When I started selling food 30 years ago, organic options were not as prevalent as they are today. Over the years, I've developed a skeptical attitude towards the idea that organic food is inherently better for my health than conventionally grown counterparts.

Working in a beef fabrication plant for six years only reinforced my skepticism. The condition of the organic grass-fed beef carcasses we processed was often less than appetizing. These yellow-fatted, dark purple meat-colored, small-framed carcasses were far from appealing. Seeing them, I often wondered why anyone would prefer this over the high-quality, grain-fed beef that looked more appetizing and tasted better.

Despite my reservations, I've sold organic beef alongside grain-fed, graded beef throughout my career. There's a segment of consumers who are committed to buying organic, regardless of the higher cost or perceived lower eating quality.

These experiences shaped my belief that organic fruits and vegetables might be inferior, more expensive, and not necessarily better for my health or the planet. Organic growers admit that they use herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides, albeit from a smaller toolbox compared to conventional farming.

However, something has been gnawing at my convictions. Over the years, I've interacted with hundreds of people at food shows and through sales of organic beef and poultry. Many of them insist they feel better when they eat organic. Some overcame chronic health conditions by changing over to organic foods. It's hard to argue with how someone feels, and I began to wonder if it was a placebo effect.

My perspective started to shift last year when I attended farm grower meetings in my state. Listening to farmers who grow both organic and conventional crops was eye-opening. I learned that soil and plants respond differently to organic inputs compared to conventional ones. While conventional inputs are cheaper and often more effective in the short term, they may be causing long-term damage to our soils and ecosystems.

The more I learn through reading, attending grower meetings, and talking to farmers, the more I'm convinced of the benefits of organic farming. It's not just about avoiding harsh chemicals; it's about fostering a healthier, more sustainable environment.

I'll be exploring this topic more in future blogs. For now, I'd like to hear from you. Based on your experiences in the food industry, do you think organically grown food is better for your body and the environment? Why or why not?

Do You Buy Organic Food?

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