Do you need to buy Organic?

Samantha
Aug 12, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Sep 18

In short: YES, purchase natural foods made of organic materials.

However, don't focus solely on the "Certified Organic" label when shopping—some farmers either cannot afford or opt not to pay the cost for obtaining CERTIFIED ORGANIC status.

In my farmhand career, I have worked on farms that were completely organic, but had no intention of becoming certified organic, just due to the added expense.

Organic at the farmer's market

It's no problem to speak to a farmer; ask them about their farming techniques. Ask them how big their operation is and if they spray—how often?

What about organic at the grocery store?

Here's one for you:

I bought organic potatoes from the grocery stores that never sprouted or grew mold.

I have bought standard non-organic potatoes and they grew beautiful long green sprouts- and yes I totally planted them in my garden!

Which potatoes do you think I went back to buy more of?

Regardless of their growing history or organic labels- I went back for the sprouters!

I think it is important to use our intuition and experience.

What do I mean by that?

Sometimes we love the the 'certified organic' brand, but sometimes the local or generic brand is a great buy.

We make an effort to shop at stores that offer brands aligning with our values. I think stressing over purchasing decisions can be more harmful than a layer of glyphosate!

What does the organic logo mean?

I believe the organic movement holds significant importance for Canadian agriculture. During our travels in Europe, we observed that terms like 'organic', 'grass-fed', and 'free-range' were often the norm. Here, however, we tend to pay extra for these options!

Expanding organic agriculture will reduce our exposure, as well as the environment's, to synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers. This should be a goal: to lower the toxic load on humans, prevent water contamination, protect ecosystems, reduce pollinator deaths, and boost biodiversity.

I particularly prefer to look for the organic label when purchasing packaged or processed foods. To me, it suggests that the brand cares a bit more, although it can sometimes mean higher prices and smaller quantities! So, it's not always worth it, haha! I also look for the GMO FREE logo on products—more on that here!

When something sports the Canadian Organic label shown above it means:

website linked -"use of land that has been free of synthetic chemicals and fertilizers for at least 3 years.
detailed record-keeping and regular audits, which means full food traceability - everything that goes into an organic product has to be documented and traceable.
routine on-site inspections"
In terms of products: "The logo can be used on products that are 95-100% organic. Products that are 70-95% organic may state that a product is "Made with Organic Ingredients".

There is also a list of permitted substances linked here from the Canadian website. Farmers may use the list as fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides.

Instead farmers must nourish the land via:

To wrap this post up..

I think the key to thriving is having access to whole, naturally grown and produced foods.

Our decision to seek out specific certifications is influenced by our income, shopping locations, and available options.

NIH tips:

Shop at local shops- e.g. the local butcher shoppe, bakery.
Find local brands- e.g local dairy brand, local cheeses, eggs, meat, etc. We like quality over quantity.
Set an alarm for the local farmer's market- affordabe fresh and in season produce!
We buy only what we need for the foreseeable meals to prevent waste and keep the price of our bills down.
Eat and structure our meals according to what foods need to be consumed to prevent waste.
Buy foods in bulk when they are either on sale or in season- then preserve them at home- e.g. chop up and freeze, ferment, make into sauce, jam etc.