Support organic for organic month

National Organic Month is a thirty-day-long annual celebration observed in September. It helps with promoting how organic farming and production improves the environment and ensures that the foods we eat are as close to their natural state as possible.

History of National Organic Month

The organic movement originated in the early 1900s in response to the early days of modern agriculture's trend toward synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and pesticides. A small group of farmers formed various organizations, that came together to form the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM,) founded in 1972. 

Environmental awareness has fueled demand and conversion to organic farming in recent years. Through agricultural subsidy reform, certain governments, particularly from the European Union, have moved to encourage organic farming. The urgency to transform our food systems has never been higher in the face of climate change, diet-related illness, and broad wildlife reduction. 

The Soil Association launched a month-long campaign in September 2013 called 'National Organic Month' or 'Organic September', to raise awareness of the various benefits of organic food and farming, which include; biological diversity and wildlife protection, contributing to the fight against climate change, reduced pesticide exposure, and high-quality food. Organic food sales exploded in the early 2000s as people realized the link between diet, health, and the environment. Clean labeling and transparency are becoming increasingly popular in the food and beverage industries  

Why National Organic Month is Important.

1. It's safe for the planet. 

2. Animal welfare and health. 

3. Encourages clean eating.

Organic agriculture is based on approaches that not only protect but also strive to promote environmental and animal health. Organic farming uses natural products and methods that build up the soil as opposed to depleting it of important nutrients. 

Organic farmers place a high value on animal welfare and raise their animals without using antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones. Organic farmers feed their animals 100% organic grain and provide them with safe, clean, cage-free living. 

Organic foods encourage clean and informed eating. With organic foods, you avoid putting chemicals, pesticides, growth boosters, and antibiotics into your body. 

Reasons To Eat Organic. 

Eating organic reduces the amount of chemicals in your diet namely persistent pesticides. The use of insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers, and weedkillers are strictly monitored in organic food production. Even if some organic farms do use pesticides, these pesticides are primarily derived from natural substances and must be approved for organic production. Learn more about this process from the Rodale Institute and find out why pesticides can't just be "washed off" here. 

By eating organic you also the best way to avoid GMO foods, ingredients and contamination. The use of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, is prohibited in organic products. This means an organic farmer can't plant GMO seeds, an organic cow can't eat GMO alfalfa or corn, and an organic food producers cannot use any GMO ingredients. To meet the USDA organic regulations, farmers and processors must show they aren't using GMOS, and that they are protecting their products from contact with prohibited substances from farm to table. 

There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in organic food, which means the cleaner your food, the cleaner your diet, which can aide into a healthier life. The issue with these synthetic additives, that are found in processed conventional foods, is that they can lead to many health problems. The hidden cost in this "cheap" food is the fees consumers are paying with their health — from diabetes to obesity, to ADHD, the food-related diseases are at an all-time high. 

Organic food contains more vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and micronutrients than conventionally raised food. In both children and adults, the higher levels of antioxidants found in certain organic foods can help with strengthening our immune systems and contribute to an overall better health. Plus, with the reduction in the number of pesticides in organic foods may also be good for healthier, clearer skin. Studies have shown that children have lower risk of eczema and allergies if fed primarily an organic diet. 

If you have been considering switching over or starting an organic diet, stop on by our store and check out our organic produce and other organic products we have to offer. We would love to show you all the organic products we have to offer this organic month and every month after!