10 Reasons to support organic in Australia

1. It is better for you

A Newcastle University (UK) study that was funded by the European Union found levels of antioxidants in milk from organic cattle were between 50 % and 80 % higher than non-organic milk. Organic wheat, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, onions and lettuce had between 20 % and 40 % more nutrients.

2. Reduce Off Farm Pollution

Chemical residue from conventional farming is carried to neighbouring farms and communities by wind and runoff. Runoff is the main cause of diminishing marine life, animals and plants. Approximately 30,000 tonnes of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and plant growth regulators are used each year in Australia (OzProspect, 2003).

3. Protect Future Generations

According to BFA Nutritionist Shane Heaton. “Children are more vulnerable to food toxins than adults – they have a larger intake of food per kilo of body weight than adults, and immature organs and detoxification and immune systems,” he says. Numerous studies show that pesticides can adversely affect the nervous system, increase the risk of cancer, and decrease fertility. Babies start receiving toxins in utero via the mothers diet.

4. Build Healthy Soil

Conventional cropping leads to soil erosion. Organic farming results in net soil growth. 48% of Australian croplands have topsoils that are marginally acidic or worse (Land & Water Australia, 2001). Organic farming systems are based on the principle of land and soil regeneration and best environmental practice.

5. It tastes better

Scientists now know what we eaters have known all along: organic food often tastes better. It makes sense that strawberries taste yummier when raised in harmony with nature, but researchers at Washington State University just proved this as fact in lab taste trials where the organic berries were consistently judged as sweeter. Plus, new research verifies that some organic produce is often lower in nitrates and higher in antioxidants than conventional food.

6. Avoid GMO Foods

Independent testing of the long-term health effects of GMO foods on humans has not been carried out. The many exemptions from GE labelling laws in Australia makes it impossible to know which grocery items use GMO-derived ingredients. Certified organic foods are a great way to avoid GMOs.

7. Promote Biodiversity

Visit an organic farm and you’ll notice something: a buzz of animal, bird and insect activity. These organic oases are thriving, diverse habitats. Native plants and animals, usually return after the first season of organic practices; beneficial insects allow for a greater balance, and indigenous animals find these farms a safe haven.

8. It is better for the environment

Agriculture is accused of being responsible for 30% of global warming due to Co2 emissions. A 23-year research project shows that if only 1000 medium sized farms converted to organic production, the carbon stored in the soil would be equivalent to taking 117,440 cars off the road each year (The Rodale Institute®, 2003).

9. Increase the resilience of farms during drought.

In the wake of the 2002/2003 drought 100,000 agricultural sector jobs were lost (Australian Government, 2004). Organic farms have a greater resilience in times of drought. A 21-year trial showed that organic crops saw a margin of 38%–196% greater yield than comparable conventional crops (AJAA, 2003)