Organic vs. Conventional Food

When you walk through a grocery store, you might notice some foods are labeled organic. Organic food is grown without using artificial chemicals like pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Conventional food is grown using these chemicals to help crops grow and keep bugs away. Both types of food can be part of a healthy diet.

What Makes Food Organic

Organic farmers use natural methods to grow their crops. Instead of chemical pesticides, they use helpful insects to eat harmful bugs. They use natural fertilizers like compost to feed the soil. Organic animals are raised without antibiotics and are given organic feed. To be labeled organic, farms must follow strict rules set by the government.

Choosing Between Organic and Conventional

Organic food often costs more because it is harder to grow without chemicals. Some people choose organic food because they want to avoid pesticides. Others prefer conventional food because it costs less. Scientists say both organic and conventional fruits and vegetables are nutritious and good for you. The most important thing is to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables no matter which type you choose.

Fun Facts

• Organic farming has been around for thousands of years, long before chemical farming was invented.
• The organic food market in the United States is worth over 60 billion dollars a year.
• Organic farms often have more types of insects and birds living on them.

Did You Know?

Before synthetic chemicals were invented in the 1900s, all food was technically organic!