Conventional food and farming today rely on the use of nitrogen fertiliser. The manufacture of one tonne of fertiliser produces seven tonnes of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 296 times greater than carbon dioxide.
Organic systems recognise that our health is directly connected to the health of the food we eat and, ultimately, to the health of the soil.
Organic farmers aim to produce good food from a balanced living soil. They severely restrict the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers.
Animals are reared without the routine use of drugs including synthetic growth hormones, antibiotics and wormers, which are commonly used in intensive livestock farming.
- Choose products that are certified organic or biodynamic under one of the following labels: BFA, ACO, NAASA, Demeter. Organic Choice
- Find out which fruits and vegetables expose you to the most and least pesticides so you’ll know which ones are best bought from organic producers and which conventionally grown produce is okay when organic isn’t available. See the Environmental Working Group’s “Pesticides in produce” guide for details.
