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Bio for the curious
Wondering what all the hype about organic foods? Do you really know what it is? If you are interested to go organic, or just curious then read on …
The organic industry has grown considerably in recent years. The increased demand has led to increased production, creating a need for general standards and legal definition of organic food.
Most countries have adopted their own laws and standards to ensure consistency in production and processing organic. This eliminates confusion while protecting consumers and manufacturers.
Definition of Organic Food
In most cases, those foods are grown without the use synthesis (and often toxic) chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers and other inputs. Animals for domestic consumption is not given hormone injections (artificial growth), and is not given routine antibiotics. The treatment is also a procedure without products chemicals.
Organic foods are produced and processed using techniques that benefit the whole environment, the air soil, water, animals and humans.
The organic
The organic food market existed well before a legal definition of organic existence. Natural, chemical-free culture has been a common practice for centuries among small farms. Before the recent increase demand for organic products, farms and local markets are the only source of fresh organic foods.
Today the standards and organic certification laws regulating the market, providing consumers with a product that is truly organic, but there are still many small farms that use strictly organic farming methods, without certification. Not all organic farms can afford the costs of certification, which means that their food does not support organic label goods produced by the same standards.
What foods are organic?
When you think of organic food, fruits and vegetables are elements that come to mind in general. Now it is much greater diversity in the market for organic products. There are options living for almost everything today! organic meats, organic dairy products, organic cereals to pasta and grains, you can even find organic desserts, chocolate, beers and wines.
What is certified organic?
In most countries, food grown and processed according to standards and regulations may apply for organic certification. The application process is very costly and takes time. certified organic farms must submit reports on the use of land for both the past and the future. Records must be kept strict and annual on-site inspections are conducted to ensure the quality and authenticity.
The organic label can be displayed by manufacturers or Producers who have passed government certification. This protects consumers and producers by creating expectations for any product deemed organic.
The main certification body in the UK is the Soil Association. In the U.S. it is the USDA.
What is organic farming and production?
The organic standards and regulations governing all aspects of organic production, including crops and livestock. The key to success organic production is to use as little nonrenewable resources as possible while promoting sound practices for wildlife, soil, water and air.
Organic farming involves synthetic chemical-free farming techniques using organic seeds. Crops are grown without irradiation or the use of genetic modification. Organic foods benefit from treatment without chemicals and without artificial (synthetic) additives, preservatives or other ingredients.
In addition to freedom of use of hormones and antibiotics mentioned above, animals raised for organic food production to take advantage of open spaces, spacious accommodation and organic food. As a result of meat and products Dairy free of synthetic chemical residues.
Organic food is a new term for natural products that have been around since centuries. Recent developments in the market for organic products have attracted global attention on the benefits of organic food, proved by research, and legislation introduced by most governments to ensure consumers have a true organic product.
About the Author
Vic Errington has been researching organic food for many years. He and his wife, Alison, eat only organic and grow their own fruit and vegetables.
Visit their website at Organic Food For Everyone for organic food information, recipes, organic gardening guide, where to buy, and much more.
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