Organic food has been on the rise in recent years, and for a good reason. Organic produce is not only better for you, but it's also better for the environment! Now it's easier than ever to find organic options at your grocery store as well.
There have been several recent reports about how eating organic has become easier than in the past. Two examples include better access at grocery stores as well as increased popularity with shoppers being eager to find these products on store shelves from coast to coast. It's no secret that organic produce is popular among consumers, and so are the foods that contain organic ingredients.
There are a number of stores that have started to offer organic products exclusively or in addition to their regular inventory. This means that shoppers can easily pick up all their groceries without having to worry about whether they're getting healthy items or not.
The organic production of produce does not involve the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. The demand for organics has risen steadily over time due largely to concerns from consumers that commercial farming methods damage Earth's ecosystems by increasing pesticide use, depleting soil nutrients, and releasing harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs).
This increased demand coupled with more sustainable agricultural techniques are creating an increase of availability of organic produce across all major retail sectors including supermarkets and restaurant chains alike. In fact, according to Nielsen data cited by the National Consumers League, the organic food sector is growing at twice the rate of conventional grocery stores.
Organic farming techniques may also be more sustainable in the long run. For example, organic fertilizers help restore soil health and reduce nitrogen emissions from fertilizer. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been promoting organic agriculture, with a budget allocation back in 2012 that is three times what it was in 2002. It’s only increased from there. The USDA Organic seal means food producers can use natural substances such as composted animal manures instead of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides.
The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) was enacted on October 21st 2002 to provide federal guidelines for labeling products as "USDA Certified Organic." The USDA's National Organic Program continues to enforce these standards through its national seal. Products bearing this seal must also be made with ingredients that are free from chemical pesticides or fertilizers and cannot contain artificial additives; they can only use animal feed which has been raised without antibiotics or hormones. One thing to note is that a field must pass the requirement for organic food for several years before it will be considered as organic. It takes time for past pesticides to work their way out.
Contrary to popular belief, not all organic produce is grown in a certified organic farm, but when you buy your items from a retailer who follows strict regulations, you can feel confident that the food is organic.
The USDA's standards are strict and help ensure that consumers know what they're buying when they purchase an item of produce with either a label stating it as "USDA Certified Organic" or those products bearing the seal certified by their governing body.
There’s a lot of producers of great food. What follows are just a few of the options out there that are made with organic ingredients to give you a taste of what the market has.
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