by Claudia Murdoch

Created on: May 23, 2007   Last Updated: September 05, 2010

Many people feel that because organic produce has not been proven to impart health benefits significantly greater than conventional produce, it is not worth more money. While it is still an open question whether organic produce is healthier than conventional produce, there are many other reasons to buy organic.

Organic produce is better for the environment. Organic farming uses far fewer chemical pesticides and fertilizers than conventional farming pesticides and fertilizers that enter runoff and get into our water supply. From the water supply, these chemical compounds enter our bodies and the bodies of conventionally grown livestock that we consume, resulting in long-term consequences both known and unknown. Additionally, since organic farmers do not use as many of these noxious chemical substances, they must use more careful farming methods, such as strategic planting and crop rotation, which prevent depletion of soil and preserve valuable growing space for the future.

Organic produce, and organic food in general, is frequently of higher quality than conventional. Many organic farming methods are labor-intensive and necessitate production of smaller crops than conventional farming methods. These smaller crops are less "mass-produced" and tend to receive more attentive care than their conventionally grown counterparts. Farmers willing to go these extra lengths tend to care more about what they are growing, have more pride in their produce, and are more attentive to quality than many conventional growers, resulting in finer, better tasting produce.

Demand for organic produce leads to increased supply, which lowers prices. Already, organic produce, in general, is significantly less expensive than it was just a few years ago. This is because more and more consumers are learning about the benefits of going organic, and are fueling the market for organic produce. Growers are stepping up supply to meet demand, resulting in lower prices for buyers of organic produce. As demand increases, we are likely to see more and more organic produce at prices comparable to conventional. In some cases, organic produce even costs less!

Demand more from your food. Whenever possible, treat yourself to organic produce!

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