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Posted on October 24, 2007 by Jason Petrina | Posted under Food & Drink
Getting Back to Nature with Organic Foods
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The main draw to organic foods for most people is the simple fact that the food has not been sprayed with pesticides or any other type of chemical. Not only does this produce a safer food product for human consumption, but many people contend that the food actually tastes better as well. Of course, producing a better quality of food product isn't always easy. Organic farmers frequently find that their growing methods are far more labor intensive than their counterparts who use chemicals. Instead of using pesticides to keep the weeds down, for example, organic farmers must tend their gardens the old-fashioned way-with weeding by hand. Other farmers have thought of ingenious ways to keep typical garden problems at bay without resorting to the use of chemicals. Some farmers use fabric row covers to keep bugs and insects from devouring their crops. In the end, this means a higher production cost for organic farmers; however, most such farmers agree that they have no problem marketing and selling their produce. Consumers who are concerned about the safety of their foods are usually quite willing to pay the extra price for quality, chemical-free produce. Organic foods are marketed in a variety of interesting ways. One of the most common is the traditional farmer's market approach, with farmers turning out on weekends in local towns to hawk their produce. Other farmers pitch their produce to chain markets, who then offer the fresh grown products in stores across the country. Due to the increase in the popularity of organic foods, it's typically much easier to find an organic foods section at markets and super stores than it was even ten years ago; however, there are a few areas where it still remains difficult. Individuals who truly want to savor the benefits of organic foods can always find it available on the Internet; however. Some organic farmers claim that almost half of their sales come to them via the Internet. Customers can order assorted baskets of fresh organic produce, delivered to them weekly for as long as they want. Products are available, of course, according to seasonal availability but savvy organic farmers have made the selection process easy by posting seasonal produce availability calendars on their websites. The availability of marketing their produce on the Internet also allows farmers to receive higher prices than they would if they marketed their produce to wholesale vendors; an important point considering the higher production costs of organic foods. Of course, it must be pointed out that the production of organic produce isn't quite like it was in the good old days before farmers turned to using pesticides and chemicals. Concerned with the lack of rules governing the production of organic foods, the government established the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990; which sets national standards regarding the production of such agricultural products. In order to meet the requirements of the act, organic farmers must ensure that their produce and livestock are not treated with any type of chemicals or synthetic products. Specific handling guidelines are also provided under the Act, with products subject to inspection and review. About The Author: Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com |
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