Is Organic Produce Worth the Price?

A recent study published in the Society of Chemical Industry's Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture compared organically grown crops with those grown with conventional methods. The study included carrots, kale, peas, apples and potatoes which were grown in three different fields in the same location. The soil was essentially the same and all three fields experienced the same weather conditions. All the crops were harvested at the same time and handled similarly after harvest. One field was certified organic using only manure and limited pesticide on kale only. The second field used manure as fertilizer and pesticides to the legal limit allowed by regulation. The third field used a combination of conventional mineral fertilizers and pesticides as legally allowed. After harvest, the produce was tested for major nutrients and trace minerals. There was no difference in the nutritional content of any of the crops. The researchers took it a step further and for the next two years fed these crops to livestock. They monitored the livestock for intake and excretion of various minerals and trace elements. Once again, there was no difference in retention of the nutritional elements among the livestock. The authors concluded there is no credible evidence that organic crops are nutritionally superior to those grown conventionally. Organic produce typically costs about 40% to 100% more than conventionally grown products. Consider buying locally grown produce when it is in season to save money. Wash all produce thoroughly and if you are concerned about residues, peel fruits and vegetables before eating.