organic foods
Organic farming began in the late 1940's in the United States, and in recent years it has seen a dramatic increase in popularity (Rubin 1). The sales of organic foods have been increasing by about 20 percent a year over the past decade (Marcus 1). That is over ten times the rate of their conventional counterparts (Harris 1). There are 10 million consumers of organic food in the United States, yet organic food represents only one percent of the nation's food supply. This year organic food sales are expected to rise to six billion dollars (Rubin 1). So what are organic foods? Organic foods are those which are grown without hormones, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers. Also, the soil in which organic foods are grown must be "clean" for three years (Howe 4). Nearly 70 percent of the American public believes that the organic label on food products means they are safer to eat and better for the environment according to a survey by the National Center for Public Policy (Cummins 1). Organic farming does have its advantages. It conserves water and soil resources, recycles animal waste, releases fewer chemicals, improves soil fertility, promotes diversity of crops, and protects farm workers,
Agricultural Secretary Dan Glickman states that organic foods are no more wholesome or nutritious than conventional foods (Marcus 1). Although organic foods are almost completely free from synthetic chemicals found in synthetic foods, they are no richer in vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. They are not less likely to make a person sick either (Marcus 2). The higher grocery price only buys a person peace of mind, not better nutrition. The cost of organic foods can be 20 percent to 50 percent more than conventional foods due to limited supply, special handling, and required certification (Rubin 1). All organic foods must be produced without synthetic pesticides and genetic engineering. The use of sewage sludge as fertilizer and irradiating food to preserve it will be banned also, as will hormones and antibiotics in organic meat and dairy products (Marcus 1). Not using these technologies makes organic farming more labor intensive, therefore making organic foods more expensive. Vegetables You Buy?" Country Living March 1998: 1-7.
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1582
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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