We’re hearing more and more about the health benefits of organic food, but what is it and what does it all mean, and are organic foods really more healthy then conventional food?    Studies supporting both sides have been published, but you can learn the difference between organic foods and their traditionally grown counterparts. Then decide which is best for you, considering nutrition, quality, taste, cost and other factors.

Conventional vs. Organic Farming

The word "organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don't use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease. For example, rather than using chemical weed-killers, organic farmers may conduct sophisticated crop rotations and spread mulch or manure to keep weeds at bay. 

Here are other differences between conventional farming and organic farming:

Conventional Farming:

• Apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth.
• Spray insecticides to reduce pests and disease.
• Use chemical herbicides to manage weeds.
• Give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to prevent disease and spur growth.

Organic Farming:

• Apply natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, to feed soil and plants.
• Use beneficial insects and birds, mating disruption or traps to reduce pests and disease.
• Rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to manage weeds.
• Give animals organic feed and allow them access to the outdoors. Use preventive measures — such as rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing — to help minimize disease.

Organic or Not Organic – check the label

Canada organic food labeling guidelines

Organic products can be stamped with a logo after receiving CFIA approval. (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)

All produce will have to be completely organic to be stamped with the above logo, while products with multiple ingredients must have 95 per cent organic content. Products that do not qualify to use the logo but have over 70 per cent organic content must indicate the percentage of its organic ingredients.

Farmers who want their produce to carry the "Canada Organic" label have to apply in writing for certification. The application must include:

• The name of the agricultural product
• The substances used in its production
• The manner in which those substances are used

Organic - must use more than 95% organic content. May use the Canada Organic Logo and/or the designations “Canada Organic” and “Biologique Canada”.

% organic product - must contain 70-95% organic content. These products cannot use the Canada Organic Logo and/or the designations “Canada Organic” and “Biologique Canada”.

Multi-ingredient products with less than 70% organic content may only contain organic claims in the product’s ingredient list.

Certified organic products must also bear the name of the certification body that has certified the product as organic.

For more information visit the following link: Canadian Food Inspection Agency http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/toce.shtml

Organic Foods: Buy or Skip?

Consider these factors when deciding to buy — or not buy — organic food.

• Nutrition. No conclusive evidence shows that organic food is more nutritious than is conventionally grown food. And the USDA — even though it certifies organic food — doesn't claim that these products are safer or more nutritious.
• Quality and appearance. Organic foods meet the same quality and safety standards as conventional foods. The difference lies in how the food is produced, processed and handled. You may find that organic fruits and vegetables spoil faster because they aren't treated with waxes or preservatives. Also, expect less-than-perfect appearances in some organic produce — blemishes, odd shapes, varying colors and perhaps smaller sizes. In most cases, however, organic foods look identical to their conventional counterparts.
• Pesticides. Conventional growers use pesticides to protect their crops from molds, insects and diseases. When farmers spray pesticides, this can leave residue on produce. Some people buy organic food to limit their exposure to these residues.
  Environment. Some people buy organic food for environmental reasons. Organic farming practices are designed to benefit the environment by reducing pollution and conserving water and soil.
• Cost. Most organic food costs more than conventional food products. Higher prices are due to more expensive farming practices, tighter government regulations and lower crop yields. Because organic farmers don't use herbicides or pesticides, many management tools that control weeds and pests are labour intensive. For example, organic growers may hand weed vegetables to control weeds, and you may end up paying more for these vegetables.
• Taste. Some people say they can taste the difference between organic and non-organic food. Others say they find no difference. Taste is a subjective and personal consideration, so you can taste test and decide for yourself. But whether you buy organic or not, finding the freshest foods available may have the biggest impact on taste.

Buying tips

Whether you're already a fan of organic foods or you just want to shop wisely and handle your food safely, consider the following tips:

• Buy fruits and vegetables in season to ensure the highest quality. Also, try to buy your produce the day it's delivered to market to ensure that you're buying the freshest food possible. Ask your grocer what day new produce arrives.
• Read food labels carefully. Just because a product says it's organic or contains organic ingredients doesn't necessarily mean it's a healthier alternative. Some organic products may still be high in sugar, salt, fat or calories. .
• Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly with running water to reduce the amount of dirt and bacteria. If appropriate, use a small scrub brush — for example, before eating apples, potatoes, cucumbers or other produce in which you eat the outer skin.
• If you're concerned about pesticides, peel your fruits and vegetables and trim outer leaves of leafy vegetables in addition to washing them thoroughly. Remember that peeling your fruits and vegetables may also reduce the amount of nutrients and fiber. Some pesticide residue also collects in fat, so remove fat from meat and the skin from poultry and fish.  

Sources: The Mayo Clinic, CBCNEWS.CA