The term organic refers to the way in which agricultural products, including food and fiber, are grown and processed. Organic foods are derived from sustainable farming practices that maintain  and replenish soil fertility without the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers. These foods are minimally processed and do not include artificial ingredients or preservatives.

While conventional farms rely heavily on pesticides, prevention is the organic farmer's primary strategy  for disease, weed, and pest control. If pests do get the upper hand, organic growers use various methods for bug control, including insect predators, mating disruption, traps, and barriers. In some cases, botanical or other non persistent pest controls may be used under restricted conditions.

When you buy organically certified foods, you're ensured your produce will be free of pesticides, genetic engineering, synthetic hormones and antibiotics - all of which have very harmful effects on the planet and the human body.

by Lara Evans Bracciante