Top 10 Reasons to Choose Organic Products

1. Organic Products Meet Strict National Standards

The “Canada Organic” logo is your assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures and rules, and in compliance with the Organic Products Regulations. Imported products bearing the Canada Organic logo must also meet the requirements of the Canada Organic Regime.

2. Cut Back on Chemicals!

Many herbicides and insecticides commonly used in agriculture have been found to be carcinogenic, hormone disruptors, or have a negative impact on children’s development. Choosing certified organic significantly reduces your exposure to chemical residues.

3. Organic Farms Take Water Seriously

Organic farmers are required to manage the land and life around water systems very carefully, and are inspected annually. By not using synthetic fertilizers and persistent toxic chemicals, organic farming is also easy on our precious water reserves.

4. Organic Farmers Work in Harmony with Nature

Organic agriculture builds healthy ecosystems, and organic farms have higher biodiversity on and around them, which promotes sustainability and ecological balance.

5. Organic Methods Reduce Pollution and Wasted Energy

More energy is used to produce synthetic, fossil fuel–based fertilizers than to cultivate and harvest crops or to transport food. Canadian studies have shown that organic farming practices can use as little as half the energy of other farming methods, and help to sequester carbon back into the soil.

6. Protect the Health of Farmers and Children

Farmers exposed to pesticides can have a significantly higher risk of contracting cancer compared to nonfarmers. Children are relatively more exposed than adults when they ingest pesticide residues in food. Choosing organic reduces the exposure for children and the farmers who grew their food.

7. Organic Farmers Build Healthy Soil

Soil is the foundation of the food chain. Organic farming is focused on using sustainable practices that build healthy soil microbiology and prevent erosion, leaving fertile land that will provide for future generations.

8. Organic Farming is Good for Rural Canada

The Census of Agriculture has shown that, on average, organic farming families earn more from their farms than the typical Canadian farm does, and employ more people per farm, too. There are over 3 700 organic farms in Canada, contributing more than $3.5 billion to our economy; a value that continues to grow each year.

9. Organic Producers Strive to Preserve Genetic Diversity

The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is one of the most pressing environmental concerns of our day. The good news is that many organic farmers have been collecting and preserving seeds and growing heirloom varieties and rare breeds of livestock for decades.

10. Organic is the Only Non-⁠GMO Standard Overseen by the Canadian Government

Organic standards forbid the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in seeds, in animal feed, and in the ingredients of processed organic food and products. If you’re concerned about GMOs, the only way to avoid them in your diet is by opting for certified organic products.
 

This information was provided courtesy of Think Canada Organic in partnership with the Canada Organic Trade Association and with support from Agriculture and AgriFood Canada through Growing Forward 2.

 Michelle W. Book

 A graduate in holistic nutrition and spokesperson for the
 Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA), she focuses
 on living life and raising a family focused on holistic
 health and wellness.