Why do we need organic food, there are many reasons to do this, and also to grow our own food.
1. Because they are healthy
Organic products are healthier because they are free from persistent toxic residues from pesticides, antibiotics, synthetic fertilizers, additives and preservatives, many of which are used in conventional farming to eliminate insects or pests and fight disease, and medium to long term can damage our body. Does not contain artificial substances, food from organic agriculture are properly assimilated by the body without altering metabolic functions. According to nutritionists, many of the degenerative diseases have their origin in food.
Another feature of organic farming is that, grow food in soil balanced by natural fertilizers, products are more nutritious because they contain higher levels of vitamins, especially the C, essential minerals-calcium, magnesium, iron, chromium ... -, antioxidants which help prevent certain diseases such as cancer, carbohydrates and proteins.
2. Because they do not contain synthetic additives
Organic foods do not contain synthetic additives that can cause health problems such as heart failure, osteoporosis, migraines and hyperactivity. Notably, biological products, grown without the use of agrochemicals, respecting the natural rhythms without additives, are balanced and rich in nutrients. On the other hand, various studies have shown that it is essential to incorporate synthetic substances in farming or food production or in its subsequent storage. No more looking off-season to fill the nutritional needs of nuestroorganismo.
3. Because not contain pesticides
Hundreds of chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming causing residues appear pesticide residues in food from the agriculture we eat daily. Different toxicological studies demonstrate the link between pesticides and certain diseases such as cancer, allergies and asthma.
Pesticide use is also detrimental to the health of farm workers, a serious problem especially in developing countries where pesticide use is largely unregulated.
In turn, the use of these substances harmful to the environment and leads to additional cost to society, because it should eliminate pesticides leave residues in nature.
4. Because they do not contain genetically modified organisms
In organic farming genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is not allowed. GMO crops can have negative consequences for the environment and lack of research on long-term consequences of transgenic crop; there is currently no scientific findings showing that the cultivation of GMOs and GM food are harmless to the environment and human health, and it is unknown if the intake of genetically modified plants is a direct health hazard, although there is evidence showing an influence on the metabolism.
Agriculture with genetically modified organisms leads to genetic uniformity and hence to genetic erosion, which means a loss of variety, with large areas of the same crop. Organic farming wants to conserve and promote the genetic diversity of the species and types, and with it the wealth of culture landscapes.
5. Because they do not contain antibiotics
Today there is concern about the increasing use of antibiotics in the traditional livestock and the possible effects on human health.
Control standards of European regulation prohibiting the use of antibiotics in organic farming, a fact that benefits the health of consumers. Veterinary treatment given to cattle, except very typified exceptions, is in many homeopathic occasions; this means that the animals are cared for preventively avoiding antibiotics, tranquilizers, or hormones.
6. Because they are environmentally sustainable
Respecting the environment is a top of organic products; when we consume foods organically grown collaborate in the conservation of the environment and avoid pollution of land, water and air.
Organic farming is the most respectful with the fauna, which generates a lower pollution from sprays, produces less carbon dioxide, prevents the greenhouse effect, it does not generate contaminating waste and helps to save energy and governments, as in the cultivation and processing of the products the most renewable resources are exploited.
It should be noted that the decline in biodiversity is one of the major environmental problems of today; organic agriculture preserves the seeds for the future, preventing thus the disappearance of some varieties of great nutritious and cultural value.
7. Because they have highest levels of quality
Organic food from organic agriculture, which uses a production system for maximum reliability as it is subject to a traceability from the field to the table by the European Regulation 2092/91.
All actors in the food chain are under the control and inspection of the raw materials used, the process of processing, packaging, labeling, etc. by companies accredited control and certification.
8. Because they are respectful of animal welfare
European regulation provides for specific measures for organic farming in regard to habitability on farms in order to avoid stressing the animals and Growth in semi freedom.
Feeding these animals it is based on natural pastures, preferably milk from her own mother, and organic feed and fodder, free from pesticides, fertilizers and genetically modified. Importantly, an animal well kept and stress produce more and enjoy better health.
Another feature of organic farming is that enhances the native varieties that are best adapted to the conditions in the area.
9. Because they are respectful of nature
Organic farming fertilizes the earth and slows desertification; favors water retention and does not contaminate aquifers; promotes biodiversity; maintains habitats of wild animals, allowing and encouraging the life of many species; respects the natural cycles of crops, avoiding degradation and pollution of ecosystems; It promotes biodiversity and ecological balance through different practices: rotations, associations, green manure, hedges, ranching, etc .; enhances the natural soil fertility and productive capacity of the agricultural system; incorporating recycles nutrients back to the soil as compost or organic fertilizers, and use of natural resources optimally.
In short, respects the balance of nature contributing to the preservation of the ecosystem and sustainable rural development.
10. Because they are tastier
Organic products, being made of more traditional and careful way, recover the original taste and taste better. Because the plants are only regenerated and fertilized organically, they grow healthier and develop a better way, preserving the authentic aroma, color and flavor. Therefore, many consumers prefer organic food because they retain the true taste of each ingredient and allows them to recover the traditional flavor of food. In addition, organic foods are better than conventional preserved.
The soil assumes a vital importance and is not only a support for the plants, but a complex web of life that must be strengthened and pamper. It is the only method of agriculture that seeks to harmonize the functioning of natural systems with the interests of human beings getting healthy foods with sustainable yields and ensuring the conservation of natural resources, health of people and contributes to mitigating the effects of global warming .
What organic farming is based?
biodiversity
a combination of different crops and plant varieties (companion planting) in the same field, avoiding monocultures that are used in industrial agriculture is grown. Thus many synergies between crops are achieved.
Agricultural biodiversity increases the resistance of plants to climate change. It has been scientifically proven that both in nature and in agriculture, biodiversity offers a natural insurance policy against extreme weather events.
Enhance natural biodiversity, wild plants, beneficial insects, predators ... it is another way to ensure a key holding balance.
No use of chemical inputs.
Pest control is done naturally by enhancing natural control systems, for example by introducing beneficial insects and birds that feed on pests and plants that repel pests and attract beneficial insects. It is not allowed the use of hazardous chemicals or the use of GMOs.
Natural fertilizers are also key to organic farming. Fertile soil with green manure is achieved by, for example, the cultivation of legumes. The addition of animal manure and compost also enrich the soil. These are just some of the ways to increase the organic matter and soil fertility without synthetic fertilizers. The use of natural fertilizers also allows savings to farmers, and also eliminates the need for artificial inputs. With natural fertilizers, the soil is rich in organic matter, better able to hold water, and allows for better protection against erosion. It is not allowed the use of chemical fertilizers.
Tillage land
Soil is the main character, it is treated as what it is: a complex living thing, respecting the myriad organisms that make up what, working to maintain fertility. It is therefore possible to make the minimum basic tillage, even none in some cases, not to alter its inherent complexity and not lose the layers (horizons) with more organic matter.
Another basic points in organic farming is crop rotation so that the soil does not become impoverished, on the contrary, enrich, and to avoid the appearance of pests.
Benefits
Organic farming allows communities to produce enough food to feed themselves. This type of agriculture favors a future friendly agriculture and healthy food for all people. The organically grown foods taste better and are healthier. A recent study in California shows that strawberries grown ecologically sweeter than those produced conventionally. The ecological variety also contains 10% more antioxidants, related to the prevention of many diseases.
In economic terms, this method of modern agriculture leads to higher crop yields. Globally, organic farming can produce an average of approximately 30% more food per hectare than conventional farming. In developing countries, organic farming can produce about 80% more food per hectare. By not using synthetic chemical inputs also are highly polluting, very important for farmers saving occurs.
Also, it is the best way to mitigate the effects of climate change and help the world's population to adapt to the changes brought about by global warming.
Who practices organic farming?
Today, 2,600 million people (about 40% of the world population) are small farmers. These are farmers who produce most of the food we eat.
Millions of farmers around the world practice organic farming, showing that it is possible to produce enough food to profitable organic methods.
Examples of organic farming worldwide.
Spain is the country that, for the fourth year, has been at the head of the pack in the European Union in terms of area under organic farming, and the figure reached 1,845,039 hectares representing a growth in 2011 11.76%. It is a clear example of that organic farming is viable and is the only solution to save agriculture and to enable rural development, especially in these times of profound socio-economic and ecological crisis.
There are many more examples:
Increased crop yields: In the United States, compared agronomists planted cornfields as monocultures with others who had most biodiverse crops (three crops plus three cover crops). It was the latter which saw performance by more than 100%
Most fertile soil: A study was conducted for 21 years in European farms showed that organic fertilizers provide better soil stability, higher fertility and more biodiversity (including earthworms and microorganisms) that fertilized soils synthetically.
Sustainable fertilizer: A meta-analysis of data from 77 published studies suggests that legumes used as green manures can provide enough nitrogen to replace the entire amount of synthetic nitrogen currently in use without loss in food production.
Pest resistance: Scientists and farmers in Yunnan, China, using organic farming to reverse the "rice blast", a fungus that is the leading cause of disease in rice plants. rice varieties susceptible to diseases were mixed with other resistant reaching a yield above 89%. In addition the incidence of disease was 94% lower compared with the conventional verified in monoculture.
profitable agriculture: In Andhra Pradesh, India, organic farming helped increase net income of farmers. Savings in chemicals ranged between 600 and 6,000 Indian rupees (US $ 15-150) (7.66 to 76 euros) per hectare, while crop yields were stable.
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