Organic Food
The legal definition of what may be classified as organic food is rather long. The production of organic foods does not use pesticides or synthetic (or sewage-based) fertilizers for plant materials and hormones and antibiotics for animals, does not allow genetic engineering or the use of radiation, and emphasizes the utilisation of renewable resources as well as conservation of land and water. Countries regulate organic produce differently.
The motivation to more comprehensively define and regulate what may be sold as organic goes back to as early as the 1940s. From that time, any merchant could label their food "organic" without it necessarily being a true claim. Because of this, consumers were not sure if the food they bought was in fact "organic." This triggered the need for proof that foods, which were said to be organic, were produced according to certain standards.
Organic foods, ranging from produce to cereal, are available to consumers. Even organic meat is on the market. This meat is from livestock that are fed organic feed, not treated with antibiotics or growth hormones, and aren't routinely confined. Natural food stores, farmers' markets, mail-order sales, and regular grocery stores are among the places where organic foods are sold.
Organic food tends to cost more than conventional food because of the larger demands placed on the producer, who needs to follow stricter standards growing, processing, and distributing the product than conventional producers. Despite higher prices, some people still choose to buy organic food because they feel it is healthier due to lower, or no, pesticide residues. A very heated debate exists on the safety of pesticides (which are toxins) used on food and their impact on the natural environment. The production of these foods is more environmentally friendly since the use of renewable resources and conservation of land and water are emphasized. Nutritive value (the amount of vitamins, minerals, etc.) does not differ between organically and conventionally produced foods.
The organic food movement promotes the health of humans and their environment by encouraging farmers to use agricultural methods without depleting the soil or hurting environmental systems or farm workers. Organic farming also promotes biological diversity and the recycling of resources through such methods as crop rotation, rotational grazing, planting of cover crops, intercropping, animal and plant waste recycling, tilling, and adding minerals to crops.
Click here to see the Toscana Olives range of
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Products
What does
the term organic mean?
Organic means produced in soils of enhanced biological activity,
determined by the humus level, crumb structure and feeder root
development, such that plants are fed through the soil ecosystem and not
primarily through soluble fertilisers added to the soil.
Plants grown in organic systems take up nutrients that are released slowly from humus at a rate governed by warmth. In this system, the metabolism of the plant and its ability to assimilate nutrients is not overstressed by excessive uptake of soluble salts in the soil water (such as nitrates). Organic farming systems rely to the maximum extent feasible upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, mechanical cultivation, approved mineral-bearing rocks and aspects of biological pest control to maintain soil productivity and tilth, to supply plant nutrients and to control insects, weeds and other pests.
(From the Australian Organic Producers Advisory Committee)
How is organic produce certified?
Farmers must grow produce for three years without the application of synthetic
pesticides or chemicals. The farm, its equipment, and any processing facilities
are inspected by an independent agency unaffiliated with the grower, the
processor or the vendor, and are then issued a certificate from that agency
certifying the farm's produce as "organic."
The grower and the property are certified together as a pair.
Only crops produced by that particular grower on that particular property may be marketed as organic under the scheme. Change either the grower or the property and a new certification must be sought.
For a property to be suitable for the cultivation of organic produce there must be minimal, if any, existing contamination of the soil and there must also be a source of uncontaminated water for irrigation purposes. Spraydrift from neighbors may also be a problem and could render a property unsuitable in the absence of suitable spray barriers.
Growers are required to sign an
affidavit stating that they agree to comply with the standards as set but by the
certification body of their choice and that they will make their farms available
for annual inspection. Following the initial inspection the grower begins a
probationary period and may market their produce as "In conversion to organic"
for a period of between one and three years depending on the previous usage of
the property. Only after this probationary period has been completed are growers
entitled to market their produce as "Grade A organic", assuming of course that
an analysis of their produce shows no contamination and that their farming
practices are acceptable under the national standards.
Organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that products are completely free of
residues; however, methods are used to minimize pollution from air, soil and
water. Organic food handlers, processors and retailers adhere to standards that
maintain the integrity of organic agricultural products. The primary goal of
organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent
communities of soil life, plants, animals and people."
Organic Food
Although various definitions exist, the term 'organic food' is usually taken to mean a food that has been produced without artificial fertilisers and has not been subjected to treatment with artificial pesticides. Although vaccines may have been used in animals grown for organic food production, the use of veterinary drugs is generally avoided or minimised. In the northern hemisphere, 'organic' animal production also implies that the animals have had access to the open air (rather than being kept indoors).
Organic farmers and food
producers grow and produce food without using synthetic chemicals (such as
pesticides or artificial fertilisers). They do not use genetically modified (GM)
components, or expose food to irradiation. Animal welfare and environmental
sustainability are important issues for organic farmers.
The definition also includes animal produce, such as eggs, which are free range
rather than caged (battery) hens.
It is worth noting that
in Australia, companies may label their products as Organic without the product
actually being certified organic. Hopefully, this will change in future years as
the industry becomes better regulated. Toscana Olives Olive Oil is certified
organic with the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture (NASAA).
Click here to see the Toscana Olives range of Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Products
Strict
certification rules are used
Organic farms are only certified after they have been operating according to
organic principles for three years. However, as mentioned above the use of the
word 'organic' is not regulated in Australia.
Organic farming
Central to the philosophy of organic farming is protecting the environment and
working in harmony with existing ecosystems, for example, conserving water, soil
and energy; and using renewable resources and natural farming cycles.
Traditional farming methods are often used, such as rotating crops to prevent
depleting the soil of nutrients.
The Australian organic food industry is booming; it is currently worth around
$200-$250 million per year domestically and a further $50-$80 million per year
in exports with an expected annual growth of up to 60 per cent. Consumer demand
is growing at a rate of 20-30% per year with retail sales increasing 670%
between 1990 and 2001-02.
Types of organic produce available include fruit and vegetables, grains, meat
and meat products, honey and some processed foods.
Why people buy organic
Pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables are closely monitored in Australia,
and there seems to be no cause for concern. However, some people prefer to buy
organic produce just in case.
Others appreciate that organic foods promote a healthier and more sustainable
use of the environment, and more humane treatment of animals. Also, some people
worry about the possible long term health, economic and environmental
consequences of GM foods and prefer to support an industry that doesn't use GM
techniques.
Organic food may sometimes not look great, but it definitely tastes better and is better for you.
Click here to order Toscana Olives Organic Olive Oil
