It’s long been a source of contention on whether or not organic foods are better for you than non-organic foods. If you’ve been thinking of making the switch to organic food, or at least incorporate more organic items into your diet, you’re probably wondering why you should shell out the extra cash.

What Is Organic Farming?

Labeling something “organic” comes with a slew of conditions. Mainly, you probably think of organic farming in regards to what it isn’t allowed. Organic farmers don’t use synthetic pesticides/fertilizers/herbicides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Animals used in organic farming are never fed animal by-products, and they aren’t cooped up in small, inhumane cages. Processed foods like cereals or breads don’t have chemical preservatives or synthetic additives like dyes.

But organic farming also incorporates a lot of good practices. Organic farmers believe in the use of natural products, but they also strive to take care of the Earth. They’ll utilize crop rotation to naturally nourish the soil because plants grown in healthy soil require less maintenance and suffer from fewer pests and diseases. Animal wastes are carefully stored and/or composted to protect nearby water systems and avoid polluting the air. Crops are grown according to the local climate to improve their natural growth cycle and reduce the need for fertilizers. Many organic farmers also thrive on biodiversity, meaning they grow a variety of crops or animals. All of this combined prevents harmful soil erosion, improves energy conservation, and protects the local biology. [Read more…]