Why people buy organic
Some people appreciate that organic foods promote a healthier and more sustainable use of the environment, and more humane treatment of animals. Also, some people worry about the possible long term health, economic and environmental consequences of GM foods and prefer to support an industry that does not use GM techniques.
Organic Food – a philosophy
The word that helps give shape to both organic & biodynamic principles is: ‘philosophy’. Simply, organic & biodynamic farming is a philosophy of working the land in harmony with nature. Traditional farming methods such as crop rotation, soil health, animal manures are all common practices that farmers adopt in order to achieve healthy & full flavoured produce.
Animal welfare and environmental stability are also important issues for the organic farmer. Eggs and chickens, for example, are produced from free range farming practices as opposed to battery / caged style. Organic farmers avoid synthetic chemicals (such as pesticides and artificial fertilisers) and GM components.
‘Organic’ and ‘Biodynamic’ are words that penetrate at a deep level for converted consumers and producers. They are words that express a philosophy towards life, a way of living that respects plants, animals and human beings on this planet. By supporting organic & biodynamic farmers and producers we are undertaking a commitment to our own health, our family’s health and the health of the planet
What is Certified Organic?
Organic certification is a certification process for producers of organic food and other organic agricultural products. The Australian Organic Standard covers all aspects of farm management to ensure a sustainable farming system, including: Broadacre Cropping, Horticulture, Livestock, Seed/Greenhouse Production, Wild harvest, Aquaculture, Farm Forestry and Plant Raising/Nurseries.
In Australia there are a number of certifying bodies. These include:
ACO: Australian Certified Organic
NASAA: National Association for sustainable Agriculture
OGA: Organic Growers of Australia
Demeter: biodynamic certification body
Realgoodfood organic products are certified with ACO. Our processes, ingredients and packaging details are checked annually by ACO auditors and we proudly display the ACO certification logo as evidence of our affiliation.
Biodynamic food – ‘organic food with soul’
The ‘biodynamic’ movement came into being in the 1920’s through the work & writing of the Austrian philosopher, Rudolph Steiner. In the final 6 months of his life, Steiner conceptualised “Biodynamics”: a philosophical approach towards the life force of an organism & the cyclical natural of an eco-system.
Biodynamic farming is considered a more holistic approach to the land and farming that sees soil and land connected to a larger ecosystem. There is a spiritual connection between the food we grow and the land that feeds us and this connection is at the foundation of the farmer’s thought. An example of this is the role the moon plays in determining the timing of sowing seeds & raising plants. Farming in accordance with the moon phases is a core principle of biodynamics.
Biodynamic food is grown with particular composts, preparations and natural activating substances. The flavour of biodynamic food is intense and full of life, which is why biodynamic food is often referred to as ‘organic food with soul’.
For further reading on the philosophy behind biodynamic farming, refer to the works of Rudolph Steiner or contact Demeter.
Wholefood
Wholefoods are those that are unprocessed and unrefined, or processed and refined as little as possible before being consumed. Wholefood predominantly covers: grains, nuts and seeds.
Unhulled seeds & grains contain such an abundance of nutrients & yet the irony of our modern lifestyle is that we have so little of this food in everyday life. The flavour & nutrients are removed from these foods in the name of convenience.
There is a growing range of wholegrain food now re-emerging in our diets: In addition to the more common grains of wheat, rice and oats, there is an even larger family of grains now receiving our attention: spelt, barley, amaranth, buckwheat, kamut, polenta and the ever growing popular quinoa. Wholegrains, seeds and nuts are designed to supply us with correct nutrients and energy in correct balance. They are perfect food and should take priority in our pantry.
The term “wholefood” is often confused with “organic food” (i.e. organically-grown food) but whole foods are not necessarily organic, nor are organic foods necessarily whole, although they do share a number of traits such as an avoidance of chemically-assisted agricultural techniques.
Superfood
Superfood is a term sometimes used to describe food with high phytonutrient content that some may believe confers health benefits as a result. For example, blueberries are often considered a superfood (or superfruit) because they contain significant amounts of antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fibre.
Generally, fruits and vegetables that are given a 'superfood' tag are high in antioxidants such as vitamin C. Flavonoids, responsible for the colour of dark fruits such as blueberries, and other phytochemicals such as betacarotene, are also known for their antioxidant properties, which is why brightly coloured fruit and vegetables are considered especially beneficial.