When it comes to making dirty money, there is always a subgroup of society that will abuse the system. This holds true with the organic produce industry.
Prices on these less contaminated food items sometimes cost up to twice the dollars of conventional produce. That is why there is a lot of money to be made by illicit growers.
Risk of fraud is possible with any business. This doesn’t mean you should stop purchasing these products.
Example below of a farm that got caught mixing conventional with organic herbs:
Organic Fraud With Herbs In California
Organic Versus Conventional:
Certified fields free from toxic contaminants for the past 3 years.
Lower environmental impact on land, air and water.
Produce has more available nutrients.
Contains more antioxidants than conventional.
Local farmers producing these precious foods will stay in business.
Cows, pigs and chickens will yield better quality products.
Psychological factor of serving your family less contaminated foods.
Is the extra cost of organic produce really worth it? Yes, especially for the Dirty Dozen Plus. The EWG (Environmental Working Group) published yearly updates of this list. These are the current produce culprits that you should replace with organic:
Yes, you will also find studies that show no benefit between organic and conventional foods. Look carefully at the study. See who is funding the research. Do the scientists have a monetary marketing point to make for their determined results?
The bottom line is that society as a whole does care about continuing contamination of Mother Earth. Part of the solution is organic farming and the support of consumers to purchase these products. Lowering the demand for conventional produce will ultimately decrease prices for organics. Please think about it.
Photo credit: snre / IWoman / CC BY
Photo credit: 401(K) 2013 / iWoman / CC BY-SA
Photo credit: Samuraijohnny / iW / CC BY-NC-SA
Categories: Food, Health, Nutrition, Science-Technology
Renovating Your Mind 
I do agree with you that organic stuff are more costlier. But in India, when these veggies are in supermarket the price is much higher than those sold directly at “Rythu Bazar” (Farmers market). I always pick veggies from them that stay fresh even when not kept in the refrigerator.
LikeLike
Wow! Love when you patronize local Farmer’s Markets. You give back to your community. As a result, you get a fresher, healthier product at a lower price. I try not to buy at the supermarket unless something is out of season. Then for that selection, I journey over to the frozen produce area. Produce is usually frozen right after it’s picked. Thanks Raastha. Appreciate your input. Rob
LikeLike