I was given this great video on organic farming. Takes about 5 minutes- Good info and easy to understand.
What is Organic?
Organic farming recognises the direct connection between our health and the food we eat. Strict regulations, known as ‘standards’, define what organic farmers can and cannot do – and place a strong emphasis on the protection of wildlife and the environment.
In organic farming:
• pesticides are severely restricted – instead organic farmer develop nutrient-rich soil to grow strong healthy crops and encourage wildlife to help control pests and disease
• artificial chemical fertilisers are prohibited – instead organic farmers develop a healthy, fertile soil by growing and rotating a mixture of crops using clover to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere
• animal cruelty is prohibited and a truly free-range life for farm animals is guaranteed
• the routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers is disallowed – instead the farmer will use preventative methods, like moving animals to fresh pasture and keeping smaller herd size
• the production and use of GM in animal feed is banned
Why does it sometimes cost more?
As the costs of farming with oil-based fertilisers and chemicals increase, the price gap between organic and non-organic is closing. Where there is a price difference, you are paying for the special care organic farmers place on protecting the environment and improving animal welfare.