If you’ve been paying attention to the food industry lately, you might have noticed the explosion of fairtrade, natural, and organic labels. Like most people, you probably think of “organic” food as healthier and more environmentally friendly than other types of food. But what does that really mean? What’s the difference between organic, natural, and fairtrade foods? How to know if a food is organic, natural, or fairtrade? And what are the benefits of eating these foods?
What Are Fairtrade and Its Benefits?
Fairtrade is a certification system that sets standards for the production and trade of agricultural products. Fairtrade aims to create better trading conditions for small-scale producers and promote sustainable development by ensuring that farmers receive a fair price for their products, providing workers with decent working conditions, and protecting the environment.
Products certified as fairtrade must meet specific criteria, such as being produced in a country that is a member of Fairtrade International, being produced according to fairtrade standards, and being labeled with the Fairtrade logo. It’s not only food but also other products, such as coffee, tea, chocolate, flowers, and gold, that can be fairtrade certified.
Fairtrade certification is voluntary, and it’s up to producers whether or not they want to get certified. However, many retailers will only buy fairtrade products, so getting certified can be a good way for producers to access new markets.
There are many benefits of the fairtrade certification for both producers and consumers. Fairtrade certification provides producers access to international markets and a guaranteed minimum price for their products. This gives farmers the stability they need to invest in their farms and plan for the future. It also means they can afford to provide their workers with decent working conditions and pay them a fair wage.
For consumers, buying fairtrade certified products is a way to support farmers and workers who are often exploited by the conventional food system. When you purchase fairtrade certified products, you can be sure that the farmers and workers who produced them were treated fairly and paid a fair price for their work.
What Is Natural Food?
The term “natural” is not regulated by any government agency, so that it can mean different things to different people. For some people, “natural” food is food that is grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. For others, it might mean food that is minimally processed and doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients.
There are many benefits to eating natural foods. Foods that are grown without the use of pesticides and herbicides are generally healthier for you than foods that are grown with them. And since natural foods don’t contain any artificial ingredients, they’re also typically more nutritious.
Natural foods are also better for the environment. Farmers using fewer chemicals to grow their crops reduces pollution and protects wildlife. And when you eat natural foods, you’re supporting farmers using sustainable practices.
What Is Organic Food?
The term “organic” refers to how agricultural products are grown and processed. Organic food is produced without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Livestock raised for organic meat, eggs, and dairy products cannot be given antibiotics or growth hormones. Other processing aids, such as enzymes and bleaching agents, cannot be used to produce organic food.
Unlike natural food, organic food is subject to strict government regulations. For a food to be certified as organic, it must be produced following the standards set by the National Organic Program (NOP); for example, farmers must follow a set of rules designed to protect the environment and consumers’ health.
Organic food has many benefits. It’s generally healthier for you than non-organic food since it doesn’t contain any synthetic pesticides or herbicides. And it’s better for the environment since organic farmers use sustainable practices that protect the soil and water.
When you buy organic food, you’re supporting farmers using sustainable methods to produce their food. Eating organic food is also better for the environment. Farmers using fewer chemicals to grow their crops reduces pollution and protects wildlife.
What Is the Deal and Why Should You Care?
So, what’s the deal with fairtrade, natural, and organic food? Essentially, these labels represent an alternative to the conventional food system. While all three of these labels have distinct meanings, they share one important commonality: They represent an alternative to the traditional food system.
Although fairtrade and organic foods can be more expensive than conventionally-grown foods, many people believe they are worth the extra cost. When you choose fairtrade, natural, or organic food, you can be sure that you are supporting sustainable practices and helping to improve the lives of small-scale producers.
In short, fairtrade, natural, and organic food is an investment in a better future for both people and the planet. So, look for these labels next time you’re at the grocery store! You’ll be glad you did.
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