Another grower-shipper in the South-west also questions the health benefits of organics over conventionally-grown produce. “Environmental Protection Agency standards for pesticide residue is a few parts per billion. We don’t believe there have been studies over a long enough period of time to bear out the advantages of organics.”
The environmental argument, however, extends beyond perceived health benefits for consuming organic foods. For some buyers, it’s more about sustainable or earth-friendly growing practices than the organic items themselves.
Beyond Organic: Biodynamic Growing
A growing method similar to organics is biodynamic farming, developed in Austria in the 1920s. Defined as a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, food, and nutrition, its aim is to create a diversified and balanced ecosystem with the ultimate goal of enhancing ecological, social, and economic sustainability.
To help maintain this balance, biodynamic growers utilize fertilizers made from fermented manure, minerals, and herbs with the belief that they improve the nutrition, quality, and flavor of the food. One of the more unusual practices is to work in cooperation with “the influences of the wider cosmos.”
While not in wide use within the United States, more domestic suppliers are sourcing from biodynamic farms. Biodynamic produce is not certified by the U.S. government, but according to standards created by Demeter Trade Association, Inc.
What Is and What Isn’t Organic
Even today, with organic products gaining more shelf space in retailers across the nation, there is still some debate over what is and isn’t organic. The USDA describes organic agriculture as “A set of cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that support ecological balance and conserve biodiversity. These include maintaining or enhancing soil and water quality; conserving wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife; and avoiding use of synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering.”
Canada and Mexico each have their own regulations, but must meet USDA standards to export and sell their organic products in the United States. They must also meet standards set by the European Union if they wish to ship organics there, which are even more stringent than those required by U.S. regulators.
A Competitive Future
In little over a decade, sales of organic produce have nearly tripled from $3.5 billion to nearly $15 billion annually. Organics are no longer a lifestyle choice for a particular segment of consumers, but represent a broader swath of the population as more shoppers—from all age groups and ethnicities—opt for these products.