Organic
Labeling term for products produced through approved methods:
-Integrate culture, biological and mechanical practices
-Foster cycling of resources
-Promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity.
DO NOT USE:
synthetic fertilizers
sewage sludge
irrad
USDA
United States Department of agriculture
-Regulate farmers, distributers, and traders of organic products and their labeling
Certifies and controls using policy and inspecting.
GMO
[genetically modified organism] an organism that has acquired one or more genes by artificial genes.
Transgenic
Pertaining to an individual plant or animal whose genome contains a gene introduced from another organism, either from the same or a different species.
Biodynamic agriculture
Style of orgainic viticulture following methods by Rudolf Steiner, a Australian philosopher.
Special composts, specific preparations, and plants activators are used. Utilize plant material to promote growth of crop. Grow self propelling crops
Chemicals ar
Permaculture
A design system that encompasses both "permanent agriculture" and "permanent culture." It recognizes, first, that all living systems are organized around energy flows. It teaches people to analyze existing energy flows (sun, rain, money, human energy) thr
How does the government define organic farming and production?
A whole system approach based upon a set of processes resulting in a sustainable ecosystem, safe food, good nutrition, animal welfare, and social justice. Organic is therefore more than a system of production that includes or excludes certain inputs.
What terms does the USDA regulate the use of
Free Range- Animal has shelter, food, water, and access to outdoors
Cage Free- Animal able to freely roam a building or enclosed area and unlimited access to water and food
Grass fed- Majority of animals diet was from grass. Organic fed may supplement wit
which terms by the USDA are unregulated?
Natural- Refers to processing of food.
Pasture-raised
Humane
If a food has the USDA organic seal is it 100% organic?
Organic Label=95% or more of organic content
Does organic mean non-GMO?
Yes
genetically modified foods
Foods that are mostly products of organisms that have had their genes altered in a laboratory for specific purposes, such as disease resistance, increased productivity, or nutritional value allowing growers greater control, predictability, and efficiency.
Which crops are typically genetically modified?
soybeans, corn, cotton, canola, and alfalfa
Which countries are primarily producing these crops?
USA, Brazil, China and Mexico
What are the benefits and controversies of using GM foods?
Concerns:
Human and environmental safety
Allergen transfer
Labeling and consumer choice (not mandatory)
Intellectual property rights
Ethics (tampering with nature, consuming animal genes, stress on animal)
Food security
Poverty reduction
Environmental con
How can the natural processes of an ecosystem be used to produce food? What happens to the soil with traditional farming methods? (Farm for the Future video)
Natural farming uses all the elements of an ecosystem instead of dumping synthetic chemicals on a farm to control pests and weeds. Combining crops that improve the soil and improve the crop is a method that is efficient and beneficial. Squash and corn is
How are bananas produced?
Bananas are unique as they are not able to sexually reproduce and are only still around due to the planting of existing banana tree shoots, done by man. The seeds that are inside a banana are not able to germinate and grow to become a tree, though the wil
In farming areas, what are the issues of soil and water contamination?
Organic farms are being affected by cross pollination of non organic farms. Monsanto
What does it mean to be Round-up Ready?
Monsanto is a company that created a corn and soya bean seeds that will not die when sprayed with roundup herbicide. This is a problem as roundup company is banking on the growers of crops and offer them deals (such as replacing the seeds if the crop is d
How can sustainable farming benefit wildlife and soil? Is it more biodiverse? Are the crop yields of organic farms different than traditional farming? Are these farms profitable?
Sustainable farming is beneficial to wildlife as it does not destroy the organic matter in the soil, allowing worms and insects to improve the crop and soil and become a food source for birds and other predators. The soil is also richer in nitrogen, lower
Is there any evidence organic food is more nutritious?
No proof that it is more nutritious. Some studies say it IS, while other studies say it is not, and others say they are the same.
Know at least 5 of the dirty dozen and 5 of the clean 15 fruits and veggies.
Dirty Dozen (buy organic) Apples, celery, spinach, kale, blueberries
Clean fifteen (lowest in pesticides) onions, avocado, watermelon, grapefruit, and pineapple
Review the 4 myths in our reading about organic farming. Know the myths and some of the evidence used to describe why organic foods are good but may not be great in every circumstance. Is this supported by our other readings?
Myth #1: Organic Farms Don't Use Pesticides
Many organic pesticides that are also used by conventional farmers are used more intensively than synthetic ones due to their lower levels of effectiveness. It's not the use of pesticides, it's the origin of the
What do our readings say about the nutritional value of organic food vs. non-organic food?
Some readings say that there is a difference in nutrients found in organic food, as one study found there to be more calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper and zinc. But other studies also say it's a toss up. In the use of GMOS, organic is better, bu
Name the human health concerns with GM foods. What is the evidence to support these concerns?
The results of GM foods can be increase of anti-nutrients from the use of viral DNA which can possibly transfer of antibiotic resistant genes to bacteria in gastro tract, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and allergic transfers. Studies done on mic
Explain the global controversies over the use of GM products. Know several examples of countries that are debating this "business".
Controversies: Access- Domination of world food production, Dependence on developed countries, exploitation of natural resources.
Why does an 11 year old want to be a farmer? (be sure to watch the video)
The 11 year old wants to be a farmer because of the farming practices done in conventional farms. He learned about the GM food having health impacts on the kidney of rats and that there are alternatives to growing food without the use of synthetic pestici
Is organic food more beneficial than conventional food? Use examples from a personal and an environmental view.
Organic Farming: Enhances soil structure, conserves water, conserves biodiversity. Usually increases species richness by 30%. Positive response from birds, predatory insects, soil organisms and plants. More effective in energy use. More resilient (able to
How does industrial farming promote conditions of herbicide persistence? How does it lessen them?
Industrial farming can promote conditions of herbicide persistence by applying too much of a herbicide, applying the herbicides later in the growing season, and applying the herbicide by means of mechanical incorporation, broadcast application. These fact
What are elements of conventional agriculture?
genetic modification+monoculture (shortens amount of time needed for planting and harvesting)
High input of fertilizers and high crop yield
Shortened development time=multiple crops each season
1/5 of GDP and jobs in US and main exporter of grain
Challeng
Where is organic food sold?
50% conventional stores
40% Natural food stores
10% local markets
Concerns with conventional farming
Run-off
impacts on soil and water contamination from pesticides
Physical structure:
- rows and channels causing erosion, water contamination and problems with drainage
What are the concerns with the Salten Sea?
Salten sea is a lake in California that is a main source of water for migrating birds. It is the largest inland body of water in CA. The concern is the run off from agriculture into the water, which contains salt and chemicals. The contamination could imp