organic peas

What is organic food?

Food that is grown or raised without chemical pesticides or chemical fertilizers is called “organic.” Organic meat must come from animals that have access to the outdoors, that are not treated with antibiotics or hormones, and that are fed organic feed. Processed foods containing many ingredients (e.g. bread) that have the organic label must contain at least 95% organic ingredients. If only 70% of the ingredients are organic, the food can be labeled “made with organic ingredients.”

Modern farming practices lessen the biodiversity of the soil, which increases the need for and dependence upon fertilizers. The pesticides used in farming can run into rivers, lakes and streams, affecting the water supply we rely on as well as affecting the local wildlife. Eating food that is organic and produced locally is good for you and is good for the environment.