Navigating Today's Grocery Aisles
At the grocery store, flashy labels and conflicting advice can make deciding what actually goes in the grocery cart quite difficult. In this section, we will take a look at the evidence behind organic and conventional farming to help answer common questions families raise when deciding which food to buy.
Organic Farming
Organic farming refers to how food is grown. At its core, organic farming refers to the decision farmers make to limit or eliminate pesticide and fertilizer use during cultivation. Instead of relying on modern conventional methods, these farmers focus specifically on crop rotation and composting to retain strong and healthy soil.
Organic farming also enforces guidelines for animal welfare and prohibits the use of genetic modification, known as GMO production. While some areas of organic farming are a bit looser than others, farmers who choose organic farming work with nature's systems rather than relying on synthetic chemicals.
Conventional Farming
Farmers who choose conventional methods focus on high efficiency and consistent yields by using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Such methods allow for greater yields and lessen environmental threats to the crops. Conventional food plays an impactful role in providing accessible and affordable nutrition throughout the world because of its improved yields and overall efficiency.
While this is certainly a different approach than organic, it is important to remember that all conventional foods sold for consumption undergo significant monitoring and testing to ensure they meet the safety limits and "tolerances" for pesticide residue.
Is Organic Healthier?
One key reason many individuals choose organic food is their perception of healthier food. However, research indicates little true nutritional difference between organic and conventional options. While the altered nutritional value proves minuscule, some individuals may still choose organic options to limit pesticide consumption. Individuals who choose such a lifestyle may ask which foods should be purchased organic. Below is a simple guide and some simple tips to help prioritize certain foods without breaking the bank.
Sources: EatingWell and Consumer Reports
Food Prioritization
What is Realistic?
Certified organic foods often come with a hefty price tag, due to extensive and refined farming methods. For many, these price tags present a financial barrier. Therefore, prioritization comes in.
General Tips
While at the grocery store, ask yourself if you will consume the produce's peel. If you plan to consume the peel and want to limit pesticide consumption, then organic may be the better choice.
Piecing it Together
Just like many other health topics, this conversation has become polarizing. Families today face conflicting information at every turn. By taking a step back, looking at the science, and weighing evidence, we hope families can take a step forward and make confident decisions for themselves and their families.