by Hannah Kuenzi –
The terms organic and organic farming seem to be buzzwords in recent years and are seen as a marvelous, hot new trend. Organic farming, however, is not a new concept. What we consider to be “conventional” farming today wasn’t born until around 1940, when chemicals were introduced into the agricultural industry in order to increase crop yield (2). While this explosion of crop size and yield provided ease and additional income, some research suggests that use of these chemicals (as well as genetically modified crop) may also cause a host of issues to both the health of the environment and its inhabitants.
Here at Native Remedies, we try to source organically whenever possible. Below are the top reasons to source organically!
Avoid Unnecessary Chemicals
There are over 600 chemicals registered in the United States for agricultural usage. Based on average total application rates, each person comes in contact with approximately 16 lbs of chemical pesticides per year (3).
Additional Nutrients
Crops grown by organic means are typically healthier and have more nutrients due to better, more properly managed soil. A review of over 300 studies, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, found that organic crops had substantially higher concentrations of antioxidants and other potentially beneficial compounds. When compared to conventional crops, organics had 50% more anthocyanins and flavonols–compounds that give plants their bright hue as well as powerful antioxidants (1).
Preserve Our Ecosystem
Organic farming is a natural process, maintaining harmony with what nature intended. Organic farmers must practice proper crop rotation, thus helping to preserve soil and keep it free of chemical substances. An ecosystem free of harmful chemicals helps to keep our wildlife healthy!
Keep Water Sources Pure
Chemicals that settle into the soil inevitably will end up in lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds due to run off. Given that quality water is a scarce resource, it is important to protect our supply.
Maintain Agricultural Diversity & Soil Viability
It is estimated that approximately 75% of agricultural diversity has been lost in the last century. Today’s industrial farms commonly focus on growing one crop, rather than rotating crops. Unfortunately, the lack of rotation depletes the soil of the nutrients it needs to remain healthy and fertile and continue to grow a viable crop. A core principle of organic farming is to rotate crops frequently in order to maintain the health of the soil and eliminate the need for pesticides (3).
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Sources
- Aubrey, Allison. “Is Organic More Nutritious? New Study Adds To The Evidence.” NPR. NPR, 18 Feb. 2016. Web. 06 July 2017.
- DeBrow, Joe. “When Did We Start Using So Many Pesticides?” Rodale’s Organic Life. Rodale’s Organic Life, 26 Feb. 2014. Web. 06 July 2017.
- Loux, Renee. “Top 10 Reasons To Go Organic.” Prevention. N.p., 01 Dec. 2016. Web. 06 July 2017.