Comments on: The Pros and Cons of Going Organic http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/05/the-pros-and-cons-of-going-organic/ Diet Column - bringing you all the best diet news and opinions Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:31:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Kinsey http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/05/the-pros-and-cons-of-going-organic/comment-page-1/#comment-9642 Kinsey Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:30:44 +0000 http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/?p=8198#comment-9642 I have found that more often then not the price is higher for organic foods versus non-organic foods, whereas I can justify buying some items organic I cannot financially afford to go 100% organic and I know plenty of other people that feel the same way. The price gap might be closing, but there's still a gap to consider. For example I purchased 1/2 gallon of organic milk for close to $4.00(mind you it was on sale too) whereas I could have got a gallon of non-organic milk for $3.50. For me I would rather pay extra and have less of a better quality product, but most of our society does not feel that way. As far as the food safety goes, I'm aware that the farmer's have strict guidelines to follow, but I thought that even though they have these guidelines to follow they only got reviewed once every three years or so? Please share with me if my information on that is incorrect. I have found that more often then not the price is higher for organic foods versus non-organic foods, whereas I can justify buying some items organic I cannot financially afford to go 100% organic and I know plenty of other people that feel the same way. The price gap might be closing, but there’s still a gap to consider. For example I purchased 1/2 gallon of organic milk for close to $4.00(mind you it was on sale too) whereas I could have got a gallon of non-organic milk for $3.50. For me I would rather pay extra and have less of a better quality product, but most of our society does not feel that way.

As far as the food safety goes, I’m aware that the farmer’s have strict guidelines to follow, but I thought that even though they have these guidelines to follow they only got reviewed once every three years or so? Please share with me if my information on that is incorrect.

]]> By: Organic Trade http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/05/the-pros-and-cons-of-going-organic/comment-page-1/#comment-9331 Organic Trade Tue, 19 May 2009 13:43:19 +0000 http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/?p=8198#comment-9331 Thank you for your endorsement of organic, and for sharing many of the benefits associated with it. The Organic Trade Association would like to follow up on what you identify as "cons" of organic. You state that "organic foods tend to be more expensive." In fact, when you buy organic products, you are paying the true cost of the food. By contrast, when you buy non-organic products, there are hidden costs for which everyone will pay indirectly—these are called ag “externalities,” and they include damage to water sources, damage to soil resources, damage to wildlife and ecosystem biodiversity, and damage to human health from such things as exposure to pesticides. It's also worthwhile to note that buying organic is easier and more affordable than ever before. Not only do organic products appear on store shelves in mainstream retail outlets, but thanks to organic private label products, growing numbers of farmers’ markets, and organic’s lack of dependence on petroleum-based farm inputs, the gap between organic and non-organic prices is closing. Indeed, in some cases, the price of organic goods is comparable to non-organic goods. The other criticism that you make of organic food revolves around food safety. It is important to realize that certified organic growers not only are inspected by third-party independent certifiers in order to qualify for organic certification, but they also follow strict guidelines for safe and hygienic food production. As with all food producers, they must also be in compliance with local, state and federal health standards. For these and many other reasons, the message is clear: Organic. It's worth it. Thank you for your endorsement of organic, and for sharing many of the benefits associated with it. The Organic Trade Association would like to follow up on what you identify as “cons” of organic. You state that “organic foods tend to be more expensive.” In fact, when you buy organic products, you are paying the true cost of the food. By contrast, when you buy non-organic products, there are hidden costs for which everyone will pay indirectly—these are called ag “externalities,” and they include damage to water sources, damage to soil resources, damage to wildlife and ecosystem biodiversity, and damage to human health from such things as exposure to pesticides.

It’s also worthwhile to note that buying organic is easier and more affordable than ever before. Not only do organic products appear on store shelves in mainstream retail outlets, but thanks to organic private label products, growing numbers of farmers’ markets, and organic’s lack of dependence on petroleum-based farm inputs, the gap between organic and non-organic prices is closing. Indeed, in some cases, the price of organic goods is comparable to non-organic goods.

The other criticism that you make of organic food revolves around food safety. It is important to realize that certified organic growers not only are inspected by third-party independent certifiers in order to qualify for organic certification, but they also follow strict guidelines for safe and hygienic food production. As with all food producers, they must also be in compliance with local, state and federal health standards.

For these and many other reasons, the message is clear: Organic. It’s worth it.

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