| Why Organic Food |
Organic farmers and food producers grow and produce food without using synthetic chemicals (such as pesticides or artificial fertilisers). They do not use genetically modified (GM) components, or expose food to irradiation. Animal welfare and environmental sustainability are important issues for organic farmers.

The definition also includes animal produce, such as eggs, which are free range rather than caged (battery) hens.

Animals raised using organic method
Animals raised using organic methods may be treated with vaccines but they cannot be fed any growth-regulating drugs, steroids, hormones or antibiotics.

Strict certification rules are used
Organic farms are only certified after they have been operating according to organic principles for three years. However, the use of the word 'organic' is not regulated in Australia.

Organic Farming
Central to the philosophy of organic farming is protecting the environment and working in harmony with existing ecosystems, for example, conserving water, soil and energy; and using renewable resources and natural farming cycles. Traditional farming methods are often used, such as rotating crops to prevent depleting the soil of nutrients.

The Australian organic food industry is booming; it is currently worth around $200-$250 million per year domestically and a further $50-$80 million per year in exports with an expected annual growth of up to 60 per cent. Consumer demand is growing at a rate of 20-30% per year with retail sales increasing 670% between 1990 and 2001-02.

Types of organic produce available include fruit and vegetables, grains, meat and meat products, honey and some processed foods.

Why people buy organic
Pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables are closely monitored in Australia, and there seems to be no cause for concern. However, some people prefer to buy organic produce just in case.

Others appreciate that organic foods promote a healthier and more sustainable use of the environment, and more humane treatment of animals. Also, some people worry about the possible long term health, economic and environmental consequences of GM foods and prefer to support an industry that doesn't use GM techniques.

Pesticides in Australia
The levels of pesticide residue in fruits and vegetables have been monitored in Australia for 30 years. Maximum limits for safe human consumption of pesticide residue include wide safety margins. However, there is always the chance that pesticides currently deemed to be safe may one day be revealed as hazardous to humans. This was the case with DDT, which was once a popular pesticide.

Labelling concerns
'Organic-certified produce' means the food was grown, harvested, stored and transported without the use of synthetic chemicals, irradiation or fumigants. While exported organic produce must meet the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce, there is no nationwide regulation to control the labelling of organic food sold in Australia. Suggestions on making sure the food you are buying is organically grown include:

If you are buying from an organic retailer, check for the Organic Retailers' and Growers' Association of Australia (ORGAA) notice, which should be prominently displayed.

Choose foods with the label 'certified organic' from one of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) accredited certifying organisations.

Check packaging for the grower's name and certification number.

Don't be fooled by packaging that claims the produce is 'natural' or 'chemical free' if the proper certification labelling is not displayed.

Accredited certifying organisations

The organisations classified by the AQIS as organic certifiers are:

Biodynamic Research Institute (Demeter)

Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA)

National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA)

Organic Food Chain (OFC)

Organic Herb Growers of Australia (OHGA)

Organic Vignerons Association of Australia (OVAA)

Tasmanian Organic Producers (TOP).

Organic food isn't necessarily more nutritious

There have been a number of studies comparing nutritional content of organic versus conventionally grown plants and most have shown no significant differences in key vitamin and mineral contents. The most consistent finding is that organic foods contain lower nitrate levels and higher vitamin C levels.

Most commercial fertilisers are formulated to give the highest yield of whatever crop they are used on. While there may be some variations in mineral levels of produce due to soil content, only selenium varies markedly.

Some plants can take up lead in very variable amounts depending on the immediate environment.

The nutrient content of foods also depends on factors such as soil health, sunlight, season and storage methods.

Organic food is more expensive

Organic foods are more expensive because production is more labour intensive and, without herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals, the yield is generally smaller.

Biodynamic Food
Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner pioneered biodynamic farming, which emphasises ecological harmony and environmental sustainability. Biodynamic food is grown with particular composts, preparations and natural activating substances.

Organic Food is better for the environment
Excessive use of chemicals and modern farming methods have led to a decline in soil fertility and an increase in salinity and blue-green algae in waterways over many years. Organic farmers try to minimise damage to the environment by using physical weed control and animal and green manure.

Things to remember
Organic farming is the production of food without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified components.

Organic foods are not completely chemical free, but the pesticide residues will be considerably lower than those found in produce manufactured with synthetic chemicals.

Choose foods with the label 'certified organic' from one of the seven AQIS accredited certifying organisations.

Organic farming is kinder to the environment and is more likely to be sustainable.

Information obtained from http://www.healthyeatingclub.com.

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