Organic Foods Essay Research Paper Are Organic

Organic Foods Essay, Research Paper

Are Organic Foods Better For You.

Organic farming began in the late 1940 s in the United States, and in recent years it has seen a dramatic increase in popularity (Rubin 1). The sales of organic foods have been increasing by about 20 percent a year over the past decade (Marcus 1). That is over ten times the rate of their conventional counterparts (Harris 1). There are 10 million consumers of organic food in the United States, yet organic food represents only one percent of the nation s food supply. This year organic food sales are expected to rise to six billion dollars (Rubin 1). So what are organic foods. Organic foods are those which are grown without hormones, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers. Also, the soil in which organic foods are grown must be clean for three years (Howe 4).

Nearly 70 percent of the American public believes that the organic label on food products means they are safer to eat and better for the environment according to a survey by the National Center for Public Policy (Cummins 1). Organic farming does have its advantages. It conserves water and soil resources, recycles animal waste, releases fewer chemicals, improves soil fertility, promotes diversity of crops, and protects farm workers, livestock, and wildlife from potentially harmful pesticides (Rubin 4). But are organic foods safer than conventional foods. Not only can organic foods be contaminated with bacteria and pesticides, but also they are more expensive than conventional foods, yet do not offer a better nutritional value or significantly better taste. Sir John Krebs, a zoologist appointed to head the Food Standards Agency in the United Kingdom said that people who bought organic food thinking it was safer or more nutritious were wasting their money (Jones 1). Critics of organic farming claim that it is dangerous, environmentally damaging and, above all, incapable of feeding an overpopulated world because crop yields are lower than in conventional agriculture (Jones 2).

If you are looking for health benefits from organic foods, save your money. Organic foods are not necessarily safer than conventional foods. Eileen White, owner of a health food store that sells organic products, says, I can t guarantee that organic foods are safer than regular foods, but that is just a risk that some consumers are willing to take. ABC s 20-20 reported finding higher concentrations of bacteria on organic produce than on conventional produce (Tierney 1). Organic foods can be contaminated with salmonella, Listeria, or E. coli. These microorganisms can cause illness and even death (Rubin 2). Also, since organic foods are grown with manure, there is a greater risk of bacterial contamination. Animal waste is used as a fertilizer instead of synthetic chemicals on organic foods, and this animal waste may contain dangerous bacteria (Tierney 1). Although the manure is composted to kill the bacteria, uncertified farmers may not always follow the proper procedure. Dean Cliver, a professor of food safety at the University of California at Davis, states:

We know that animals are shedding bacteria that can make people sick if the manure hasn t been treated properly. Personally, if I knew something was grown with conventional chemical fertilizers, I would feel extra safe. But we don t have any data to show that organic food is more or less safe. (Tierney 2)

Many consumers buy organic foods because they think that they are pesticide

free, but this is not true. Organic farmers can use natural pesticides such as sulfur, copper, nicotine, and plant extracts (Rubin 2). Synthetic pesticides can also be found on organic foods. Synthetic pesticides can be carried by wind, ground water, rain, or soil from other farms to organic farms and contaminate the organic foods being grown there (Rubin 2). Eighty-nine to ninety percent of all pesticides drift from their point of application, which increases the risk of nearby areas being exposed (Howe 2). Also, synthetic pesticides used before may not have disappeared from the soil and therefore can contaminate organic crops (Rubin 2).

Many people do not notice a significant difference in the taste of organic foods and conventional foods. Some organic foods taste very different as compared to conventional foods, like organic milk (White). Sue Gebo, author of What s Left to Eat., explains: studies do not show a significant taste difference between organic and conventional crops (Rubin 3). U.S. News held a blind taste test to determine if organic foods tasted better than conventional foods. Winter tomatoes, both organic and conventional, were equally tasteless. Conventional carrots and blueberry yogurt tasted better than their organic counterparts, but organic orange juice tasted better than conventional orange juice (Marcus 3).

Agricultural Secretary Dan Glickman states that organic foods are no more wholesome or nutritious than conventional foods (Marcus 1). Although organic foods are almost completely free from synthetic chemicals found in synthetic foods, they are no richer in vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. They are not less likely to make a person sick either (Marcus 2). The higher grocery price only buys a person peace of mind, not better nutrition.

The cost of organic foods can be 20 percent to 50 percent more than conventional foods due to limited supply, s