Organic Food
Jessica Perez
Professor A. Madsen
English VO1 A
6 November, 2012 Is Organic Food Worth the Extra Cost?
With technology reigning, it’s no wonder that in today’s world, food is being processed more quickly and efficiently to feed millions of mouths a day; however, there are also a handful of people who decide not to eat processed foods which is why in recent years, organic foods have begun to rise in popularity. Most people purchase organic foods because they believe it is healthier for them and that it pledges to be 100% pesticide and chemical free. Unlike non-organic foods, organic foods are also better for the environment. Despite these advantages, only a few people are able to afford the purchase of organic foods since the cost is twice that of non-organic foods. While organic foods have a reputation for being better than non-organic foods, consumers have many misconceptions about the term organic. As a result, many consumers have no clue that the underlying facts behind organic foods which may not be worth the extra cost. What consumers need to understand first is the meaning of the term organic and how foods qualify as organic. Jennifer Rose, staff writer and new media manager of the Organic Trade Association (OTA), explains that organic foods are simply processed and distributed using natural agricultural methods. These natural methods include without the use of pesticides, antibiotics, synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and any type of form to genetically modify the foods (Chen 13). In order for organic foods to qualify as organic, they have to pass through US standards. The USDA, which stands for the United States Department of Agriculture, is an accredited agency that assures the products are organic so they fulfill the qualifications of the National Organic Program (Chen16). The qualifications include that the ingredients that are added to organic foods music be at least 95% organically produced. If they are 70% organically produced then they have
Professor A. Madsen
English VO1 A
6 November, 2012 Is Organic Food Worth the Extra Cost?
With technology reigning, it’s no wonder that in today’s world, food is being processed more quickly and efficiently to feed millions of mouths a day; however, there are also a handful of people who decide not to eat processed foods which is why in recent years, organic foods have begun to rise in popularity. Most people purchase organic foods because they believe it is healthier for them and that it pledges to be 100% pesticide and chemical free. Unlike non-organic foods, organic foods are also better for the environment. Despite these advantages, only a few people are able to afford the purchase of organic foods since the cost is twice that of non-organic foods. While organic foods have a reputation for being better than non-organic foods, consumers have many misconceptions about the term organic. As a result, many consumers have no clue that the underlying facts behind organic foods which may not be worth the extra cost. What consumers need to understand first is the meaning of the term organic and how foods qualify as organic. Jennifer Rose, staff writer and new media manager of the Organic Trade Association (OTA), explains that organic foods are simply processed and distributed using natural agricultural methods. These natural methods include without the use of pesticides, antibiotics, synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and any type of form to genetically modify the foods (Chen 13). In order for organic foods to qualify as organic, they have to pass through US standards. The USDA, which stands for the United States Department of Agriculture, is an accredited agency that assures the products are organic so they fulfill the qualifications of the National Organic Program (Chen16). The qualifications include that the ingredients that are added to organic foods music be at least 95% organically produced. If they are 70% organically produced then they have
Cited: Avner, Jackie. "Organic Food for Thought Reasons You Should Buy Regular Goods: [Final Edition]." Http://search.proquest.com.vlibdb.vcccd.edu/. ProQuest LLC, 29 July 2007. Web. 28 Oct. 2012. Brandt, Michelle Chen, Katherine J. "Organic Food: An Overview." Is Organic Food Better? By Ronald D. Lankford. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2011. 13-18. Print. Ellison, Andrew Feldman, Stanley. "Organic Fertilizers Pose More Health Risks than Pesticides." Is Organic Food Better? By Ronald D. Lankford. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2011. 35-43. Print. Johnston, Rob Kluger, Jeffrey. "Health Checkup: Who Needs Organic Food?" Time. Time, 18 Aug. 2010. Web. 01 Nov. 2012. Mestel, Rosie Strom, Stephanie. "Has 'Organic ' Been Oversized?" The New York Times. The New York Times, 08 July 2012. Web. 01 Nov. 2012. United States Department of Agriculture