Organic Food Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is Organic Food?
Production in such a way that agricultural methods sustain the health and productivity of the ecosystem:
* Soil
* Plants
* Animals
* Humans
Organic means cutting out chemicals, pesticides and herbicides, feeding additives and growth stimulants. It is an active, labor intensive agricultural practice.
Organic food must not be grown or treated with chemicals.
What does ORGANIC FOOD mean?
Food that has not been grown or treated with chemicals. Agricultural farming involves growing produce in safe soil and no modifications can occur to the crops/animals. #NO GMO
Organic livestock must not be given chemicals, hormones or antibiotics. Livestock must have access to the outdoors and must be given Organic feed.
How can soils be fed naturally?
Natural compost together with Kraal or chicken manure is correctly used to feed the soil naturally instead of applying chemical fertilizers.
* Crop rotation
* Lie fallow
* Reducing greenhouse gases
* Better plant defense against pests
This approach helps cultivate healthy soils.
What is the effective use of soils in organic farming?
Fields are given time to recover through crop rotation.
* Fields prepared to prevent soil erosion
* Water conservation
* Biological pest and weed control
* Companion planting
This encourages the best possible use of natural growth cycles.
What are the animal welfare standards in organic farming?
Animals are not kept in cages, but allowed to roam free.
* Not fed GMOs, growth stimulants, or feed additives
* Do not receive medication or antibiotics
* May be treated with vaccines
What are the characteristics of Organic Food?
Organic Food is:
* Not GM
* Free of harmful chemicals
* Free of unnatural hormones and growth stimulants
* More flavorful than non-organic produce
* Not necessarily more nutritious than non-organic food
What should you consider when buying organic food?
Consider the following:
* No preservatives
* Purchase from reputable sellers
* Read the labels
* At least 95% of ingredients must be organic
* Look for certification logos
Natural is different from organic: Natural = not artificial, Organic = produced/raised in a certain way.
What are the requirements for a product to be labeled organic?
Requirements include:
* Land must be farmed organically for at least 2 years
* Crop rotation to prevent pest buildup
* Only approved fertilizers and pesticides may be used
Biological pesticides must be used to keep groundwater free of chemicals.
Where can you get organic food?
Sources include:
* Woolworths
* Pick ‘n Pay
* Local farmers markets or directly from farmers
What are the advantages of organic farming?
Advantages include:
* No chemicals, reducing health risks
* May be more nutritious
* Improved flavor
* No preservatives or additives
* More resistance to disease, pests, and drought
* Less pollution from organic fertilizers
* Increase employment opportunities
What are the disadvantages of organic farming?
Disadvantages include:
* More expensive
* May generate high greenhouse gases
* Productivity can dwindle
* GMO crops cannot be used
* Shorter shelf life
* Appearance may not be perfect
* Some organic pesticides may be harmful
