News for Families & Consumers
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Lincoln County Monty Stephens

Have you noticed all of the new products out on the grocery store market shelf with an organic label? From organic free range chicken, grass fed beef, organic fruits and vegetables and many other products that we eat everyday can be produced as organic.

So what is organic farming? Well, organic farming is an environmentally responsible approach to producing high quality food and fiber. Basically it means using farming and ranching techniques and materials that conserve and build the soil resource, pollute little and encourage a healthy diverse agro ecosystem. In addition, organic farming must maintain its organic integrity that prevents contamination of organic production. In other words synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are prohibited.

The organic craze phenomenon has grown by leaps and bounds over the last couple years. The reason for this explosion is that consumers are more health conscience about their diets. People actually want to know what they are eating, where it comes from, who produces it and how it was produced. Secondly, it gives smaller growers the opportunity to market their product against larger competitors. Thirdly, organic food production is a niche market.

I have been asked quite a few questions about organic farming but two questions in particular is why does it cost more to purchase organic food products than conventional food products? And are there any distinct differences between organic and regular produced food items that we purchase from the grocery store? These are some questions that can be answered.

Organic food production does cost more due to more labor and management input and those costs are past on to the consumer. Organic food products have some taste differences but always a person's taste buds are the deciding factor. As for me there are some slight differences in taste comparing conventional to organic food products but nothing major.

Buying and consuming organic food products are a choice for you and me and I'm glad we have that choice. However, there is nothing wrong with conventional food products that we purchase from our local grocery store. The only problem I see is that we have to be more conscience about keeping our environment safe and clean.

If you would like more information about organic farming or becoming a certified organic producer please don't hesitate to call me at (706) 359 3233 or stop by the Lincoln Co. Extension Office at 248 North Peachtree Street Lincolnton Ga. 30817.