Organic farming

 

Animals raised using organic methods are treated humanely and with respect. For example, chickens are free range and not kept in cages, and cows are not kept in feed lots. Animals are also not fed any growth-regulating drugs, steroids, hormones or antibiotics. However, the animals may be treated with vaccines to prevent disease.

Organic farming is also concerned with protecting the environment and working in harmony with existing ecosystems – including conserving water, soil and energy, and using renewable resources and natural farming cycles.

Traditional farming methods are often used, such as rotating crops to prevent nutrient depletion in  soil and integrating crops and livestock.

Pesticides and other chemicals in organic food

Organic foods are not necessarily completely chemical free. They may be grown on land not previously used for organic food production and, therefore, might contain chemical residues. However, the pesticide residues in organic food are considerably lower than those found in conventional farming – where foods are produced with synthetic chemicals.

Also, some  naturally occurring pesticides are permitted for use in organic farming and include:

• pyrethrins
• light oils
• copper
• sulphur
• biological substances (such as Bacillus thuringiensis).