11 Key Benefits to an Organic Diet
Knowledge is power, and at Painterland Sisters, one of our goals is to educate people like you on the benefits of organic farming. Here are 11 reasons why you should
11 key Benefits of Organic Farming
For the Environment…
Organic farming has many positive effects on the environment, from the land to the animals to the people!
Healthy & Effective Soil: As mentioned above, organic farming promotes high-quality soil and carbon absorption by building organic soil matter. The soil has greater potential for long-term carbon storage, which leads to heartier crops and reduced soil erosion.
Healthy & Happy Animals: Of course, we can’t forget our furry friends! Organic farms raise healthier animals that live longer, happier lives. These animals are able to roam free on beautiful land, grazing clean, nutritious pastures. Because the livestock consumes only organic food, the land is fertilized with their nutrient-dense organic manure, leading to healthy crops. This ensures a natural cycle where farmers know exactly what goes into their land and ends up in the products.
Chemical-Free: Perhaps the most well-known characteristic of organic production systems is that they do not use harmful chemicals (i.e., genetically modified seed, synthetic pesticides, or fertilizers). Instead, they use natural fertility and biological pest management.
Clean Waters: Organic farming fosters clean waters thanks to practices like crop rotations and mulching, which increase the soil’s capacity to absorb and store moisture. Plus, the absence of pesticides and fertilizers means no toxic chemicals leaching into the waterways.
Biodiversity: Additionally, organic systems promote biodiversity by creating diversified and non-toxic agricultural landscapes. This supports the health and population of our pollinator friends like bees, bats, and butterflies!
Safe & Healthy Farm Workers: Organic farm workers are also safer since they are not exposed to pesticides that can damage their health. Organic farms also invest in equipment to manually remove weeds. They typically use one or a combination of:
Cultivator: Mechanically uproots the weeds in between rows of crops
Flame-throwing Tractor: Tractors equipped with flame throwers and propane tanks to burn weeds
Smaller Environmental Impact: In addition to creating healthier environments, organic farms also have a much smaller carbon footprint. The Rodale Institute has found that organic systems use 45% less energy and release 40% fewer carbon emissions. To top it off, they use water management practices and release fewer greenhouse gases because they do not use synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
For the Economy…
Believe it or not, organic farming creates new economic opportunities for both the farmers and their local communities.
8. Economic Opportunities: According to the Organic Farming Research Foundation, counties with high levels of organic agricultural activity and related business activities create real, long-lasting regional economic opportunities.
9. Profitable & Sustainable for Farmers:
Not to mention, the Rodale Institute has found that organic systems produce yields up to 40% higher in times of drought and earn 3-6x greater profits for farmers.
Organic animal agriculture can also result in higher profits. According to a report by Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), organic dairy producers typically reduce their production numbers, yet improve their net income thanks to decreased costs in veterinary bills, fertilizer, and labor.
The report notes, “Organic livestock systems often cost less, thus can be a viable option for beginning farmers or those who have trouble raising capital, because those systems do not require elaborate or expensive housing.”
Cows, chickens, pigs, and lambs are raised on the open pasture, so their shelter from the elements is typically inexpensive easy-to-build structures.
This all goes to show that organic agriculture can certainly be as sustainable and profitable as conventional farming.
For You and Your Family...
Perhaps the most important question: Why is organic the right choice for my family?
Strict Organic Regulations:
Organic farmers adhere to strict standards and management practices set by the National Organic Standards Board. Additionally, to be USDA Certified Organic, the USDA must ensure that a farm’s animals, land, and practices meet specific requirements.
Nutritional Benefits:
The Mayo Clinic notes there is a growing body of research indicates potential health benefits of organic foods:
Nutrients: Studies have shown small to moderate increases in some nutrients in organic produce, most notably in certain types of flavonoids. Flavonoids have antioxidant properties.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Organic meats, dairy, and eggs generally have higher levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids because organic feeding requirements call for ingredients like grass and alfalfa as the primary feed.
