Which is the better choice, organic or locally grown food - and why?

Question

I know arguments for both sides i.e. - the use of pesticides on local produce, and the consumption of oil and pollutants on shipping organics. It's a tough call, which is better for me and all of us.
Do you have other arguments that will help sway my decision?

Answer 1

Interesting question.
All depends on the source.
The short answer in my opinion would be locally. It's better for the environment and you have a much better chance to see what's really going into the food you eat. You also tend to eat with the seasons rather than from greenhouse produced crops. They may be organic, but they're still consuming energy in the winter time to heat those things.

Pesticides are generally used in large scale farms because the ground is so depleted, the plants are stressed and bugs naturally try to weed out the plants that are "dying". In smaller scale farms where attention can be paid to good composting techniques and plant managment there are still pests, but they're naturally controlled. There are no mass outbreaks.

Now I would never recommend pesticides, or other chemicals, but for the most part these things won't affect you directly. They may be absorbed into the plant, but not into the part you eat (generally). Course that's not always that much of a comfort. It's like seperating the smoking and no smoking sections by a rope barrier. Still, the pesticides and chemicals tend to affect the soil, and the things in the soil. Which in turn stresses the plant. And kills the organisms in the soil, which forces the farmer to rely on fertilizer to keep anything growing.

Also check how far the organic food gets shipped from (most packages will say). If it's a huge distance away, then it may be picked early to survive shipping. Or may be a variety that is great for shipping but pretty barren when it comes to nutrients.

When it comes to GMO, you're safer getting locally. Being organic in North America does not mean it is GMO-free. And these large scale businesses do use GMO crops.

Another thing to note is that being able to call yourself organic is a lengthy and expensive process. It can be a waste of time and energy for small scale farms. Lare scale it's great for marketing, so it's worth it. But on the small side if you deal with neighbors you can be just as organic, but it's not worth it to apply for the title. Or you may fail on one of the points and so can't acheive it. For example if you can't verify that the compost you use is fully organic then you have to wait 5 years, and in those 5 years you have to keep track of what you put in there.

So:
Better for you is organic.
Better for the global environment is locally.

Chances are locally produced is organic, non-GMO and lovingly cared for, but it pays to check it out.

Answer 2

I am fortunate enough to live close to an organic farm, so I get the best of both worlds-same at my local food co op. I don't really trust the huge organic companies, as I have heard not so good things-I don't believe everything I hear, but some of it sounds valid. As for the pesticide thing, I have more issues with that than anything else. If something is meant to KILL something, then I dont see where that is going to benefit my body, and there is no one who can convince me that rinsing it, even really well, is going to remove the residue, and I believe it is taken up into the produce as it is growing. I can only suggest that you look for a local co op where you can get local organic stuff. Good luck (I have lived in the same small town for 20 years, and had no idea we had a co op, until about a year ago. Its less than two miles from my house, and I had no clue. I get lovely fresh raw milk and cheese and butter

Answer 3

How about locally grown, organic food? In the case you don't have such and option I would go with organic. You will get better variety of products year-round. Do your research and find solid, reputable companies to buy from and stores at which to shop. Some big chains stores (won't name names) now carry "organic" produce which is actually shipped in from other countries. Now, in the country that food comes from that product might be up to the requirements for being labeled organic but it could be a far cry from U.S. standards (or wherever you're from I guess...). Also, read the labels carefully because some products are only partially organic.

Answer 4

i prefer locally grown food especially if you know the people who grow them.Im lucky enough to say that i get good product from eggs to meat to veggie

Answer 5

DEPENDING on how someone defines "organic" it can be VERY DANGEROUS and well "locally grown produce" does not tell you anything about how a crop was produced.

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