Biodiversity is the variability of all living organisms -- including animal and plant species -- of the genes of all these organisms, and of the terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems of which they are part.
Biodiversity makes up the structure of the ecosystems and habitats that support essential living resources, including wildlife, fisheries and forests. It helps provide for basic human needs such as food, shelter, and medicine. It composes ecosystems that maintain oxygen in the air, enrich the soil, purify the water, protect against flood and storm damage and regulate climate. Biodiversity also has recreational, cultural, spiritual and aesthetic values. – J Randerson
According to the researchers, organic farming aids biodiversity by using fewer pesticides and inorganic fertilisers, and by adopting wildlife-friendly management of habitats where there are no crops, including strategies such as not weeding close to hedges, and by mixing arable and livestock farming.
Mixed farming particularly benefits some bird species. Lapwings, for example, nest on spring-sown crops, but raise their chicks on pasture. Intensive agriculture has been blamed for the 80% decline in lapwing numbers in England and Wales since the 1960s. One of the reviewed studies from the UK also points to benefits for bats. Foraging activity was up 84% on organic farms and two species, the greater and lesser horseshoe bats, were found only on organic farms.
The studies might even have underestimated the benefits to wildlife, says Phillip Grice of English Nature. Some looked at farms shortly after they turned organic, so wildlife numbers may just have started increasing.
Some argue that farms that adopt a few organic practices, swapping chemical weeding for mechanical, for example, may help wildlife flourish just as much as completely organic farms. And it is possible that farmers who switched to organic farming may have been predisposed towards environmentally friendly methods. So the biodiversity on their farms may have been higher than average before conversion. The current studies are not detailed enough to answer these questions.
Ref: Biological Conservation/ Reed Business Info
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
What is Greenhouse Effect?
Seen from space, our atmosphere is but a tiny layer of gas around a huge bulky planet. But it is this gaseous outer ring and its misleadingly called greenhouse effect that makes life on Earth possible – and that could destroy life as we know it.
The sun is the Earth’s primary energy source, a burning star so hot that we can feel its heat from over 150 million kilometers away. Its rays enter our atmosphere and shower upon on our planet. About one third of this solar energy is reflected back into the universe by shimmering glaciers, water and other bright surfaces. Two thirds, however, are absorbed by the Earth, thus warming land, oceans, and atmosphere.
Much of this heat radiates back out into space, but some of it is stored in the atmosphere. This process is called the greenhouse effect. Without it, the Earth’s average temperature would be a chilling -18 degrees Celsius, even despite the sun’s constant energy supply.
In a world like this, life on Earth would probably have never emerged from the sea. Thanks to the greenhouse effect, however, heat emitted from the Earth is trapped in the atmosphere, providing us with a comfortable average temperature of 14 degrees.
So, how does it work? Sunrays enter the glass roof and walls of a greenhouse. But once they heat up the ground, which, in turn, heats up the air inside the greenhouse, the glass panels trap that warm air and temperatures increase.
Our planet, however, has no glass walls; the only thing that comes close to acting as such is our atmosphere. But in here, processes are way more complicated than in a real greenhouse.
The sun is the Earth’s primary energy source, a burning star so hot that we can feel its heat from over 150 million kilometers away. Its rays enter our atmosphere and shower upon on our planet. About one third of this solar energy is reflected back into the universe by shimmering glaciers, water and other bright surfaces. Two thirds, however, are absorbed by the Earth, thus warming land, oceans, and atmosphere.
Much of this heat radiates back out into space, but some of it is stored in the atmosphere. This process is called the greenhouse effect. Without it, the Earth’s average temperature would be a chilling -18 degrees Celsius, even despite the sun’s constant energy supply.
In a world like this, life on Earth would probably have never emerged from the sea. Thanks to the greenhouse effect, however, heat emitted from the Earth is trapped in the atmosphere, providing us with a comfortable average temperature of 14 degrees.
So, how does it work? Sunrays enter the glass roof and walls of a greenhouse. But once they heat up the ground, which, in turn, heats up the air inside the greenhouse, the glass panels trap that warm air and temperatures increase.
Our planet, however, has no glass walls; the only thing that comes close to acting as such is our atmosphere. But in here, processes are way more complicated than in a real greenhouse.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Organic Food isn't Posh
“The paradox is there’s this view that organic is elitist, it’s expensive, it’s a lifestyle choice for people who can afford it.
It’s become much easier than it used to be, as supermarkets continue to respond to our demand for organic food.
One can’t go organic overnight. After years of using agrochemicals, it takes at least two years for land to become “clean” enough to farm without them.
Source : Organicfoodee.com
Purchasing Organic Food in supermarkets and via the internet is on the increase - The idea is to bring seasonal produce to your door, cutting out the wholesaler and the time produce spends languishing in lorries and on supermarket shelves. Suddenly we are discovering the joy of scrubbing mud and creepy crawlies off our vegetables, and finding ourselves being inventive with kale and root vegetables. As Jane Grigson said, the best potatoes are always the dirtiest.
It’s the only way to be sure of what you are eating, as no other term is strictly defined. For example, “free range” hens may be more tightly packed than battery ones. Organic producers have had to adhere to many regulations from a diverse number of organisations across the world.
People who never used to give a thought to the Common Agriculture Policy, maximum residue levels, organophospahtes or nitrate vulnerable zones are now worried enough to ring the Pesticides Action Network — calls are doubling every year… And there has been a massive increase in visits, especially from people wanting to to find out where to buy organic locally.
It’s become much easier than it used to be, as supermarkets continue to respond to our demand for organic food.
One has to be committed. But if it’s supporting the ecosystem, it’s more likely to be healthy food. Industrial farmers continue to impoverish the landscape, pollute soils and watercourses and market contaminated food, all without penalty.
One can’t go organic overnight. After years of using agrochemicals, it takes at least two years for land to become “clean” enough to farm without them.
Source : Organicfoodee.com
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Raw and Organic Food
What is Raw Food?
A raw foodist is someone that eats 75-100% live, organic-uncooked and unprocessed food and drinks pure, live water. A raw food diet consists of unprocessed foods that have not been heated above 115 degrees F. Raw foodists believe that foods cooked above this temperature have lost their enzymes and a therefore a significant amount of their nutritional value are harmful to the body whereas uncooked foods provide proper nutrition and living enzymes says organic goji berries nutritionist.
Other benefits to a raw food diet include weight loss, more energy, clear skin, improved digestion and improved overall health. Many people say that they eat a ‘high raw” or a certain percentage of raw foods or organic food in their diet such as “75% raw diet because maintaining a 100% raw diet can be challenging at times. A few people include raw, unprocessed dairy products in their diet but most follow a raw vegan diet.
What is Organic Food?
In agriculture, this means that crops were grown without the use of pesticides, artificial fertilizers or sewage sludge, and that they were processed without food additives (like chemical preservatives). When it comes to animals, they must be reared without the routine use of antibiotics and growth hormones and fed a diet of organic foods. In most countries, organic produce must not be genetically modified.
A growing number of consumers, and especially those dealing with chronic illness, are switching to raw and organic food. A key motivation for consumers doing this is a simple belief that it’s better for them.
Official food agencies around the world are unanimous in claiming there is no evidence of a nutritional difference. Yet a more careful and thorough review of the science comparing organic and non-organic food reveals that, collectively, the available evidence does indeed support the consumer belief and claims by the organic food online industry that their food is safer, more nutritious, and better for you than non-organic food.
Article Source
http://articlesooper.com/
A raw foodist is someone that eats 75-100% live, organic-uncooked and unprocessed food and drinks pure, live water. A raw food diet consists of unprocessed foods that have not been heated above 115 degrees F. Raw foodists believe that foods cooked above this temperature have lost their enzymes and a therefore a significant amount of their nutritional value are harmful to the body whereas uncooked foods provide proper nutrition and living enzymes says organic goji berries nutritionist.
Other benefits to a raw food diet include weight loss, more energy, clear skin, improved digestion and improved overall health. Many people say that they eat a ‘high raw” or a certain percentage of raw foods or organic food in their diet such as “75% raw diet because maintaining a 100% raw diet can be challenging at times. A few people include raw, unprocessed dairy products in their diet but most follow a raw vegan diet.
What is Organic Food?
In agriculture, this means that crops were grown without the use of pesticides, artificial fertilizers or sewage sludge, and that they were processed without food additives (like chemical preservatives). When it comes to animals, they must be reared without the routine use of antibiotics and growth hormones and fed a diet of organic foods. In most countries, organic produce must not be genetically modified.
A growing number of consumers, and especially those dealing with chronic illness, are switching to raw and organic food. A key motivation for consumers doing this is a simple belief that it’s better for them.
Official food agencies around the world are unanimous in claiming there is no evidence of a nutritional difference. Yet a more careful and thorough review of the science comparing organic and non-organic food reveals that, collectively, the available evidence does indeed support the consumer belief and claims by the organic food online industry that their food is safer, more nutritious, and better for you than non-organic food.
Article Source
http://articlesooper.com/
Monday, October 18, 2010
Organic VS Conventional
So which is better? Just because a product says it's organic or contains organic ingredients doesn't necessarily mean it's a healthier alternative than cg foods. Some organic products may actually be higher in sugar, salt, fat or calories. Before you buy, check food labels to know exactly what you are getting.
Everyone wants to eat nutritious foods and most people can tell you exactly what they are.
Organic foods are grown without the use of irradiation, bioengineering or pesticides. Meat products are raised without antibiotics or hormones. Made with organic ingredients means that only 70% of the product is made with organic ingredients. Contains organic ingredients means that the product contains less than 70% organic ingredients. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat must follow strict soil and water conservation methods and guidelines for the humane treatment of animals.
Organic foods may be smaller, have odd shapes or varying colors, but in most cases, they look identical to their cg counterparts. Because they aren't treated with waxes, organic fruits and vegetables are not shiny and without preservatives they spoil faster.
Organic food can cost 50-100% more than cg food products. This is due to higher labor costs, tighter government regulations and lower crop yields. You should consider the best value for your money before buying either cg or organic foods.
Everyone wants to eat nutritious foods and most people can tell you exactly what they are.
Organic foods are grown without the use of irradiation, bioengineering or pesticides. Meat products are raised without antibiotics or hormones. Made with organic ingredients means that only 70% of the product is made with organic ingredients. Contains organic ingredients means that the product contains less than 70% organic ingredients. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat must follow strict soil and water conservation methods and guidelines for the humane treatment of animals.
Organic foods may be smaller, have odd shapes or varying colors, but in most cases, they look identical to their cg counterparts. Because they aren't treated with waxes, organic fruits and vegetables are not shiny and without preservatives they spoil faster.
Organic food can cost 50-100% more than cg food products. This is due to higher labor costs, tighter government regulations and lower crop yields. You should consider the best value for your money before buying either cg or organic foods.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Mcgregor
Thursday, October 14, 2010
More on Organic Foods and Standards
Organic Foods and Standards
Accepted as beneficial over conventional foods due to their perceived health benefits, organic food industry is growing rapidly in recent times. Claimed by health experts, as more nutritious, organic foods also protect from the major killers, like heart disease and cancer as they contain Phenolic compounds. Food organically produced, processed and packaged without using chemicals has caught the attention of farmers, manufacturers and consumers alike. Tea, coffee, wine, meat, beef, milk, honey, vegetables, fruits, rice, corn, herbs, essential
Organic foods are made in a way that complies with organic standards set by national governments and international organizations. In the United States, organic production is a system that is managed in accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990 and regulations in Title 7, Part 205 of the Code of Federal Regulations to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.
For the vast majority of human history, agriculture can be described as organic; only during the 20th century was a large supply of new synthetic chemicals introduced to the food supply. This more recent style of production is referred to as "conventional." Under organic production, the use of conventional non-organic pesticide (including insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides) is precluded.
However, contrary to popular belief, certain sprays and other materials that meet organic standards are allowed in the production of organic food.
Ref:
[http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop]
http://www.righthealth.com/
[http://www.omri.org/omri ...
Accepted as beneficial over conventional foods due to their perceived health benefits, organic food industry is growing rapidly in recent times. Claimed by health experts, as more nutritious, organic foods also protect from the major killers, like heart disease and cancer as they contain Phenolic compounds. Food organically produced, processed and packaged without using chemicals has caught the attention of farmers, manufacturers and consumers alike. Tea, coffee, wine, meat, beef, milk, honey, vegetables, fruits, rice, corn, herbs, essential
Organic foods are made in a way that complies with organic standards set by national governments and international organizations. In the United States, organic production is a system that is managed in accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990 and regulations in Title 7, Part 205 of the Code of Federal Regulations to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.
For the vast majority of human history, agriculture can be described as organic; only during the 20th century was a large supply of new synthetic chemicals introduced to the food supply. This more recent style of production is referred to as "conventional." Under organic production, the use of conventional non-organic pesticide (including insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides) is precluded.
However, contrary to popular belief, certain sprays and other materials that meet organic standards are allowed in the production of organic food.
Ref:
[http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop]
http://www.righthealth.com/
[http://www.omri.org/omri ...
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Organic Food Movement
How did the organic food movement originate?
The organic food movement rose out of a complex web of concerns and issues. First, there is the pesticide issue. For decades, large corporate farms had overused pesticides and chemicals on crops, which many argue is unhealthy.
There is also the buy local issue. Unlike many supermarket foods, which may be shipped from miles or even countries away, organic food is often produced locally. This supports local farmers and businesspeople, and conserves energy because there is less fuel wasted in food transport.
While the organic food movement is based on green and moral principles, it should be noted that not all foods are equally sensitive to pesticides and chemicals. Some foods are protected by a peel also.
Other foods are better to buy organic, because they are sensitive to pesticides or chemicals:
* Meat: Corporate farms often feed their livestock antibiotics to prevent disease, to offset crowded conditions in which they are raised. They are also fed chemicals to make them grow larger more quickly, so that it costs less to raise them to the point where they can be slaughtered for meat. The drugs and chemicals that animals are fed don't disappear when they are killed Ð often the compounds stay in the meat, and are ingested by humans.
Organic certification not only prevents the livestock farmers from feeding them chemicals and drugs, but also provides some assurance of humane treatment. Animal products marked "organic" come from animals that must be given some outdoor time each day, which is better than no time outside but should not be confused with genuinely humane treatment.
* Some fruit: It is better to buy organic when a type of fruit tends to concentrate the chemicals and pesticides it is exposed to. The Environmental Working Group's list of foods that have high concentrations of chemicals starts with peaches. Peaches have a very thin skin, which allows chemicals to leach into the edible part of the fruit, and the fruit itself is very soft allowing for deep penetration of chemical compounds.
You also want to be careful and purchase organic when buying apples, strawberries, cherries and grapes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_McCormick
The organic food movement rose out of a complex web of concerns and issues. First, there is the pesticide issue. For decades, large corporate farms had overused pesticides and chemicals on crops, which many argue is unhealthy.
There is also the buy local issue. Unlike many supermarket foods, which may be shipped from miles or even countries away, organic food is often produced locally. This supports local farmers and businesspeople, and conserves energy because there is less fuel wasted in food transport.
While the organic food movement is based on green and moral principles, it should be noted that not all foods are equally sensitive to pesticides and chemicals. Some foods are protected by a peel also.
Other foods are better to buy organic, because they are sensitive to pesticides or chemicals:
* Meat: Corporate farms often feed their livestock antibiotics to prevent disease, to offset crowded conditions in which they are raised. They are also fed chemicals to make them grow larger more quickly, so that it costs less to raise them to the point where they can be slaughtered for meat. The drugs and chemicals that animals are fed don't disappear when they are killed Ð often the compounds stay in the meat, and are ingested by humans.
Organic certification not only prevents the livestock farmers from feeding them chemicals and drugs, but also provides some assurance of humane treatment. Animal products marked "organic" come from animals that must be given some outdoor time each day, which is better than no time outside but should not be confused with genuinely humane treatment.
* Some fruit: It is better to buy organic when a type of fruit tends to concentrate the chemicals and pesticides it is exposed to. The Environmental Working Group's list of foods that have high concentrations of chemicals starts with peaches. Peaches have a very thin skin, which allows chemicals to leach into the edible part of the fruit, and the fruit itself is very soft allowing for deep penetration of chemical compounds.
You also want to be careful and purchase organic when buying apples, strawberries, cherries and grapes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_McCormick
Friday, October 8, 2010
Organic Food Info
Why do Organic Foods cost more?
Organic food production is much more labour intensive. In addition, conventionally grown foods are often produced under subsidies from the government and chemical companies. Although priced lower at the grocery store, this cheap food is produced at the expense of the environment and individual health, hidden costs, which will eventually have to be repaid in environmental cleanup and disease costs.
Save on Organic Foods by:
• Buying locally
• Buying seasonally
• Buying in bulk
• Taking advantage of coupons and sales
Why should we buy organic foods?
These are the excerpt from the 1997 National Organic Directory:
1. Health of the soil
2. Safety of the water supply
3. Preservation of a family farm lifestyle
4. Health of farm workers
5. Nutrition, flavor and quality
6. Health investment.
7. How popular are organic foods?
Are Organic Foods Popular?
Organic foods have been growing in popularity, not only in the United States, but worldwide. Organic sales in the U.S. reached $5.5 billion in 2000. A similar figure for European countries of $5.5 billion is expected to increase more than tenfold to a level of $58 billion by 2006. Approximately 6,000 certified organic farms currently exist in the United States, with 15,000 more farms running organic trials. Over the next five years, farms experimenting with organic crop production are expected to increase by about 12% or 700 farms per year.
Organic food production is much more labour intensive. In addition, conventionally grown foods are often produced under subsidies from the government and chemical companies. Although priced lower at the grocery store, this cheap food is produced at the expense of the environment and individual health, hidden costs, which will eventually have to be repaid in environmental cleanup and disease costs.
Save on Organic Foods by:
• Buying locally
• Buying seasonally
• Buying in bulk
• Taking advantage of coupons and sales
Why should we buy organic foods?
These are the excerpt from the 1997 National Organic Directory:
1. Health of the soil
2. Safety of the water supply
3. Preservation of a family farm lifestyle
4. Health of farm workers
5. Nutrition, flavor and quality
6. Health investment.
7. How popular are organic foods?
Are Organic Foods Popular?
Organic foods have been growing in popularity, not only in the United States, but worldwide. Organic sales in the U.S. reached $5.5 billion in 2000. A similar figure for European countries of $5.5 billion is expected to increase more than tenfold to a level of $58 billion by 2006. Approximately 6,000 certified organic farms currently exist in the United States, with 15,000 more farms running organic trials. Over the next five years, farms experimenting with organic crop production are expected to increase by about 12% or 700 farms per year.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Fresh and Processed Organic Food
1-Fresh organic food:
Most of the organic food sold in the markets and various outlets is in the fresh form. Fruits, vegetables, meat, egg and dairy products fall under this category.
2.Processed organic food:
Processed food are widely popular and covers a huge range in any super market the world over. Various products such as canned foods, frozen vegetables and other ready-to-eat foods are labeled ‘organic’, if the production and processing of these foods have not involved the use of any chemicals and if they conform to the required standards. Needless to say these foods are usually more expensive than the non-organic ones.
It is important for the consumer to check for government certification before buying any food that claims to be “organic”.
There are basic organic standards for processing and handling.
Standards for the processing, handling and labeling of organic products cover all steps in the process from receiving organic raw materials, acceptable processing aids and ingredients, appropriate packaging materials and labeling, to cleaning methods, waste disposal and pest management at processing facilities.
The following highlights address some of the questions most frequently asked about the NOSB Recommendations for Organic Processing, Handling & Labeling Standards.
Most of the organic food sold in the markets and various outlets is in the fresh form. Fruits, vegetables, meat, egg and dairy products fall under this category.
2.Processed organic food:
Processed food are widely popular and covers a huge range in any super market the world over. Various products such as canned foods, frozen vegetables and other ready-to-eat foods are labeled ‘organic’, if the production and processing of these foods have not involved the use of any chemicals and if they conform to the required standards. Needless to say these foods are usually more expensive than the non-organic ones.
It is important for the consumer to check for government certification before buying any food that claims to be “organic”.
There are basic organic standards for processing and handling.
Standards for the processing, handling and labeling of organic products cover all steps in the process from receiving organic raw materials, acceptable processing aids and ingredients, appropriate packaging materials and labeling, to cleaning methods, waste disposal and pest management at processing facilities.
The following highlights address some of the questions most frequently asked about the NOSB Recommendations for Organic Processing, Handling & Labeling Standards.
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