BIOLOGICAL & ORGANIC FOOD

The term 'biological' is a European term synonymous with 'organic'.

 "Biological" = "Organic"

"ORGANIC FOOD IS THE KEY TO HEALTHY LIVING"

A key characteristic of organic farming is the rejection of genetically engineered plants and animals.

Certified Organic Food Labels in the European Union

ORGANIC/BIOLOGICAL  FOOD  CAN  BE  MORE  EXPENSIVE

 

Organic/Biological food is often more expensive because production is more labour intensive and, without herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals, the yield is generally smaller.

TWO of our students, Berta and Andrea, have compared prices to see the differences between Biological and non-Biological food prices.

And … these are the results:

 

1. WHAT IS ORGANIC FOOD / ORGANIC FARMING?

ORGANIC/BIOLOGICAL FOOD:

Organic/biological food is characterized by having no chemical additives. Meat, milk and organic eggs come from animals that were not injected with hormones for accelerated growth and increased production. Fruits and vegetables from the world of organics are unique not been sprayed with pesticides, fertilizers or any other synthetic ingredients from chemical laboratorios.

With no chemical residues in this particular way in which organic/biological foods are produced, these foods are more nutritious and healthy, provide a greater amount of vitamins and minerals and most importantly, by eating them hormones, fertilizers and other products that can be very harmful to our health do not enter our body. 

Drawback

Lacking these artificial aggregates that have been mentioned, the growth of products is slower, the amount is smaller and more human labor is sacrificed. For this reason, it has less production and organic/biological food prices are higher. 

 

ORGANIC/BIOLOGICAL FARMING

Organic/biological farming is a way of agriculture that relies on techniques such as crop rotation, green manure, compost, and biological pest control, what means it relies on ecological processes rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects.

Organic/biological agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved in a sustainable and balanced way.
 

Organic foods often have optical errors

 

There are several organic farming systems.

The key characteristics of organic/biological farming include:

1	Protecting the long term fertility of soils by maintaining organic matter levels, ncouraging soil biological activity, and careful mechanical intervention;
2	Providing crop nutrients indirectly using relatively insoluble nutrient sources which are made available to the plant by the action of soil micro-organisms;
3	Nitrogen self-sufficiency through the use of legumes and biological nitrogen fixation, as well as effective recycling of organic materials including crop residues and livestock manures;
4	Weed, disease and pest control relying primarily on crop rotations, natural predators, diversity, organic manuring, resistant varieties and limited (preferably minimal) thermal, biological and chemical intervention;
5	The extensive management of livestock, paying full regard to their evolutionary adaptations, behavioural needs and animal welfare issues with respect to nutrition, housing, health, breeding and rearing;
6	Careful attention to the impact of the farming system on the wider environment and the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats.

 

ORGANIC FARMING APPLIED TO ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

 

 

Organic farming promotes the humane treatment of animals. Organically-raised poultry, cattle and other animals are fed a certified organic diet, free of hormones, GMOs or animal by-products. Rather than relying on antibiotics to reduce disease, organic farmers prevent disease by ensuring that animals have a healthy lifestyle, with lots of pasture, comfortable and spacious shelter, and opportunity for natural socialization. The result? Some certified organic milk cows have a life expectancy three or four times that of their commercial counterparts!

 

ORGANIC MEAT:

Here are a few of the key requirements for organic poultry, cattle and pigs:

• Must be raised organically on certified organic pastures
• Must be fed certified organic feed for their entire lives
• No drugs, antibiotics or growth hormones are allowed*
• Must have year-round outdoor access

                                                                                                                                   Paula P.

2. ADVANTAGES OF ORGANIC/BIOLOGICAL FOOD

·        Organic products meet stringent standards.

·        Organic food tastes great!

·        Organic production reduces health risks.

·        Organic farms respect our water sources.

·        Organic farmers build soil.

·        Organic farmers work in harmony with nature.

·        Organic producers are leaders in innovative research.

·        Organic producers strive to preserve diversity.

·        Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy.

·        Organic abundance – Foods and non-foods alike!

Help support the farmers who are pioneering the organic revolution. BUY ORGANIC!     

Organic food

                                                                                             Tiziano

3. WHY BUY ORGANIC/BIOLOGICAL FOOD?

It’s about safety for both the environment and for you. Concerns about “health and the environment inspire consumers to buy organic foods in the world.

 Organic food is better for several reasons:  

-    No chemical additives

-    Improve the immune system

-    Caring for the environment

-    Foods aesthetic "realistic"

-   To promote traditional agriculture

-   Pass rigorous quality processes

-   There are also organic meat

-    Help prevent global warming

-    Eat like your grandparents did

-    Eat foods in season

A quick summary why biological food is just plain logic:

• Healthier (no mad cow diseases for you!)
• Tastier, due to proper feeding
• Good for the environment (biological manure can be recycled instead of regular manure getting dumped in our lakes)
• More humane for animals (no gene technology, more moving space, outside life)
• And just a bit more expensive!

                                                                                                     Antoni

 Eating organic food limits your exposure to pesticides,  makes you feel environmentally conscious and helps support local farmers.

4. HOW TO AVOID GENETICALLY MODIFIES FOODS (GM)

·        Become familiar with the most common applications of genetic modification. (Soybeans, Corn, Rapeseed/Canola, Sugar beets, Cotton, Dairy, Sugar, Papayas, Zucchini)

·        Buy food labeled 100% ORGANIC

·        Purchase beef that is 100% grass-fed

·        Seek products that are specifically labeled as non-GM or GMO-free

·        Shop locally

·        Buy whole foods

·        Grow your own food

 

5. WE WANT TO LIVE A HEALTHY LIFE