Organic ingredients help support small-scale farmers and their families while minimizing pollution and soil erosion. Organic farms reduce synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and livestock feed additives used by conventional farms.
Products labeled 100% organic must contain only USDA-certified organic ingredients. Foods that carry an “organic” or “made with organic” label must contain at least 70% certified organic ingredients and display the USDA seal as proof.
Health Benefits
Consuming organic ingredients shows your commitment to both healthy eating and protecting the environment. Organic farming uses methods which limit pesticides and fertilizers used, and organic meat comes from animals raised without antibiotics and given access to outdoor space all year-round, where possible.
Products labeled as organic in the US must contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients excluding water and salt. Foods that only include some organic ingredients may still be considered “organic,” provided their non-organic components don’t appear on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.
Look out for the USDA organic seal when purchasing packaged foods with organic ingredients, or those containing at least 70% organic ingredients (up to three ingredients or food groups can be labeled “made with organic”) or simply labeled as organic. When selecting these, be sure that organic ingredients are listed first when making your decision and when purchasing processed food be sure to verify a USDA-accredited certifier is listed on its information panel.
Environment Benefits
Organic farming methods are both healthier for consumers and the planet. While nonorganic farms use synthetic fungicides, herbicides and pesticides to preserve natural resources like soil health, biodiversity and water quality. Furthermore, organic farmers focus on keeping meticulous records as well as regularly conducting audits that guarantee full food traceability.
Organic certification applies to both crops and multi-ingredient processed products like bread, pasta, soups and snacks. To be labeled as such, at least 70% of its ingredients must come from certified USDA sources – otherwise only “made with organic” or “organic ***” labels will suffice.
When shopping organic on a budget, prioritise foods most susceptible to pesticide contamination by selecting organic versions. According to the Environmental Working Group’s suggestions, purchasing strawberries, kale and spinach as well as apples, sweet potatoes and bell peppers. And for meat eaters looking for quality proteins opt for organic poultry and pork products instead.
Economic Benefits
People often make the choice to purchase organic because it benefits both their health and wallet. Organic food tends to be significantly more affordable than items produced via conventional means, providing savings on groceries bills.
Organic farming practices foster soil health and biodiversity, helping reduce the need for pesticides in the future. Pesticides can kill helpful pollinators like bees; therefore organic farming techniques help conserve and protect local habitats.
Even if you cannot buy exclusively organic food, it’s still essential to make informed choices. Talk with your grocer about their organic offerings and read labels closely; items marked “100% organic” contain only organic ingredients while those labeled with “organic” or “made with organic ingredients” must contain at least 70% (excluding water and salt ) produced using organic methods. When looking for produce on the Dirty Dozen list or shopping local for freshest possible options.
Taste Benefits
Food grown organically uses no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and does not include hormone-fed livestock, providing healthier and more nutritious food options for consumers as well as farmers who no longer need to use chemical substances on their crops.
In the United States, look out for products with 100% organic ingredients which carry the USDA organic seal. However, processed goods that use 70% or more certified organic ingredients may claim they contain organic components; such products must list what exactly are their organic components on their principal display panel.
Consumers often misunderstand what it means for a product to be organic, which shouldn’t just mean natural–it must meet strict government standards for farming and production processes as well. In order to receive the organic label, crops and foods must first undergo inspection by an accredited organic certification agency.
