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On Health: Consumer demand for organic still growing

Although certified organic farms make up only about 1.8 per cent of all the farms in Canada, almost 60 per cent of Canadians are choosing organic goods weekly, according to the Canada Organic Trade Association.
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Joyce Chang.

Although certified organic farms make up only about 1.8 per cent of all the farms in Canada, almost 60 per cent of Canadians are choosing organic goods weekly, according to the Canada Organic Trade Association.

The organic concept began slowly in Canada in the 1950s and took off at the turn of the century, tripling the number of organic farms.

From alcohol to clothing to pet food, consumer demand for organic grew quickly and is expected to keep increasing. Do you buy organic foods? Should you buy organic food if you currently aren’t?

In 2009, the Canadian government set strict regulations for domestic and imported organic products. A “Canada Organic” logo certifies the product as at least 95 per cent organic.

Health Link B.C. states that organic crops are not treated with synthetic (man-made) fertilizers or pesticides, irradiation, antibiotics, or growth hormones, and are not genetically modified.

Organic livestock are only fed organic feed and aren’t treated with antibiotics or hormones.

Surveys show that over half of our population think that organic farming helps our environment.

Sustainable practices are important for the health of our land; methods such as crop rotation and composted manure can keep our soil healthy and protect water supplies, as well as decrease energy use, erosion, and pollution.

Biodiversity and animal welfare may be improved with different handling procedures.

From an economic standpoint, organic farmers also stand to earn more than conventional farmers. Despite higher labour costs and lowered yield, consumers are willing to pay anywhere from 10 to 50 per cent more for organic products (Frédéric Forge, lead analyst, House of Commons Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food).

As for the potential health benefits of choosing organic, advocates stress that lower amounts of pesticide residues benefits children. Farmers may decrease their exposure to possible carcinogens by switching to natural pesticides like plant oils and soap.

According to Dietitians of Canada, some organic fruits and vegetables have been found to have higher amounts of vitamin C, phosphorus, phytochemicals, and may taste better as they may be fresher.

With all these reasons, you might be convinced to go organic without looking at evidence from other sources. Sustainable farming practices aren’t limited to organic farmers – conventional farms may use the same principles and methods even though they aren’t certified. For example, crop rotation is used in both organic and conventional farming to improve soil fertility.

Pesticide use is tightly regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Scientific reviews of environmental and health impacts of pesticides are thoroughly examined before pesticides are approved.

Health Canada’s Consumer Health Safety explains that maximum residue limits are set for each individual pesticide according to it’s breakdown rate, where it will be used, and other factors.

CFIA accounts for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women and considers total amounts consumed over a lifetime.

Limits are set substantially lower than levels that would cause harm.

Inspectors ensure that both imported and domestic products meet the standards – violations can lead to prosecution and seizing or rejecting of the product.

CFIA reports in 2006/2007 show that these policies are upheld as over 99 per cent of Canadian and imported products had pesticides much lower than the limits.

In fact, in 89-90 per cent of both foods, no residue was found at all.

It is also important to note that there are no real barriers between farms, organic farmers are not able to promise that foods are 100 per cent free of pesticides. Unfortunately, contamination may still occur through soil, water, or wind.

Due to scary images of deformed cows circulating the Internet, many are wary of the words ‘growth hormones’ and ‘antibiotics’.

According to Eat Right Ontario, growth hormones may be used by Canadian beef producers to increase muscle growth and decrease fat tissue. Health Canada states that research has not found these hormones to negatively affect human health, and that this method makes beef more affordable and healthy for consumers.

Did you know that all animals and plants naturally produce hormones anyway? In addition, growth hormones are not used in Canadian dairy cows, poultry, and pork.

Both hormone and antibiotic use in livestock is strictly regulated like the previously mentioned limits.

For example, Dairy Farmers of Canada affirms that it is illegal to sell milk from cows on antibiotics – the milk must be thrown out.

Organic and conventional farming are held to the same standard of health and hygiene practices. Dietitians of Canada’s stance is that although some organic foods may have slightly higher amounts of specific nutrients, these do not make a significant difference when considering the diet as a whole. There is also not enough research to suggest that organic foods are better for kids, according to Health Link BC.

With around four million food insecure Canadian households (Dietitians of Canada), some people may not have access to or cannot afford organic food, which costs on average $17.50 more per week (Canada Organic Trade Association).

If you do want to go organic, remember to look for the Canada Organic logo, as words like “natural” and “GMO-free” don’t always mean the same thing.

Health authorities recommend washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before you eat them, organic or otherwise. There are many great reasons to go organic, but just as many reasons not to- as a consumer you now have the knowledge to decide for yourself.

Joyce Chang is a graduate of the dietetics program at McGill University and has experience in clinical and community nutrition in hospitals and schools (joyce.yile.chang@gmail.com).