Organic fruit has gained appeal in recent years, and for good cause. More and more individuals are recognizing the advantages of purchasing organic fruits and vegetables over conventionally farmed alternatives. The Deck at Island Gardens is a great proponent of using organic food in their recipes, and with good cause.

One of the primary advantages of organic products is the lack of toxic pesticides and chemicals. Pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals are frequently applied on conventionally cultivated fruits and vegetables to keep them pest and disease-free. These pesticides can be hazardous to human health since they leave residue on the produce we eat. Organic produce, on the other hand, is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and chemicals, thus it a safer option for our health.

In addition to being safer for human health, organic produce is also better for the environment. The use of synthetic pesticides and chemicals in conventional farming practices can have a negative impact on the soil, water, and air. Organic farming, on the other hand, focuses on sustainable practices that help to protect the environment. By choosing organic produce, you are supporting farmers who are committed to protecting the planet for future generations.

Another benefit of organic produce is the higher nutrient content. Studies have shown that organic fruits and vegetables can have higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to conventionally grown options. This is because organic farming practices focus on building healthy, nutrient-rich soil that can support the growth of strong, healthy plants. When you choose organic produce, you are not only getting a safer option for your health, but also a more nutritious one.

Organic produce is also beneficial for local communities and economies. By supporting organic farmers, you are helping to create a more sustainable food system that values the health of both people and the planet. Organic farming practices can also help to support local economies by creating jobs and supporting small-scale farmers. When you choose organic produce, you are not only making a healthier choice for yourself, but also a positive impact on your community.

What are the Commercial Advantages of Organic Farming?

In 2019, the global market for Certified Organic products reached a valuation of around $140 billion, with Australia accounting for about $2.6 billion of that total. When evaluating research, it’s critical to remember that local meteorological and environmental factors, as well as farmer expertise, frequently have a significant impact on the findings.

The productivity gap between conventional and Certified Organic agriculture is narrowing quickly, often surpassing that of conventional and GMO-dependent agriculture, according to research from the Dalhousie University Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada.

United Nations organic research

The conclusion of a paper published by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization in 2009, authored by Noémi Nemes, examined the results of more than 50 studies that compared the economics of organic and conventional agriculture.

As a general rule, the UN research indicated that organic farming experiences higher prices with lower input costs than conventional farms, which is often offset by lower productivity in the first few years.

• Yields – American studies showed that in wetter areas (e.g., the Corn Belt), conventional yields are higher than organic, but in dry areas, organic yields surpass conventional. In developing countries, organic yields are generally higher than conventional, but are much higher under less favourable conditions (e.g. drought). When comparing relative yield and composition of vegetables over 12 years, conventional farms yielded 24% more, but organic vegetables had 28% higher dry matter.
• Quality – Organic produce has been found to have higher levels of vitamins, minerals, healthy fatty acids and phytonutrients.
• Production cost – Production costs are generally lower for organic farms. Most European studies found that variable (operating) costs are 60–70% lower but fixed costs were higher, compared to conventional farms. Overall, the total production costs of organic farms were lower in the studies.
• Labour – Labour costs, however, are often greater on organic farms. European studies found labour costs to be 10–20% greater than on comparable conventional operations.
• Debt – Conventional farmers have significantly higher debt loads than organic farmers, particularly those in developing countries.

Rodale Institute Organic Research

The Rodale Institute’s research program involves nearly 40 years of organic/conventional farming comparisons. The Farming Systems Trial (FST)® at Rodale Institute is America’s longest running side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional agriculture which began in 1981.

Among the many advantages, it has found that organic farming systems:

• yields match conventional yields after a five-year transition
• outperforms conventional farming in years of drought by up to 40%
• earns 3–6 time greater profit for farmers
• leaches no toxic chemicals into waterways
• uses 45% less energy
• releases 40% fewer carbon emissions
• water volumes percolating through soil were 15–20% higher than the conventional systems
• systems are more profitable than conventional ones.

Before switching to a completely organic production system, operators thinking about organic farming systems should analyze all relevant variables and educate themselves. Establish a test area inside your production facility if you’re considering switching to organic agricultural practices.

Read Also: Farmers Market vs Grocery Store: Which is Better?

Organics is not for you if your only driving force is the prospect of large margins and profits.

Health Benefits of Supporting Local Farmers Markets

A increasing movement to support local farmers markets is something we see every year. There is more to these centers of handcrafted goods and fresh produce than just shopping. Both people and the community can benefit from their many health advantages. Purchasing and eating goods from nearby farmers markets can have a big positive impact on your health.

Freshness and Nutrient Content

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, (USDA), one of the key advantages of shopping at local farmers markets is the freshness of the produce. Unlike supermarket fruits and vegetables that often travel long distances, farmers market produce is typically harvested just hours from the place you buy them. This minimal transit time ensures that the products retain a higher nutrient content, including essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Consuming such fresh and nutrient-dense foods can contribute to improved overall health and vitality.

Seasonal and Locally Grown Foods

Eating fruits and vegetables that are in season not only supports the local economy but also benefits your health. Seasonal foods are at their peak in terms of flavor and nutritional value. They are also more likely to be grown without excessive use of pesticides, as small-scale farmers often prioritize sustainable and organic farming practices, says the USDA. By consuming locally grown foods, you are more likely to access varieties that are adapted to your region´s climate, which can potentially provide additional health benefits.

Reduced Chemical Exposure

An article published by Mayo Clinic explains that conventional farming methods often involve the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). By purchasing products from local Farmers Markets, you have a higher likelihood of accessing organic and naturally grown foods. Organic farming practices eliminate or minimize the use of harmful chemicals, reducing your exposure to potentially harmful substances.

Support for Small-Scale Farmers

When you buy from local farmers markets, you directly support small-scale farmers and local agriculture. This support not only contributes to the economic well-being of farmers but also helps to preserve farmland and promote sustainable farming practices. According to the American Farmland Trust, by choosing to purchase from these markets, you become an active participant in creating a resilient and robust local food system.

Increased Culinary Variety and Food Education

Farmers markets often offer a wider range of produce and products compared to traditional supermarkets. Exploring the stalls at a local farmers market exposes you to a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other culinary delights that you may not find elsewhere. This variety encourages you to experiment with new flavors, promoting a well-rounded and diverse diet.

Supporting local farmers markets goes beyond a simple shopping experience. By buying and consuming products from these markets, you can reap numerous health benefits. From enjoying the freshness of locally grown produce to reducing chemical exposure and supporting sustainable farming practices. Moreover, embracing the community atmosphere of farmers markets enriches your culinary journey.

What are the 5 Benefits of Organic Food?

Organic farming guidelines, which govern the cultivation and processing of agricultural goods, are followed while producing organic food. In the United States, organic crops must be farmed without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), though legislation differ from nation to nation.

Raising organic animals for meat, eggs, and dairy products requires that they be fed organic feed and forage and that their living conditions allow for their natural habits, such as grazing on pasture. No growth hormones, antibiotics, or animal products may be administered to them.

How your food is grown or raised can have a major impact on your mental and emotional health as well as the environment. Organic foods often have more beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants, than their conventionally-grown counterparts and people with allergies to foods, chemicals, or preservatives may find their symptoms lessen or go away when they eat only organic foods.

Organic produce contains fewer pesticides. Chemicals such as synthetic fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides are widely used in conventional agriculture and residues remain on (and in) the food we eat.

Organic food is often fresher because it doesn’t contain preservatives that make it last longer. Organic produce is sometimes (but not always, so watch where it is from) produced on smaller farms nearer to where it is sold.

Organic farming tends to be better for the environment. Organic farming practices may reduce pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and use less energy. Farming without synthetic pesticides is also better for nearby birds and animals as well as people who live close to farms. However, organic farming does often require more land to produce the same amount of food as conventional agriculture, which can increase carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

Organically raised animals are NOT given antibiotics, growth hormones, or fed animal byproducts. Feeding livestock animal byproducts increases the risk of mad cow disease (BSE) and the use of antibiotics can create antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Organically-raised animals tend to be given more space to move around and access to the outdoors, which helps to keep them healthy.

Organic meat and milk can be richer in certain nutrients. Results of a 2016 European study show that levels of certain nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, were up to 50 percent higher in organic meat and milk than in conventionally raised versions.

Organic food is GMO-free. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or genetically engineered (GE) foods are plants whose DNA has been altered in ways that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding, most commonly in order to be resistant to pesticides or produce an insecticide.

Organic food vs. locally-grown food

Unlike organic standards, there is no specific definition for “local food”. It could be grown in your local community, your state, your region, or your country. During large portions of the year it is usually possible to find food grown close to home at places such as a farmer’s market.

The benefits of locally grown food

Financial: Money stays within the local economy. More money goes directly to the farmer, instead of to things like marketing and distribution.

Transportation: In the U.S., for example, the average distance a meal travels from the farm to the dinner plate is over 1,500 miles. Produce must be picked while still unripe and then gassed to “ripen” it after transport. Or the food is highly processed in factories using preservatives, irradiation, and other means to keep it stable for transport.

Freshness: Local food is harvested when ripe and thus fresher and full of flavor.

Some small local farmers use organic methods but may not be able to afford to become certified organic. Visit a farmer’s market and talk with the farmers to find out what methods they use.

Many cities, as well as small towns, host a weekly farmers’ market, where local farmers sell their produce at an open-air street market, often at a discount to grocery stores.