Organic vs. non-organic
Food labelled ‘organic’ has to be produced using only natural substances, avoiding artificial chemicals, hormones, antibiotics and genetically modified organisms (GMOs, genetically engineered crops). They are free of artificial food additives, including artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colouring and flavouring.
Plant-based organic protein powder is made with plant ingredients that have not been exposed to prohibited synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. Milk-based organic protein powders, like whey and casein, means that the cows have spent much of their lives outdoors where they can graze on grass and clover that has not been treated with chemicals.
Non-organic protein powders do not have to conform to the same regulations as organic, meaning they can be produced with prohibited substances under the organic label. They may have been treated with either genetically modified organisms, fertilisers, pesticides, or other types of chemicals and synthetics.
Sir Albert Howard, the founder of the organic farming movement, stated, “The health of soil, plant, animal and man is one and divisible”. Organic farming is beneficial for the soil, plants, animals and us, and we are all considered intertwined.
Better for you
Organic plant-based produce has been found to have higher levels of certain nutrients. There are higher amounts of some bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, vitamin C and carotenoids, in organic produce, which could be linked to a decreased risk of chronic diseases and certain cancers (1). There is an increased range of antioxidants in organic produce, which is associated with reducing the risk of diseases (2). Evidence also suggests that an organic diet has a beneficial influence on the gut microbiota, which impacts immune-related disorders and cardiovascular disease (3). Consuming organic produce reduces our exposure to toxins. There are higher concentrations of pesticide residue and cadmium (a harmful element to humans) in non-organic produce (2). These findings demonstrate a growing number of important findings linking health benefits with organic food consumption (4).
Better for animals
Animals on organic farms must have access to organic pasture and are truly free range, having plenty of indoor and outdoor space (5). Ensuring that the animals on organic farms have enough light and space, means they are free to move and express their natural behaviours, reducing stress and disease (5).
Better for our environment
Organic farming is better for the environment because if improves soil quality, conserves ground water and reduces pollution (1). Soil quality is improved because compost and manure are used to cultivate fertile soil naturally; crop rotation is used to keep soil healthy and to prevent weed growth. If Europe’s farmland all followed organic principles, agricultural emissions could drop by 40-50% by 2050 (6). One reason for this is because organic farming means that manufactured chemical fertilisers and pesticides, that are made by burning fossil fuels are not used.
Why are organic products more expensive?
There are many reasons for why organic products are more expensive…
- Production costs for organic foods are typically higher due to farmers relying on more labour-intensive methods of weed/pest control.
- Crop rotation reduces the frequency in which organic farmers can grow profitable crops, meaning they cannot produce the large quantities that conventional farmers can.
- Conventional farmers use chemicals to reduce their loss of crops, since organic farmers don’t use these, their losses are higher, costing the farmers.
- The higher standards for animal welfare means more costs for organic farms.
Is it worth the price?
Yes! Choosing organic produce will give you peace of mind. You are paying slightly more for higher quality produce that benefit you, the animals, plants and our future planet!
Sources:
- https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-031816-044437
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24968103/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2017.1394815
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/1/7
- https://www.soilassociation.org/take-action/organic-living/why-organic/better-for-animals/
- https://www.soilassociation.org/media/18074/iddri-study-tyfa.pdf
