There are benefits to eating organic food, but there are also drawbacks. Food from local farms may not always be organic. The reason is that local farmers may not be held to federal standards. However, many local farmers share similar environmental goals as organic farmers. It’s a good idea to ask questions to the farmers in your area to learn more about their farming practices.
Organic produce may be better for the environment, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s more nutritious. In the United States, most produce travels more than 1,300 miles from farm to store, creating huge amounts of greenhouse gasses. These “food miles” negate many of the organic benefits. For example, a University of Alberta study showed that the carbon footprint of organically grown produce was almost equal to that of conventionally grown produce.
Organic food is also more expensive than conventional food. Some organic varieties can cost as much as twice as much. However, if there is a clear economic incentive, consumers may be more willing to pay the extra cost. In addition, access to organic foods may be easier for those who can afford them.
If you are concerned about the health of your family, organic and local foods are a great way to improve the quality of your diet. Organic food is free of genetically modified organisms and is produced without synthetic chemicals. However, this type of food comes with a hefty economic and environmental cost. And the higher the quality, the healthier your food is for you. If you’re unsure, check the label before purchasing.
In addition, organic foods have higher levels of trans fats. Organically grown foods are also higher in overall fats. Organic livestock products are even worse for us. Organic foods are usually produced and harvested from farms farther from where we live. In this way, whether organic food is better for our health remains unanswered.
Organic food contains more vitamins and minerals than conventional food. They also contain more antioxidants and phenolic acids. Organic produce also contains fewer chemicals. Organic vegetables and fruits are usually healthier. If you can’t afford organic produce, consider eating local instead. When you buy local produce, ask the crop stand owner about their practices.
Despite the higher costs, many hospitals are beginning to offer organic and local food to their patients. These food options are growing in popularity as the demand for healthy food continues. This choice can be an excellent way to keep costs down for hospitals with limited resources. However, if you’re not staying in the hospital for an extended period, organic food may not be worth the extra expense.
Organic and local food has many benefits. In addition to being healthier, organic food is better for the environment. Traditionally, organic food was a community-based initiative. Small organic farms supplied food for local markets. But with the rising demand for organics, this trend has expanded and has become a big business. Now, industrial-scale operations – called “Big Organic Farms – are geared toward mass production and high-profit margins. Their produce is then transported to local grocery stores.
Eric Garrett 
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