Organic v Non-Organic: What you as consumers need to know
Is organic really healthier? Why is it so expensive? Is it worth the expense?
What does ‘organic’ mean?
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) describes the word ‘organic’ as an agricultural method that prohibits the use of the following: pesticides, growth regulators, synthetic fertilisers, chemical feed additives and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It is a systematic approach that works towards socially, environmentally and economically sustainable production – based on crop rotation, plant and animal manure, hand weeding and biological pest control (DEFRA, 2018). Organic agriculture is a form of farming that uses fewer pesticides as it can pollute the waterways (Lewin, 2020).
What’s the difference between organic and non-organic?
Helpguide (2020) highlights the basic distinctions between organic and conventionally grown (non-organic) produce:
Organic produce:
• Cultivated with natural fertilisers (e.g. manure, compost)
• Pests are controlled through the use of natural pesticides and natural methods (e.g. birds, traps)
• Livestock is given GMO-free feed, clean housing, rotational grazing and a healthy diet.
• Livestock must have access to the outdoors, thereby allowing more room to roam around, which helps to keep them healthy.
Conventionally-grown (non-organic) produce:
• Grown with synthetic or chemical fertilisers
• Pests are regulated through the use of synthetic pesticides
• Livestock is given non-organic, GMO feed, growth hormones and medications to prevent livestock diseases.
• Livestock may or may not have access to the outdoor environment.
Why is it so expensive?
Purchasing organic produce directly from a farmer or producer through farmers markets or local farm shops are often cheaper than non-organic produce. However, consumers have limited access when sourcing organic food directly from a producer and tend to opt for supermarkets – therefore resulting in the price of organic produce to increase and evidently be more expensive than non-organic produce. So in retrospect, organic produce is not expensive when purchased directly from the source but through the channel of distribution, the price increases and consumers are made to think that it is more expensive to eat organic produce when they can buy non-organic for a fraction of the price.
So the question is, Is it worth the expense?
Organic produce is typically more expensive in comparison to non-organic produce, and often consumers question if it is worth the extra pennies, but if prices are compared, organic produce can be cheaper and often on special offer. If you are on a budget, the recommendation is to prioritise your purchases such as organic milk, bread, butter and seasonal produce can be cheaper (Lewin, 2020). Organic dairy also contains lower saturated fats and a higher level of omega-3 fats (50% higher) – which is due to organic, free-range animals can roam more which results in less fat (Telegraph, 2016).
Do the benefits outweigh the expense?
Below are just some of the benefits of organic products that have been accumulated through past studies, government websites and articles. We hope these are enough to answer questions on why it is worth it.
1. There are fewer pesticides! Organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilizers. Fun fact: Studies show that pesticide residues are commonly found in the urine of children in the U.S (which may contribute to ADHD prevalence) (Soil Association, n.d.; MacMillan and Naftulin, 2017; Helpguide, 2020).
2. Can be richer in certain nutrients and overall better for people (Soil Association, n.d.; Brown, 2016; Helpguide, 2020).
3. A 2014 study from Newcastle University concludes that organic food is quantities of antioxidants are 19-69% higher – which helps to prevent heart disease, cancer and boost immunity (Telegraph, 2016).
4. More healthy fats – in terms of organic meats and milk, they can have up to 50% more omega-3 fatty acids (unsaturated healthy fat). This may be due to how livestock is raised (more grass-fed diet) (Macmillan and Naftulin, 2017).
5. It is fresher – they don’t contain preservatives so therefore have less shelf life (Lewin, 2020).
6. Benefits for animal welfare – animals are required to be kept in more natural, free-range conditions. Conventional livestock, however, can be given antibiotics to protect animals against illnesses which enables farmers to raise them in crowded and unsanitary conditions. Not only that, but synthetic growth hormones are injected to gain weight faster and produce more milk (Soil Association, n.d.; Helpguide, 2020; Lewin, 2020).
7. Better for the environment – less energy, helps to conserve water, reduce soil erosion and increase soil fertility (Helpguide, 2020).
8. Better for the planet – e.g. no artificial fertilisers, healthier soils that sore more carbon, meat that’s more environmentally friendly (Soil Association, n.d.)
How does Envirolizer help?
Envirolizer is a 100% natural mineral plant growth enhancer and adaptogen that effectively supplies calcium and silicon to plants, increasing photosynthetic activity, better use of CO2 and the development of primary and secondary metabolites – overall improving fruit and crop yields while increasing plant resistance to environmental stress. Envirolizer is made from 100% natural earth minerals.
“Together, we can make a difference!”
References:
Lewin, J (2020) What does organic mean? [Online] Available from: <https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/organic> [Accessed 18 January 2021].
Department of Environmental Food and Rural Affairs (2018) Science and Research Projects [Online] Available from: <http://randd.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx> [Accessed 18 January 2021].
Telegraph (2016) It’s only natural: the benefits of eating organic food [Online] Available from: <https://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/grow-a-healthier-family/benefits-of-eating-organic/> [Accessed 18 January 2021].
Macmillan, A. and Naftulin, J. (2017) 4 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Eating Organic [Online] Available from: <https://time.com/4871915/health-benefits-organic-food/> [Accessed 18 January 2021].
Helpguide (2020) Organic Foods: What you need to know [Online] Available from: <https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/organic-foods.htm> [Accessed 18 January 2021].
Brown, M. J. (2016) What is Organic Food, and is it Better Than Non-Organic? [Online] Available from: <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-organic-food> [Accessed 18 January 2021].
Soil Association (n.d.) Why Organic? [Online] Available from: <https://www.soilassociation.org/organic-living/why-organic/> [Accessed 18 January 2021].
