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Benefits of Organics

20 Reasons to Buy Organics

Download 20 reasons including references to peer reviewed research on why you should chose organic.

Health

Research has shown certified organic foods can be more nutritionally dense than their non-organic counterparts and deliver more essential nutrients per calories consumed. International studies have found certain organic fruits, vegetables and grains can contain significantly higher concentrations of health-promoting polyphenols and antioxidants – both of which have been linked to the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer, andosteoporosis.

Selecting organic foods also means you can avoid eating up to two kilograms of food additives each year, and minimise your risk of exposure to pesticides in food.

Synthetic chemical and unnatural flavours, colours, preservatives and food additives are prohibited in organic food. With various food additives and chemicals linked to symptoms including allergic reactions, rashes, headaches, asthma, neurodevelopmental problems, and hyperactivity in children, organic food provides a safe alternative for those concerned about their general health.

Animal Welfare

   Animal welfare is a large part of why
   people choose certified organic
   products.

The Australian Organic Standard is
   one of few food standards which
   addresses the welfare of each and
   every animal involved in food
   production.

   When consumers buy meat or
   animal by-products that are certified
                                                                           organic, they are ensured that the
animals involved have been raised under some of the most stringent protection regulations in the world.

Under organic standards, animals including poultry, pigs, sheep, goats and cattle live, grow and breed naturally in group sizes appropriate to their species. Animals interact as they would in nature, and are provided with ample access to pasture, shade and shelter.

Certified Organic does not allow cattle feed lots, and the battery farming of hens and pigs is prohibited.

Certified organic animals are raised on food that contains no hormones, growth promotants, antibiotics, animal by-products or preservatives, and are not treated with synthetic chemicals.

Environment

   Certified organic food production
   protects our environment.

   Organic food is produced using
   sustainable farm methods that
   imitate natural ecological
   processes.

   Organic food production does not
   disrupt eco-systems with the use
   of synthetic pesticides, herbicides
   and fertilisers which may be harmful
                                                                           to the environment.

Food produced organically instead helps reduce the impact of chemical run-off and residues from Australian farms. These chemicals frequently find their way into water-ways, and can have adverse effects on marine, animal and plant life.

Organic farming helps ameliorate climate change, and lower agricultural greenhouse gases.

Organic farming prohibits synthetic nitrogen fertilisers, which account for a high percentage (two-thirds) of all cropping emissions. Organic land also focuses on building healthy soil which stores a high level of carbon. More carbon in our soil means less in our atmosphere!

In fact, it has been estimated that if just 1000 medium sized farms converted to organic production, it would be the equivalent of taking 117 440 cars off the road each year.

Organic farming regenerates Australian farmland.

The principles of organic farming are focused on land regeneration. Organic farms can restore life to damaged soil and promote strong levels of biodiversity. Organic farmers must ensure that a percentage of their farmland is given over to natural vegetation.

Organic food helps conserve water.

Strong organic soils contain higher levels of moisture, making organic farms more resilient during times of drought and climate extremes.

No GMO's

   Organic food prohibits the use of
   Genetically Modified Organisms
   (GMO’s) or ingredients.

   With relaxed GM labelling laws in
   Australia, selecting organic foods
   is one of the only ways consumers
   can be sure they are avoiding
   products containing GM
   substances.

Food Integrity

Certified organic food is safe food grown and handled under a traceable system. Organic farms and food manufacturers in Australia are monitored under one of the strictest food regulatory programs in the world.
Any person buying organic food endorsed with the Australian Certified Organic “Bud” logo can be assured their food has been handled with care, without use of synthetic chemicals or additives, from ‘paddock to plate’. Farms, food manufacturers and food packaging companies are subject to an audit each year to ensure standards are being upheld. In addition it takes three years before a producer can become ‘Certified Organic’. During this time the land must be farmed free from synthetic chemicals.
Certified organic is a stamp of integrity designed to protect both consumers and genuine organic farmers and businesses from false claims.

Taste

While taste is certainly a matter of opinion, consumers sampling organic food are frequently heard expressing their delight at the full-tasting flavour!