Organic food is Real food
What is Organic?
Organic food is reserved for neither “snobs” nor “hippies”. This is real food and our aim is to help make it
readily available to everyone! “Organic” is the way that food has been traditionally grown and prepared for thousands
of years….until recently...
Our modern age has brought about a revolution in the way food is grown and processed. Since the advent of World War
2 and until this very day, the use of artificial pesticides, insecticides and fertilisers have become common place in
farming methods. Modern crop farming methods have also become massively industrialised. But what is the real cost of
producing food in this way? How will it affect our health and the future of our planet?
Organic farming is best summed up by the Biological Farmers Association of Australia, the premium body responsible
for organic certification:
"Organics and biodynamics is the smart way for keeping farming sustainable for the future - improving soil, encouraging
wildlife and woodlands, keeping pollutants out of our land, air and waterways, preventing disease, and benefiting our
health and way of life."
A vast array of products can be found in an organic format. These include:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Grains & flours
- Meat and poultry
- Everyday grocery lines such as pasta, sauces, cake mixes and crackers
- Dairy products
- Personal care products such as deodorant, shampoo and toothpaste
So What Is Bio-dynamic?
Whilst on the lookout for organic products, you are sure to come across some products labelled as Bio-dynamic.
Bio-dynamic farming seeks to not only abstain from the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilisers and pesticides
but to actively enrich and enhance the quality of the soil in particular.
In addition to adhering to the
organic standard,
this farming method makes use of Bio-dynamic Preparations which are made from farm sourced materials. These are used in
conjunction with established agricultural practices such as composting and manuring, crop and pasture rotations, tree planting,
the integrated use of livestock, etc. As the name suggests, these preparations are designed to work directly with the dynamic
biological processes and cycles which are the basis of soil fertility.
For more information, check out the Bio-dynamic Research Institute and Biodynamic Agriculture Australia websites.
Why Choose Organic?
For starters, when you choose to purchase certified organic products, you can be sure that what you are putting in
or on your body is untouched by persistent toxic chemicals.
Under the
organic standard
, NO Genetically Modified crops or ingredients are allowed.
For many individuals, the need to have total trust in the purity of food can be of greater significance
when health problems, children or optimal nutrition is concerned.
By buying organic you are also supporting farmers who are actively enhancing the quality of our soils and organic
ecosystems. This is ensuring a future for our environment instead of relying on the chemical intensive, mono-crop
nature of much of today's conventional farming. By the very nature of organic farming, biodiversity is preserved and
sustainable agriculture is achieved.
Under the
organic standard,
no antibiotics or hormones are allowed to be used on animals. There are also strict guidelines ensuring that animals are
treated and kept in the most humane of conditions.
Lastly, there's the incredible taste. It's no coincidence that many top chefs the world over choose organic ingredients
in their dishes.
With a multitude of benefits, it's no wonder that more and more people are choosing to purchase organic.
For more info, check out the BFA website
How Do I Know If It's Organic?
When you choose to buy organic food, you need to know that what you are purchasing is certified organic. There are 7 certification bodies within Australia that ensure that the production, storage and processing of organic food is done so within strict guidelines. By finding one of their logos when you are buying an Australian product, you can be sure that it’s the real deal.
These bodies are:
It is also important to be aware that some organic food is imported into Australia. Always check to ensure that there is
a certification body stated on the product you are buying to ensure that it is genuinely organic.
Some international certification bodies include:
- Ecocert (International)
- SKAL (Netherlands)
- USDA (US)
- IFOAM (International)
- Bioitalia (Italy)
- Soil Association (UK)
The Cost
Organic food is usually grown on small-scale farms that utilise more labour intensive practices and natural alternatives
to chemicals. The premium on organic food represents the real cost of growing and producing quality, natural food. It is truly
a long-term investment in both your health and the health of the environment.
As organic food becomes more available and increasingly cost-effective for the consumer, buying certified organic products
becomes a choice that everyone has. You may even start to find that some organic products are comparably priced with
conventional products.
Our Part
We aren’t here to shove the message down your throat! (as tasty as that might be 
)
Our aim is to ask you to question the food you buy and also consider the effect it has on your health and the health of
our planet. Organic food has so many positive aspects and in paying a little bit more, we are only in fact paying for
the real cost of real food.
Relish Organics is here to offer all your organic shopping needs. Where a product is not easily available in an
organic format, we will endeavour to provide it in a form as natural as possible and clearly display it as not certified.
Our values encompass a dedication to sourcing certified organic products, providing a varied selection of unrefined
wholefoods, offering choice for special dietary requirements and directly supporting local farmers and producers.
Links
- Abundance Herbs - A wonderful range of certified organic teas made by Sonia Fletcher
- Organic Gold Coast Market - The only dedicated organic market on the Gold Coast - we are there EVERY week!
- Weston A Price Foundation - great information on wholefoods and the benefits of full-fat, nutrient dense foods
- Rejoice In Life - Abby Eagle's Schoolof Meditation. Unique
7 week Osho Zen Meditation Course, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) for mind body healing, Time Line (TLT) and hypnosis for personal and business evolution. Quality assurance programs for the business and corporate sector, workshops, classes, personal consultations and coaching. Deeksha meditation events. Gold Coast, Brisbane, Byron Bay Australia, Qld NSW.
- Beyond Organic - A great internet based radio program highlighting many issues regarding the environment, organic food and sustainability
- Organic Consumers Association - Covers mainly US issues but is a great source for any organic activist
- Clean Food Australia - The definitive guide to organics in Australia
- Use Nature - Natural Health & Lifestyle Directory Body - Mind - Spirit >> find Practitioners, Clinics, Products, Colleges, Articles, Health News, Self Help Manuals, Peace Initiatives, Sustainable Living and more... UseNature offers FREE listings for practitioners, clinics, natural products... and all non-profit human aid organisations.