or traps to reduce pests and disease. [1] Control of Weeds - Conventional: Use synthetic herbicides to manage weeds. - Organic: Use environmentally-generated plant-killing compounds; rotate crops, till, hand, weed or mulch to manage weeds. [1] Growth of Stocks - Conventional: Give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to prevent disease and spur growth. - Organic: Give animals organic feed and allow them access to the outdoors. Use preventive measures - such as rotational gazing, a balance diet and clean housing - to help minimize disease. [1] Part II - Reasons to Support Organic Food Organic Foods May be Healthier Than Conventional Food Although the answer is by no means conclusive, some study had concluded that organically produced food are better than conventional food in their nutrient content. The reason is that in the absence of pesticides and fertilizers, plants may boost their production of the vitamins and antioxidants up to 40% that could strengthen their resistance to bugs and weeds. Larger differences were found in milk, with organic varieties containing more than 60% more antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, which are generally considered to be healthy for human body. [2][3] Organic Farming May Better Protect Environment By definition, organic farming practices are designed to benefit the surrounding environment by reducing pollution and conserving water soil quality. In conventional farming, pesticides applied affect the surrounding non-farm communities with a variety of invisible chemicals, and water pollution by synthetic fertilize is the main culprit for dead zones in delicate ocean environments. [1] Organic farming prevent pesticides from being used thereby protecting surrounding environment. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic farming reduces pollutants in groundwater and creates richer soil that aids plant growth while reducing erosion. [4] Fewer Pesticides Residues Another reason to support organic food is its low level of pesticide residues. Conventional growers use pesticides to protect their crops from molds and various diseases. When farmers spray pesticides, this can leave residue on produce. According to USDA, organic produce carries significantly fewer pesticides residues than does conventional produce. Even if the residues on most conventional food do not exceed government safety thresholds, pesticides are nonetheless harmful to human bodies. [1] In the case of pregnant women and fetuses and children, even low-level pesticide exposure would severely affect their well-beings. If there is a way to avoid lower consumption of pesticides, people should be advised to pursue it. [5] Free of Antibiotics Many scientist are concerned about the antibiotics being given to most farm animals in conventional farming. Overuse of these antibiotics in animals would enable bacteria to develop resistance to them, thereby rendering them less effective in fighting infection. [5] Organic farming is largely free of antibiotics. [1] Conclusion Therefore, on the basis of above analysis, people shall be advised to purchase organic food. Thank you References [1]. . http://www.mayoclinic.com... [2]. . http://www.redbookmag.com... [3]. . http://www.guardian.co.uk... [4]. . http://www.organic.org... [5]. . http://www.redbookmag.com...