Most farming relies heavily on artificial chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Around 350 pesticides are permitted, and it's estimated that 4.5billion litres of them are used annually. While there are Government rules about accepted levels of pesticide residues in our food, there can be concerns about their long-term effect. Agrochemicals and artificial fertilizers can harm the environment too.
Organic agriculture is carried out to a set of legally defined standards. Producers then pay to have their produce monitored and certified by one of several organic organisations, of which the Bristol-based Soil Association is by far the largest in the UK.
Organic farming strictly limits the use of artificial chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Antibiotics for animals are kept to an absolute minimum. Instead it emphasises farming methods such as crop rotation to keep the soil healthy and natural pest-control systems. Genetically modified crops are forbidden. Organic bodies also demand more space for animals and higher welfare standards.
Food safety is a major concern in China. Many prohibited chemical pesticides and fertilizers are still widely used in farming. Even with government approved pesticides, there are still large amount of residues in the vegetables you take every day. Chemical pesticides are by design poisons and can cause non-reversible damage to human body and health. Pesticides have been implicated in birth defect, nerve damages and genetic mutation. The average child has 4 times as much exposure than an adult to at least 10 widely used cancer causing pesticides in food!
Organic products are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, hormones or antibiotics. Certified organic foods are also not irradiated and do not contain generically modified organisms. There are many benefits using organic food:
1. Organic products meet stringent standards
Organic certification is the public’s assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without persistent toxic chemical inputs.
2. Organic food tastes great!
It’s common sense – well-balanced soils produce strong, healthy plants that become nourishing food for people and animals.
3. Organic production reduces health risks
Many approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent any more of these chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us.
4. Organic farmers work in harmony with nature
Organic agricultural respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas.
When you choose organic, you’re protecting yours and your loved one’s health, improving the quality of life, and helping to protect the environment.
Join Helekang.com membership and enjoy the finest organic food and a healthy and happy lifestyle that is in harmony with nature.