Organic products
Ten things you need to know about organic products
Organic products, also known as green or eco-friendly products, are grown in production systems that combine the best environmental practices with the preservation of natural resources. We reveal the keys to organic production.
In recent years, organic products have become increasingly important in our society, driven by a growing concern for the environment, health and responsible consumption. These products are characterised by being produced using processes that aim to reduce environmental impact, conserve natural resources and promote sustainable practices. From food to cosmetics and fashion, eco-friendly alternatives are becoming an ever-greater part of our daily lives. However, their growing popularity also raises questions about their real benefits, their price and their accessibility. We take a look at what eco-friendly products are, what their advantages are and what role they play in building a more sustainable future.
What is an organic product?
Food grown by respecting the cycles of nature, with no chemical pesticides or synthetic or genetically modified fertilisers, rotating crops to use up all nutrients in soil. This type of production increases the formation of local species that are resistant to plagues and diseases. In the case of livestock farming, animals live in a semi-free environment and the use of antibiotics and hormones is prohibited.
Are there any differences between organic, green and eco-friendly products?
Generally speaking, the terms "ecological", "biological" and "organic" are used synonymously to identify products originating from organic production systems. In the European Union, Regulation (EU) 2018/848 expressly recognises these terms as equivalent. At an international level, the Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) guidelines also use the concept of organic production as a common reference. However, the terms used and the legal requirements for marketing these products may vary from country to country. Thus, in Spain it is more common to refer to products as "ecological", in France as "biologiques" and in English-speaking countries as "organic".
How can I tell the difference when buying them at the store?
The most reliable way to identify an organic product is to check that it bears an official label or certification guaranteeing that it meets the requirements for organic production. In the European Union, packaged organic food marketed as such must bear the European logo (the well-known ‘Euroleaf’), accompanied by the code of the control body and an indication of the origin of the agricultural raw materials. Other countries have their own labels, such as USDA Organic in the United States, Canada Organic in Canada or Organic JAS in Japan. Although the labels vary, they all enable consumers to identify products that have undergone specific control and certification systems.
Are organic products healthier?
According to Stanford University "there is no evidence about a higher dietary value or of the fact that they are healthier than conventional products, but it has been demonstrated that their consumption reduces the exposure to pesticide waste and antibiotic-resistant bacteria". Another study published in the prestigious British Journal of Nutrition concluded that organic products contain up to 60% more antioxidants, 87% less nitrites and 50% less cadmium.
Do organic products taste better?
Scientific studies are inconclusive: demonstrating that they taste better as a result of a specific production method and not about seed varieties or harvesting seasons is almost impossible. In fact, the taste of food mainly depends on its ripeness, although other variables have an impact, such as the climate and or the nutrients in crop-growing soils.
Why are organic products more expensive?
Organic products are usually more expensive than conventional ones due to the specific nature of their production processes. Organic farming uses practices such as crop rotation, respects natural cycles and limits the use of certain synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. Furthermore, it usually requires more labour and is subject to specific controls and certification processes. All of this can increase production costs and be reflected in the final price paid by the consumer.
Is it worth paying the extra price?
Yes, because of the ethical component of respect towards the environment: the elimination of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilisers reduces the contamination of soils and aquifers. Likewise, local and proximity consumption is preferred in this type of production.
What is the eco-friendly diet?
It is based on seasonal organic food, bought from local markets or stores to local producers and cooked and processed at home: jam, tinned food, etc.
What are the most popular organic foods?
Interest in organic food has grown in recent years and it is increasingly common to find these kinds of products in supermarkets and specialist shops. Among the most common organic foods are fruit and vegetables, eggs, dairy products, meat, cereals and pulses. The demand for them is linked to the search for a more natural diet, an interest in the origin of food and greater concern about production methods.
Who consumes these products?
The consumption of organic products is linked to a greater concern for diet, health and the environmental impact of our purchasing decisions. Those who choose these products tend to pay attention to the origin of the food, its production methods, its composition and its certifications. They may also show an interest in local sourcing, seasonal produce and responsible consumption practices. However, the profile of the organic consumer is diverse and influenced by factors such as shopping habits, the availability of these products, the level of information available and budget.