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1. It's healthy
On average, organic food contains higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants.
2. No nasty additives
Out of hundreds of food additives approved for use, only 43 are permitted in organic food. Unlike additives used in non-organic food, none of the additives used in organic food production are considered harmful.
3. Avoids pesticides
Organic growing practices prohibit synthetic insecticides, fungicides and herbicides used routinely on non-organic food crops. More than 311 of these pesticides are used routinely used in non-organic farming and residues often are present in non-organic food. Many organic farms grow an assorted range of crops taking natural elements and biodiversity into account to protect their crops.
4. No GM
Genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are not allowed under organic standards. GM crops such as corn and soy are used to feed non organic livestock that produce much, if not most, of the nonorganic pork, bacon, milk cheese and other dairy products in supermarkets.
5. Reliance on drugs removed
Antibiotic additives routinely added to animal food to speed animal growth are linked with bacterial resistance in humans to the same or closely related antibiotics. USDA organic standards ban such use of antibiotics.
6. No hidden costs
While organic foods might seem more expensive, non-organic food prices do not reflect hidden costs born by taxpayers in federal subsidies. Other hidden costs include pesticide regulation and testing, hazardous waste disposal and clean-up, and environmental damage. The EPA says that pesticides contaminate the groundwater throughout much of the United States, polluting the primary source of drinking water for more than half of the country's population. Organic practices eliminate polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching and use practices that build healthy soils.
7. Protect farm worker health
While pesticides may pose health risks to you, the risks are far greater for field workers. According to a National Cancer Institute study, farmers exposed to herbicides had a six-times greater risk than non-farmers of contracting cancer. Field workers suffer the highest rates of occupational illness in California.
8. Care for animals
Animal welfare is taken very seriously under organic standards. No system of farming has higher levels of animal welfare standards than organic farms adhering to organic standards.
9. Preserve our Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Overall, organic farming supports more wildlife than non-organic farming. It preserves biodiversity, reduces pollution from chemicals, and produces less carbon dioxide gas — the main global warming gas — with less dangerous waste.
10. Top for taste
Well-balanced soils produce strong, healthy plants that become nourishing food for people and animals. This could be because organic fruit and vegetables tend to grow more slowly and have a lower water content, which may contribute to their fuller flavor.
content from the Organic Consumers Association and the Organic Trade Association
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