Conventional vs. Organic: Choosing What’s Right for You

Summer is almost here and soon we’ll be enjoying fresh summer produce, like juicy ripe tomatoes and peaches. As you shop in the produce section at the local grocery stores, you may notice you have an increased variety to choose from. Many grocery stores are now carrying both organic and conventionally-grown produce. With this many questions may arise such as, “what does the word organic mean?” and, “which one is better?”

Organic simply refers to farming practices used to grow the food. Organic farming practices do not use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and encourage soil and water conservation as well as pollution reduction. In order for food products to be labeled organic, they must meet strict criteria determined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). According to the USDA, at least 95% of the product’s ingredients must be organically produced in order for it to carry the USDA organic seal. Other foods that contain less than 95% organically produced ingredients may state on their package “made from organic ingredients” if at least 70% of its ingredients are organically produced.

Many people believe that organic foods are healthier and more nutritious. To date, there is not enough evidence to suggest that organic foods are more nutritious than conventional foods, or that they provide any increased health benefit over conventional foods. However, it is true that organic foods do greatly benefit the health of the environment.

Organic products are considered to be low-input foods, as they require less energy to produce compared to the conventionally-grown products. Organic farming practices aim to protect the environment by promoting water and soil conservation and reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted.

The choice to buy organic foods is a personal choice that will depend on your values. If you want to eat healthy but are on a budget, then conventionally-grown products might be the choice for you. But if you want to eat healthy while also protecting the health of the environment, choose products labeled “organically grown.”

Health Department
City of St. Louis
Health Department web site