Research study on the fruit and soil quality comparing Organic and Conventional ‘agroecosystems.’ Re-post from PLos ONE
“Do you know enough about “Organic” to understand how to be selective when you shop?”
I am as confused as most folks when it comes to understanding what “Organic” means and why it’s definitively better than standard factory farm methods. To be sure there are many certified organic farms that use factory growing and harvesting methods. And there is the technically “Organic” produce and meat that is imported from China – that may, indeed, be organic but using different standards that you or I might have come to expect. I “believe” that organic is better for all concerned if you consider the planet, the workers who will tend, harvest and process, the insects and animals that feed on or nearby, the refuse system that will take human waste (post consumption) and table waste to land fills.
This recent post at PLos ONE discusses the results from a scientifically controlled study of strawberries raised under near identical conditions – one group is contemporary farming practices using chemical fertilizers and pesticides and the other, certified organic (sans chemicals) methods. It’s an interesting read – if a bit technical for some – but perhaps will serve as authentic grist for the mill as you learn and determine what’s best for you. ~blm
Fruit and Soil Quality of Organic and Conventional Strawberry Agroecosystems
Background
Farm workers in strawberry fields.
Sale of organic foods is one of the fastest growing market segments within the global food industry.
People often buy organic food because they believe organic farms produce more nutritious and better tasting food from healthier soils.
Here we tested if there are significant differences in fruit and soil quality from 13 pairs of commercial organic and conventional strawberry agroecosystems in California.
Read the complete post: CLICK HERE
