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Why organic?
Today everyone knows about the necessity to take
economically and commercially decisions which take into consideration the
effects on the environment.
Agriculture represents the activity of the human being
which is directly connected with the soil, the world of the plants and of
the animals. In the last decades the industrialized agriculture has
developed great quantitative improvements, which often interact in a grave
and negative with the natural balance.The consume of biological and
organic products allows an agricultural system which guaranties the
natural balance not only for our but also for the further generations.
Q: What does the term "organic food" means?
A: These are products which derive from organic agriculture. The
biological method uses only fertilizer from animal and plant manure
preventing the leaching of nutrients from the soil and the contamination
of the ground water. Instead of pesticides agricultural methods are used
which support the soil's fertilisation and the salvation of the ecosystem
keeping the balance between different kinds of plants and animals. In
further food processing no preservatives, colourings or other chemical
additives are used which are normally found in today's food. These method
is different to the "industrial" production which has the
tendency to pursue low costs and high returns instead of product quality
and the environmental protection and safety.
Q: We hear about natural, whole food…but what are the differences?
A: natural food
"Natural" is an advertisement catch phrase, often used to
poetically recall of the good old times, of the tasty things of yesterday.
But despite these nice imagines often these well sold products are very
different from their presentation. What does "natural" mean?
There isn't either a law which definite the meaning of "natural"
nor a practical use.
A: whole foods
In general whole foods means "unprocessed". For example a grain
of wheat is whole when the outer skin hasn't been peeled (bran). Whole
food products are derived from organic and conventional farming with the
consequence that the term "whole food" can be misleading because
it doesn't specify what farming method was used.
A: organically produced food
As we have seen above organic food means products which are produced in
accordance with European Community laws:
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escludono l'uso di sostanze chimiche di sintesi;
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only organic manure, natural remedies and the
techniques of careful processing methods are used
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there are controls by specialised organisations
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the use of the word organic is only allowed when the
products have passed certain controls, which guaranty certain criteria.
A: biodynamic food
These products have all the characteristics of the organic products and
must pass the same controls. Biodynamic agriculture, originated from
Rudolf Steiner, was developed through long term experimentation and sees
agriculture as a self-contained evolving organism and takes in
consideration the planetary rhythms. This method uses all the techniques
of organic farming plus some other techniques like ready made biodynamic
preparations, not in contradiction to the organic method.
Q: More precisely, what's the aim of the organic method?
A: This method was born quite a few years ago out of the convicting
that it is possible to produce food in a way that respects the environment
and the human beings and which integrates an environmentally and
economically sustainable system of agriculture. Little by little the
method was better defined and is now finally regulated by the EC Council
Regulation 2092/92.
The key characteristics of organic production include:
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to be declared organic the products must be cultivated in soil which for
at least 2 years is free from chemical inputs prior to organic production.
The transitional period from conventionally to organically farming is
called conversion period;
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the soils must be physically separated of organic
and non-organic produce;
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the use of chemo-synthetic fertilizers is prohibited.
The ground is kept fertile through crop selection and rotation, organic
manuring and permitted organically materialè proibito l'uso di concime
chimico;
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the use of pesticides is prohibited. Diseases and
pest of plants are combated with natural methods and natural predators;
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animal welfare is supported with respect to
nutrition, housing etc. and natural remedies;
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to avoid a contamination during the packing and
transport special procedures are used;
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every phase of the production (from cultivation to
processing to packing) is subject to controls.
The producers who believe in this method are constantly
trying to improve their work and particularly in this moment they are very
alert to the concerns of the genetic engineering.
Q: which position is taken on genetic engineering?
A: The IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture
Movements), which aims to provide a network between the organisations,
producers, entities of controls etc. which deal with the organic farming,
has banned all products deriving from genetic engineering. All over the
world the control organisations battle for the security of free food. The
producers work against genetically engineered food by controlling the
deliveries of seed and raw material.
Q: who is carrying out the controls?
A: The controls are the guaranties for the consumer. The controls are
carried out by inspection authorities throughout special techniques and
specialised laboratories. Every inspection body has a code number which is
written on the label. In Italy there are now 9 registered Organic
Certification Bodies: Aiab, Codex, Bioagriccop, Ecocert, Suolo e salute,
Ccpb, Imc, QC&L, Bios.
Q: What has to be written oh the label?
A: To have the word "Organic" as part of the product
description or on any written declarations outside the ingredient panel, a
product must have not less than 95% of it's agricultural raw materials
produced or grown organically (i.e. "Organic Biscuits") In Italy
these further information have to appear on the label:
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Organic farming-EEC Control System
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controlled by…
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the relevant Minister authorisation
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i code number of the relevant inspection authority
or body
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code number of the producer
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number of printing authorisation of the label
Q: Are biodynamic products also controlled?
A: The products from biodynamic production are subjected to the same
control system as the organic products. Over and above that the trademark
"Demeter" guarantees to the consumer that the certified product
has been produced according to the internationally recognised guideline
for biodynamic agriculture.
Q: Organic and biodynamic nutrition- whom does it serve in particular?
A: For those who have a heart for their own health
The organic products aren't anymore only advised to sick persons or diet
patients but to all who pursue their own personal health and well being
and those of their loved ones.
For the children
In the first years of life the bases of the equilibrium and metabolism are
formed. So the first rule has to be a nutritious and well-balanced
nutrition which contains proteins, vitamins, minerals. The second rule is
to be always sure what we feed our children. In a developing body, toxic
food can cause unbearable effects. For this the organic nutrition serves
as a formidable friend for healthy and secure growth.
For athletics
Whoever plays sports knows about the importance of food quality.
Specialized diets can be of help, but above all it is necessary to have a
light, nutritious, balanced diet to keep one healthy.
For the allergic patients
Allergies are increasing in a alarming way. It concerns the expression of
the defence of the immune system. The main causes are the pesticides, the
use of chemical compositions in agriculture and the diminution of food
quality. Eating organic food can be a healthful way of protection for
allergic patients as a form of prevention for those who still doesn't
suffer from allergies.
For those who have a heart for the environment
By buying organic products everyone contributes to protection and curing
of the ecosystem and helps to develop a conservation-conscious branch of
industry.
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