Organic food production aims to promote the sustainable use of resources by interacting more naturally with other plants and animals. It is grown without synthetic pesticides and herbicides and so, while litte research has been done, evidence suggests it can contain less water and more vitamins than conventional foods. The materials and substances used in production and packaging of organic food are often either reused or recycled.
Genetically modified organisms are not used in organic food production. Animals reared on organic farms are allowed as far as possible, to behave as they would in their natural environment. Pollution from agriculture is kept to a minimum while genetic diversity is maintained.
By eating organic food, we are avoiding chemical toxins that may be in other foods and which can lead to a number of different kinds of ailments. The long term effect of eating even tiny amounts of pesticides and other man-made chemicals on a regular basis over a number of years are unknown. By buying organic food, you are supporting sustainable methods of farming and creating a demand for a more pesticide-free farming. You are helping to lower the prices of organic produce and make it more affordable to everybody. Some organic products are already available in Wellington and as indicated in this Guide. Ask the retailer and look for the certification labels.
Back to the Food Guide