Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Organic. What is it?

The term “organic” has become a hot buzzword in recent years. As more and more people learn about what’s in their food - and where that food comes from - organically grown/raised products have seen a sharp rise in sales.



But, what makes a plant ‘organic?’

Simply put, organically-grown foods are those cultivated carefully and effectively without the use of harsh pesticides. Farmers who grow certified organic products rely on their knowledge of the land and sustainable practices - not chemicals that so many large producers have come to rely on.

Here at Mississippi Topsoils, we clearly support the idea of chemical-free solutions; it’s the foundation of our mission.

So, whether we’re talking about crops in the field, or foods on the shelf of your local grocery store, what makes organic different? Well, here are a few reasons.


LACK OF PESTICIDES.

Conventionally-grown crops rely on synthetic pesticides as the line of defense against molds, insects and diseases. They’re certainly effective, but here’s the problem; when farmers spray their crops with pesticides, they leave a chemical residue. On the flip side, organic farmers use insect traps, careful crop selection, predator insects or beneficial microorganisms to control growing conditions, eliminating the need for harsh toxic chemicals. So, by buying organically grown foods, you’re definitely limiting your exposure to pesticides.


FOOD - HOLD THE EXTRAS.


There are some extremely tight regulations placed on foods in order to certify them as organic, and one of them involves food additives. When it comes to non-perishable goods, certified organic products are forbidden to have processing aids (substances used during processing, but not added directly to food) and fortifying agents. These are more commonly known as preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colorings and flavorings and monosodium glutamate.


MOTHER NATURE LOVES IT.

The reasons folks buy organic extend beyond chemical compounds. There are a lot of people who look for the organic label for environmental reasons. Organic farming practices take excellent care of the environment; since chemical solutions aren’t part of the equation, organic production methods are carefully crafted to reduce pollution, conserve water and improve soil quality.


So, there you have it - a short list of reasons why many folks go organic. Are you an organic grower or shopper? Why do you choose the all-natural route? Leave us a comment and tell us!


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