Since my very recent "healthy eating awakening", I have chosen to buy local fruits and vegetables instead of paying more money for the organic label at the store. Why? Well, I’m obviously cynical and don’t quite trust the government to construct a system that actually protects what I eat. So this article is not shocking but should certainly make you think a bit more before you shell out the extra bucks.
The Washington Post recently reported findings of shortcomings in the USDA’s Organics program—meaning that consumers, who at times must pay twice as much for organic products, are not always getting what they expect: foods without pesticides and other chemicals, produced in a way that is gentle to the environment.
Relaxation of the federal standards, and an explosion of consumer demand, have helped push the organics market into a $23 billion-a-year business, the fastest growing segment of the food industry. Half of the country’s adults say they buy organic food often or sometimes, according to a survey last year by the Harvard School of Public Health.
About andrea.kane
Hi there! I'm Andrea and I'm so happy to be alive! I am a massage therapist and blogger living in San Diego. As an East Coast transplant, living the SoCal life has taken much getting used to, but I do the best I can! 2009 marks my 36th year on this earth and I am determined to make it the best ever. Somehow I made it through my 20s and have limited wisdom to know my past mistakes and actively seeking a life created on my terms -- to serve, to help and assist others and myself in living a well life.
I will post items from my blog, The Organic Beauty Expert as well as thoughts on green living, wellness and the power of touch; all things I have a passion for. For what is living with intent if not to share ones passion with others?
Hi, Andrea,
I agree with you that some organic foods may not be what they should be. When I shop, I never buy organic foods from anywhere outside the United States. I find that when I go to my local farmers market, I will ask if the food is organic. Most of them say, no, so I ask if they use herbicides and pesticides. Most of them do. Others will tell me that they grow foods that could be considered organic, but it's such a difficult process to get certified organic, they just say their food is "natural." Then I ask about their soil and seeds that they use.
I think it's important that if you are buying local, it's a good idea to talk with the people growing the fruits and vegetables and then make an educated decision as to whether or not you want to purchase their products.
When I think of "organic", I want a product that is grown in healthy, non-treated soil and organic seeds are used to grow the product.
Since I find it increasingly more difficult to decifer what is truly organic and what is not organic, I plant to begin my own "organic" vegetable garden. This way I'm sure to know what I'm eating. Hopefully soon, I will plant berry bushes and trees so I can enjoy their true flavor. I want my food to be alive, not dead. This seems like a great solution to a growing concern over commericial fruits and vegetables and the USDA's shortcomings.
I always know when I have a good organic product because a tomato will taste like a tomato, a green bean will taste like a green bean, etc.
Thanks for your post. I liked it.
Namaste,
Pam