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Posted on October 24, 2007 by Jason Petrina | Posted under Food & Drink
The Popularity of Organic Foods
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While it was once difficult to obtain organic foods locally in many areas, organic food stores are cropping up in almost every major city. Those relatively few individuals who find it difficult to locate an organic food store nearby can also order organic foods online. Estimates indicate that the demand for organic produce has grown by more than twenty percent. One of the biggest reasons why so many individuals have turned to organic foods as an alternative to other foodstuffs is the concern regarding pesticides that are frequently used on vegetable crops grown for the specific purpose of mass distribution. While it must be understand that organic foods are not necessarily healthier than non-organic foods, they do lack the pesticides and other chemical residue of non-organic foods, which certainly makes them safer for human consumption. Unfortunately, one of the downsides to organic foods is that it does tend to be more expensive than non-organic foods. At first consideration, this may be difficult to understand. After all, since there are no pesticides or chemicals used in the growing process, many people would assume that it stands to reason that organic food should be less expensive than non-organic food. Actually, just the opposite is true. Due to the fact that organic food is grown without pesticides or chemicals, the process of growing the food is much more labor intensive. In addition, the lack of chemicals frequently means that organic crops are not as large as non-organic crops. All of these raises the cost of producing the food on the grower; resulting in more expensive prices to the consumer. Despite the price, many consumers feel that the fact they are receiving wholesome, safe foods without the presence of chemicals and pesticides is well worth the price. Many growers are now even opting to become certified organic farmers; which provides even more of a level of quality to the foods they produce. Certified organic farmers must produce food for three years without using any pesticides or synthetic products. In addition, all their equipment and processing facilities must be inspected by an independent agency before they are allowed to receive an organic grower's certificate. Organic foods have become so popular, that some individuals in urban areas are even beginning to grow organic food products both for personal use and for consumer marketing. This rapid growth in urban gardening gives city dwellers the opportunity to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables that were frequently unavailable to them. The idea of growing fresh produce in the city has been so surprising and interesting that some urban organic growers are even providing tours of their gardens to individuals who may not have previously been exposed to the idea of gardening. Organic farming has also extending beyond the production of fruits and vegetables. Many farmers are also now experimenting with producing organic meats. This process is made possible by raising livestock on strictly organic foodstuffs such as organic grains. In order to quality as certified organic meat, the livestock must have been fed organic foodstuffs for at least one year. Given the concern of many health professionals and parents of the affect of chemicals given to livestock on children and teens, it is obvious that organic meats will continue to find success in the consumer market. 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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