What You Should Know About the Organic Food Industry

The organic food industry has had tremendous growth over the last fifteen years. Individuals have become more health savvy and have been demanding more of the foods that they eat, wanting to eat foods that are as close to their natural state as possible and free of any harmful chemicals. There have come to be more and more regulations on the organic food industry to ensure that the same standards are practiced by farmers in various states so that when an individual buys organic foods, he is sure to have the same quality no matter where he goes. One organization that has been formed for this oversight over the organic food industry is the Organic Trade Association. This organization promotes this standard application of the Organic Foods Production act.

The organic food industry does not use chemical fertilizers and pesticides on their plants but instead use natural means of fertilization and removing pests. There are different planting techniques as well as the use of insects and birds to reduce the amount of damage that is done to the plants, fruits and vegetables. With meat products, the farmers and ranchers use natural means of feeding them so that they are fed quality grains and are allowed to graze versus being penned up the majority of the time. They also refuse to use the hormones and other chemicals that are introduced to the animals in traditional ranching since they can have harmful effects on the people who eat them. These hormones are still in the meats in trace amounts as well as in dairy products so that the individuals who consume them are also ingesting the hormones. That means that children are developing more quickly than in the past because they have been affected by the hormones according to certain studies.

The organic food industry has also taken off due to the public health scares that have happened in the meat, fruit and vegetable industries in recent years due to the chemicals that have been used on and in them. People who are trying to eat healthier will turn to the organic food industry, paying the higher prices because they want foods that are as natural as possible for themselves and for their families. Often they will turn to raw food diets so that the fruits and vegetables are consumed as close to their natural states as possible, thus gaining the most nutrients out of the foods that are consumed.