Are ‘Organic’ foods really worth the extra cost?
I wanted to find out for myself so I drove to Celeste, Texas to visit Good Earth Organic Farms. From the moment I saw the farm, I fell in love with Good Earth Organic Farm.
Good Earth Organic Farm began in 1984. I received a tour of this 175-acre property deep in the heart of northeast Texas, a.k.a. cotton country, this land was originally full of harmful chemicals that had been used by the previous owners to grow their crops. After a 35 year process of rotating livestock and cover crops, the soil has come alive. What was once dead and full of toxins is now sweet-smelling, fertile soil. They received their organic certification about 5 + years ago from the state of Texas. After testing the soil, the organic certifier for the state of Texas reported that the residue from the toxins previously used has been reduced to zero.
Good Earth Organic Farm realizes staying conscious of our ecosystem helps preserve this planet for future generations, so their plants, pastures, and livestock have never been treated with pesticides, herbicides, or other toxic chemicals.
Organic livestock raised for meat, eggs, and dairy products must be raised in living conditions accommodating their natural behaviors and fed organic feed and forage. They may not be given antibiotics, growth hormones, or any animal by-products. It is truly beautiful to see the livestock grazing on the pastures. I know it sounds crazy, but the animals look happy!
Organic farming is typically more labor-intensive, as manual labor is needed for weeding, application of organic fertilizers, and other operations. Growing nutritious vegetables and fruits without the use of synthetic inputs.
Eating organic foods reduces the number of pesticides and chemicals that make their way into your body. And that’s definitely a good thing!