Why Organic?

Organic farming produces food supplies that are healthier for consumers and profitable for growers. Organic farming yields are the same as conventional methods but organic farming enjoys multiple advantages: uses 30 percent less energy, uses less water, and no pesticides, thus it has environmental benefits. Also it absorbs and retains carbon in the soil by 15-25%, equal to removing 3,500 pounds of carbon per hectare from the atmosphere.

Wisearth Organic fertilizers progressively refortify the earth with high efficiency, organic nutrients favorable to enhancing both high quality and sustainable future food supplies

For some there is still the question of "why organic?” Some still ask "haven't we done fine historically with the conventional methods?” The truth is that historically conventional methods are really the new kid on the block and not the other way around.

Conventional growing methods are but a blip on the screen compared to the history of organic agriculture. It has only been in the past 50-60 years that conventional practices have taken hold. Technologies that were developed or promulgated for our efforts in World War Two, most notably DDT and synthetic fertilizers, rapidly were brought to bear on American agriculture. Prior to this time it was only organic and sustainable agriculture that were practiced. It was not called organic farming as such because there was no other method from which to distinguish it.

As the public asks questions and wants to learn more about organic, here are 10 good reasons as put forth by the Organic Trade Association for eating and promoting organic foods:

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 persistent toxic chemical inputs.
2. Organic food tastes great! - It's common sense, well-balanced soils produce strong, healthy plants that become nourishing food for people and animals.
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 any more of 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, done in combination with soil building, protects and conserves water resources.
5. Organic farmers build healthy soil - Soil is the foundation of the food chain. The primary focus of organic farming is to use practices that build healthy soils.
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 producers are leaders in innovative research - Organic farmers have led the way, largely at their own expense, with innovative on-farm research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimizing agriculture's impact on the environment.
8. Organic producers strive to preserve diversity - The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The good news is that many organic farmers and gardeners have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing unusual varieties for decades.
9. Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy - USDA 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 agricultural products are being grown organically - even cotton, which most experts felt could not be grown this way.

In short, organic agriculture is better for the earth, better for people and animals and better for you.

SOURCE: Organic Trade Association