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by Elizabeth Flack '02 Everyone of us eats food every day, but do we think of how it was grown or the living conditions of the animal while it was alive? Organic farming is one method that does this by giving the animals better living conditions and refraining from the use of pesticides on crops. Organic fruits, vegetables, and soybeans are grown in fields without the use of pesticides or artificial fertilizers. This practice usually yields a smaller but healthier crop: brighter colors and better taste. Refraining from the use of pesticides has multiple benefits: the soil is not polluted, and pesticides are not transmitted to humans via consumption of food. Organic meat is called free range, because the cows, turkeys, and chickens are not confined to small pens, but have the opportunity to roam around. As a result, they lead happier lives and get sick less often. They are also hormone free and, for the most part, antibiotic free. This differs greatly from traditional raising of cattle, because they are injected with antibiotics to prevent diseases. This is necessary, becuase they do not get exercise and are confined to small pens. Many of these antibiotics remain in the tissue of the animal and are transferred to humans when eaten. Organic eggs are also another part of organic farming. Becuase the chicken is healthy and allowed to roam, its eggs are naturally healthier and contain more nutrients. Organic farming is an alternative way of farming that benefits both humans and animals. The animals are healthier as a result of better living conditions and fewer antibiotic and hormone injections. As for humans, the quality of the food is better, and there is no transmission of hormones and pesticides/antibiotics into our bodies.
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