1. Healthy soil and water <\/p>\n
Organic standards require a program of soil building, which protects against soil erosion and water pollution. A healthy soil promotes vigorous soil life that, in turn, breaks down minerals and makes a complex meal of nutrients available to growing plants. Synthetic fertilizers deliver the three primary nutrients needed for plant growth, but leave out the diverse micronutrients that lead to plant vigor and health. <\/p>\n
2. No genetic engineering <\/p>\n
Organic standards prohibit use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for seed or stock. The U.S. government has allowed the development and release of many GMOs into the environment and food system. Until compulsory GMO labeling is adopted in this country, buying certified organic is the best guarantee of no genetic engineering in food. <\/p>\n
3. No growth hormones <\/p>\n
Organic standards prohibit the use of growth hormones. U.S. government regulations permit hormone use in conventional livestock operations to increase the size or rate of gain of animals raised for meat, or to stimulate production of animal products like milk. <\/p>\n
4. No antibiotics <\/p>\n
Organic standards prohibit routine use of antibiotics in livestock operations. U.S. government regulations permit conventional animals to be routinely fed sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotics to promote growth and prevent disease from their overcrowded conditions. Antibiotics may only be administered to an organic animal when the animal is sick and needs treatment. Such animals may then no longer be marketed as organic. <\/p>\n
5. No pesticides <\/p>\n
Organic standards prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, exposure to which has been linked with a number of serious human diseases. U.S. government regulations allow such pesticides, although setting limits for application rates in the field and residue levels on food. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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5 reasons to eat organic<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"