Organic Food
Genetically modified organisms and their use in food sparked huge interest and debate about its effects and led to a whole new market for organic food. Organic food means simply food that has been grown, or in the case of animals, reared, without the use of contaminants, pesticides, antibiotics and artificial fertilizers, to name a few. Organic produce will tend to be free from genetic modification.
At one point, organic food would be the product of private farming at home, and may be found for sale at farmer’s markets at relatively cheap prices. But the market today is very different. Producers of organic foods who intend to supply to the public must obtain special certification. This approach has been adopted in many counties and the whole of the EU.
It is seen as a more environmentally friendly approach. With many people becoming more environmentally aware, they will tend to purchase organic foods. Claiming to be better for one’s health, due to the lack of usage of additives etc, they are also grown and reared in a much more eco-friendly environment that cuts down on the pollution and contamination that are usually released into the environment. Organic food producers may also adopt eco-friendly packaging that is biodegradable and recyclable. One obvious and clear downside of organic foods is that they tend to sell at significantly higher prices than conventionally farmed foods. The cost to produce organic foods is higher, therefore making it more expensive for the consumer to purchase.