| There is lots of information around about the | | | | organic production. It is madness that we would |
| benefits of organic produce. Not only is it better for | | | | import organic olives oil from Italy or Spain in the |
| the environment because production does not use | | | | belief that it is better for the environment when we |
| harmful synthetic chemicals but it often tastes better | | | | have amazing organic olive groves in Australia and an |
| because the food is fresh and in season. | | | | enormous range of products to choose from. |
| But is it better to buy organic produce or local | | | | There are also circumstances when non-organic food |
| produce? Should we support organic producers who | | | | and products may be just as an |
| have taken steps to adopt more sustainable | | | | environmentally-friendly choice, or even better. There |
| practices that reduce the use of petro-chemicals and | | | | are many small local producers who grow their own |
| pesticides, or should we support local farmers? | | | | produce for their products and although not certified |
| It is a fair question and one with no right or wrong | | | | organic, farm in accordance with organic and |
| answer. | | | | biodynamic principles and not do use pesticides or |
| Organic food and other products like cotton are | | | | other chemicals. They may make their own products |
| beneficial in that they are produced with more | | | | and not use preservatives or other additives. Local |
| sustainable practices. Organic production does not | | | | farmers markets are a great way to find many |
| cause the pollution of our waterways from chemical | | | | amazing products that are direct from the farmer. |
| runoff or the degradation of soil content from | | | | Buying locally in this way supports these small |
| chemical burnout. Organic production does not require | | | | producers, creating demand for their products which |
| thousands of the worlds poorest and most vulnerable | | | | may eventually lead them to becoming certified |
| workers to work in appalling conditions, exposing | | | | organic. And the money you spend stays in the local |
| themselves and their families to toxic chemical | | | | community. |
| exposure and the risk of disease and premature | | | | The ideal situation is to buy organic and local food. |
| death. | | | | We are lucky enough in Australia to have so much |
| However, it s arguable that there may be less | | | | choice and easy access to quality fresh, local and |
| environmental benefit from organic products if we | | | | organic food. |
| are importing organic food from say, Europe.The | | | | Food for thought. Ultimately, the choice is yours to |
| environmental impact of transporting the products | | | | make. |
| may outweigh the benefit achieving through the | | | | |