So, let’s add up the points on the pros and cons of organic food:
When we look at the costs, it is clear who wins. Non-organic farms and organic farms cost about the same to run, yet organic food can cost over 75% more in the stores. Organic food is still seen in many areas as a fad, and business owners want to make a few bucks off this trend before it goes out the window. As organic food becomes more popular though, we see that price is steadily leveling out as well. It is only a matter of time until organic food prices drop to normal levels. Currently, however, non-organic food gets the win in price.
In safety, I would have to give the win to organic foods. Organic foods avoid synthetic toxins that are known to build up instead of breakdown and can cause cancers and other illnesses. While it is true that organic foods produce their own toxins, and natural fertilizers can hold dangerous bacteria such as E.coli, these are natural poisons that can be avoided with proper care and, not to mention, are natural bacteria and toxins that have been around for millennia. Take care to wash your food and only eat ripe foods fresh and you will not need to worry about food poisoning from organic food items.
Next, we look at nutrition. This is a tie between non-organic and organic foods. Multiple studies have shown that on a nutritional level they are at an impasse.
Finally, the environmental impact is a landslide victory for organic foods. Industrial farms are one of the leading causes of pollution in our world today. The only way to fight back is to stop supporting them by not buying their products.
In the end, it is up to the consumer consider the pros and cons of organic food and to think if organic foods are worth the price or not. If the trend continues as it is, we will see organic foods continue to take over the market. Read up on how to eat better here.
References:
History of Organic Culture, https://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/history-organic-agriculture (accessed August 12, 2018).
Sustainable Table — Organic Agriculture, http://www.sustainabletable.org/253/organic-agriculture (accessed August 12, 2018).
I compared the price of organic and regular items at Whole Foods — here’s what I found, https://www.businessinsider.com/cost-comparison-of-organic-and-regular-food-2015-8/?IR=T/#strawberries-1 (accessed August 12, 2018).