There is a lot of buzz around the importance of organic produce. Information seems to be flying in left right and centre, and we think that is great! It means that the flood gates are open and conversations are being had about the massive amount of topics that surround producing, buying and consuming organics.
"Purchasing products that display a certified organic logo, like the ACO ‘bud’ logo allows the purchaser to be100% guaranteed they are buying a product that is at the best possible standard for them and their family,’ comments Kellie Lewis, ACO General Manager for Client Services. ‘It means you can trust what you have purchased to be exactly what it says it is!"
We wanted to make things a little bit simpler for you and bring together all the information you need to know, in one easy to read article!
Top 5 things you need to know about eating organic
1. FREE FROM…
There are so many benefits of eating organic, and one of the biggest and best benefits is that you and your family aren’t eating any nasties. Organic food is free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, hormones and antibiotics. Seeds must be non-GMO and the process must be water efficient and biodiversity friendly. Livestock must be free to range and pasture fed. There is a lot more work that goes into organic than meets the eye.
2. LABELLED ORGANIC AND CERTIFIED ORGANIC
Products that have been given the tick of approval by a recognised certifier have passed the strict guidelines that ensures the whole process from soil to sale of the product remains organic. If a product has been certified organic they have undergone intensive analyse and have an authorised voice announcing they are truly organic. Products that are only labelled organic however do not hold the same authority or may not be completely up to standard when it comes to what is actually needed to declare their status as organic.
3. ITS SUSTAINABLE
A lot of work goes into sustainable farming and farming organic is definitely one of them. Organic faming means a reduction of synthetic chemicals being released into the atmosphere and waterways. Organic agriculture has a strong focus on biodiversity and aims to establish an ecological balance to prevent soil fertility and pest problems. Improved soil health means a higher yield and quality of crops, more nutritious products, reduced plant disease and so much more. Organic also supports fair trade - meaning farmers are paid and treated ethically and fairly.
4. HIGHER NUTRITIONAL VALUE
As we mentioned earlier, organic agriculture has a focus on improving and maintaining soil health. Health soil means more nourishing crops, which in turn means we get more from our food. When we talk about healthy soil, we are talking about a complex, living ecosystem of microscopic and larger organisms that perform many vital functions, including the conversion of dead and decaying matter as well as minerals into nutrients, controlling plant disease and ultimately improving crop production.
5. ORGANIC ISN’T JUST FOOD
Organic products are everything from food, skin care, hair care, material for clothing! There are so many products that fall under the umbrella of being certified organic. It’s not just thinking about what we are eating, but also what we are putting on our skin and the impacts this can have on our health. The demand and supply of organic beauty and healthcare products is sky rocketing making purchasing these products that much easier and cheaper.