Questions and Answers
What is one way to reduce exposure to pesticides in food?
Washing and scrubbing all fresh fruits and vegetables under running water.
What was a consequence of the rise of agribusiness in rural agricultural communities?
A dramatic decline in the number of small farms.
What do big farms often focus on growing, requiring conventional farming methods?
Corn, soybeans, or wheat.
What is a consequence of large farms needing considerable amounts of water for irrigating crops?
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What helped fuel interest in sustainable agriculture?
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What is one way to reduce the likelihood of excessive exposure to a single pesticide?
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Why do pesticide residues accumulate in fat?
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What can be an effective way to remove some pesticide residues from fruits and vegetables?
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What are the three categories of organic labeling based on the percentage of certified organic ingredients?
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What is the minimum percentage of certified organic ingredients required for a product to be labeled as 'Organic'?
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What is the purpose of the USDA's organic labeling standards?
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What happened to sales of organic foods during the COVID-19 pandemic?
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Why did people begin to purchase and stockpile food during the COVID-19 pandemic?
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What lifestyle changes did people make during the COVID-19 pandemic?
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What is the significance of the USDA's organic symbol?
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What percentage of organic ingredients is required for a product to be labeled as 'Made with Organic'?
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What is the primary focus of sustainable agriculture?
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What is the key characteristic of organic substances in terms of their chemical structure?
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What is the main difference between organic and conventional farming systems in terms of fertilizers?
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What is prohibited in organic livestock production?
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What has been the trend in sales of organic foods in the United States over the past few decades?
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What is the general trend regarding the nutritional content of organically grown foods compared to conventionally grown foods?
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Why may organic crops contain fewer pesticides than conventionally grown crops?
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What is the purpose of the 'USDA Organic' symbol on food packages?
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Why do people often prefer organic foods over conventionally produced foods?
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What is the estimated annual expenditure on organic foods and beverages in the United States?
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Study Notes
Organic Food Production
- Organic farming methods do not rely on the use of antibiotics, hormones, synthetic fertilizers, most synthetic pesticides, genetic improvements, or ionizing radiation.
- These methods promote sustainability, crop variety, soil and water conservation, and recycling of plant nutrients.
Conventional vs. Organic Farming
- Conventional farming methods use heavy amounts of fertilizers and pesticides, which can harm the environment and deplete underground water supplies.
- Organic farming methods do not allow the use of synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge products, most synthetic pesticides, genetically modified organisms, and growth hormones.
Importance of Organic Farming
- The rise of agribusiness has resulted in social, economic, and environmental costs, including the decline of small farms and the depletion of underground water supplies.
- Sustainable agriculture, including organic farming, can support small farms and promote crop variety, soil and water conservation, and recycling of plant nutrients.
Reducing Pesticide Exposure
- Washing and scrubbing fruits and vegetables can reduce pesticide residues, but not all residues can be removed.
- Peeling and trimming fruits and vegetables, trimming fat from meat and poultry, and eating a variety of foods can also reduce pesticide exposure.
Organic Food Industry
- Sales of organic foods have increased steadily since the 1990s, with Americans spending over $55 billion on organic foods and beverages in 2019.
- The popularity of organic foods has increased due to concerns about the environment and the safety and nutritional value of the food supply.
Nutritional Value of Organic Foods
- Few well-designed studies have compared the nutrient and phytochemical contents of organically grown foods to conventionally grown foods.
- Organic crops may contain fewer pesticides than conventionally grown crops, but more research is needed to determine health advantages.
USDA Organic Labeling
- The USDA has developed rules for the organic food industry, with three labeling categories: "100% Organic", "Organic", and "Made with organic".
- The "USDA Organic" symbol on a product indicates that it meets USDA standards for organic food.
Impact of COVID-19 on Organic Food Sales
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, sales of organic foods increased by 25% from March to June 2020, particularly for meats, fruits, and vegetables.
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Description
Compare and contrast conventional and organic farming methods, focusing on their impact on the environment, sustainability, and food production.
