“Eat like you love your body.” -Lailah Gifty Akita
You see the term “Certified Organic” thrown on food a lot lately, but what you may not realize is that not all organic farms are created equal. Just because a food has the USDA organic certification, does not necessarily mean it is a superior product. There are now more stringent organic certifications, such as the Demeter Biodynamic Organic Certification, that have a list of requirements with very specific rules that often result in a more flavorful, safe, and environmentally sustainable product for you and your family to enjoy.
What’s the Real Difference?
The difference between certified organic farms and certified Demeter Biodynamic Organic ones really lies in the fundamental philosophy of how a farm is viewed as a whole. While most certified organic farms are run more like a food factory, the Demeter Biodynamic Organic certification requires farmers to look at the farm as if it were a living organism that must be kept healthy in order to provide high-quality food to their customers.
The end result of this biodynamic farming philosophy is a more sustainable farm that does indeed create a superior product in comparison to the standard food factory farming method used at the traditional organically certified farms.
These nutrients create long-lasting top-soil fertility that isn’t found in factory farming methods that deplete the top-soil of vital nutrients, oftentimes resulting in infertile farmland that can no longer be used. And as Demeter managing director, Elizabeth Candelario states, “The healthier the soil, the healthier the food, the healthier the person, the healthier the planet”(2017). With this perspective, it is easy to see how foods with the Biodynamic Organic Certification are better for you, your family, and the environment.The very term “biodynamic” means that there is an ever-changing biology behind a farm that must be looked at and studied to develop nutrient-rich top-soil throughout the lifetime of the farm.
The biology of a farm has many important aspects that must be taken into consideration at each step of the food production process. It begins with high quality, non-genetically modified seed planted in nutrient-rich top-soil that is free of chemicals and fertilizers. This process recycles organic waste as it moves along, resulting in a regenerative effect of the top-soil and enhanced sustainability.
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Standard USDA Organic |
Biodynamic® Organic |
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Imported organic fertilizers may be used. |
More nutrient-rich hummus replaced potentially imported supplements. |
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Imported organic pesticides may be used. |
Biodiversity encouraged through balanced predator/prey ecosystems. |
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No required crop rotation—depletes soil nutrients. |
Soil nutrients preserved through rotation and added in the form of green manure. |
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Imported organic feeds may be used to nourish livestock. |
At least half of all feed utilized is grown on the farm. |
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Biodiversity not a standard consideration. |
At least ten percent of the farm must be designated towards maintaining biodiversity. |
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Certification applies to one specific section of a farm. Surrounding areas may not be organically managed. |
This certification applies to the entire farm as a whole. |
For more information on safe, healthy nutrition, schedule a consultation with Rose.
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What To Remember:There is a new food label called Demeter Biodynamic Organic Certification.
While the original USDA Organic Certification was good, we should always strive for improvement.
Foods with the Biodynamic Organic Certification are healthier, taste better, and are grown in a more sustainable manner.
Sources:
Geagan, Kate. (January, 2017). Is biodynamic the new organic? Retrieved from EatingClean.com.
Is organic food better for you? Retrieved from WebMD.com.
Laufer, Peter. (June, 2014). Five myths about organic food. Retrieved from WashingtonPost.com.
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