‘Top 10 Reasons to Buy Organic’ by Howard Garrett

‘Top 10 Reasons to Buy Organic’ by Howard Garrett

1. Organic Products Meet Stringent Standards- Organic certification is the public’s assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without the use of persistent and toxic chemicals.
2. Organic Food Tastes Great! - It’s common sense—well-balanced soils grow strong healthy plants that taste great!

3. Organic Production Reduces Health Risks - Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent these chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us.

4. Organic Farms Respect Our Water Resources - The elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen-leaching fertilizers, done in combination with organic soil building practices, protects our water resources.

5. Organic Farmers Build Soil - Soil is the foundation of the food chain. The organic farmer helps counteract topsoil erosion that has been linked to the agriculture practice of chemical-intensive, mono-crop farming.

6. Organic Farmers Work in Harmony with Nature - Organic agriculture respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas.

7. Organic Growers are Leaders in Innovative Research - Organic Farmers have led the way with innovative on-farm research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimizing the impact agriculture has on the environment.

8. Organic Producers Strive to Preserve Diversity - The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is an important environmental concern. The good news is that organic growers have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing unusual varieties for decades.

9. Organic Farming Helps Keep Rural Communities Healthy - The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops.

10. Organic Abundance - Foods and Non-Foods Alike! - Now every food category has an organic alternative. And non-food crops such as flowers are being grown organically—even cotton, which most experts felt could never be.