| The society of today is one that | | | | much thought is given to additives when |
| struggles to find its balance when it | | | | we encounter fruits and vegetables in |
| comes to living a healthy lifestyle. We | | | | the grocery store, the truth is that |
| are bombarded on a daily basis with the | | | | insufficient research has been done |
| newest and best products on the market | | | | regarding the long term effects of these |
| all designed to help us achieve maximum | | | | chemicals on the human body. |
| health. But for many who have traveled | | | | The same holds true for agricultural and |
| this road many a time, the answer is | | | | dairy farming practices. While |
| simple; a healthy lifestyle begins and | | | | agricultural and dairy farmers |
| ends with a nutritious diet rich in | | | | traditionally feed their livestock |
| whole foods. But while we may know the | | | | supplements and hormones to speed their |
| types of food we should be eating - | | | | growth and milk production, organic |
| fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and | | | | farmers do just the opposite. Animals |
| whole grains - we are now faced with | | | | are given only organic feed and are not |
| another choice - that of organic food. | | | | subjected to chemicals or hormones of |
| Ask any organic food enthusiast and they | | | | any kind. |
| will happily tell you the health | | | | Organic food has benefits that extend to |
| benefits of organic food. And when faced | | | | the environment as well. Organic farming |
| with the information it's difficult to | | | | means that the ground is not subjected |
| ignore the substantial differences | | | | to chemical or pesticide run-off. |
| between organic food and that food that | | | | Organic farmers are strongly committed |
| is grown or produced in a traditional | | | | to the environment and their product is |
| environment. | | | | only considered certified organic food |
| Organic food is grown and raised by a | | | | if they adhere to strict government |
| group of committed organic farmers | | | | regulations. |
| working within strictly enforced | | | | Organic food can mean significant |
| government guidelines. Produce that is | | | | benefits for your health and that of |
| grown organically is done so without the | | | | those you love. Additionally, it shows a |
| use of pesticides or chemical additives. | | | | dedication to the environment and the |
| Chemicals and pesticides are, however, | | | | future of the planet. |
| used on traditional farms. And while not | | | | |