Talking Organic

Organic foods are those which do not have any additives or preservatives during the entire production process, not even pesticides or fertilizers during growth. In case of livestock this means that no growth hormones or antibiotics are used. This is made possible by using techniques such as crop rotation and hardened varieties.

Although such kind of food has been around for centuries the term ‘organic food’ gained currency only during the 1960’s.Historically almost all food that was grown was organic. Families growing food in gardens in their homes is an example. This is almost an extinct practice today.

Lately, organic food has seen a growth that is a revolution of sorts. Not only has the awareness of its existence but also its availability soared. Organic foods are now available off the shelf in stores all around. For instance Whole Foods Market grocery chain, the United States and Canada have access to over 196 stores that offer gourmet deli’s, organic vitamins, and even organic towels. They can even be ordered online 24 X 7 from the internet in some cases.

All this has been made possible the practice of organically growing food products has moved into the commercial farming domain. It is now primarily grown for selling rather than personal consumption. It has thus become a huge source of revenue. In the United States alone organics bring in close to $29 billion a year. Although not large compared to the entire grocery market, this is still a figure to be content with. And as the trend is in a upswing this will only rise.

The most attractive aspect of organic food is of course the health benefits that appeal to all age groups. With none of the artificial additives that have become so prevalent organics provide all nutrients in their pristine form.

Even governments across the world have shown support for organic food to rid their countries of many evils associated with conventional farming. Germany minister wants to make 20 percent of its agriculture organic by 2010, and Denmark’s agriculture minister is herself an organic farmer.