With the increasing concern about toxic pesticides and the effects that they may have on the environment, people, and their families, many people have been making the switch to organically grown foods. (read more)
Synthetic pesticides have been known to have toxic chemicals that can last in the air, water, and ground for years. When these chemicals find their way into our food supply, they can cause many health issues from asthma to cancer. In response to these findings, the EPA started reviewing the persistence of pesticides in the environment. These studies have resulted in the limited use of many products and full out banning of several others.
In 1997 a nonprofit organization called the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) was created with a mission of providing independent, professional and transparent reviews of materials used to process, produce, and handle organic fiber and food. OMRI publishes a list that compiles all of the products that are suitable for use in organic production. The BNPL (Brand Name Product List) contains all products that have been reviewed against the standards that have been set by OMRI and NOP rule. Once a product passes this review, they can include the OMRI seal on their label and use it in promotion and advertising.
All Items listed within this category are listed by OMRI for use in the production of organic crops. Just because a product is not listed by OMRI does not mean you cannot use it for growing organically. OMRI is a private company and does charge a fee for a product to be reviewed and listed in the BNPL. Also, to remain on the list there is an annual renewal fee that must be paid. Many producers of organic products cannot justify the continual expense to get listed or to renew every year.
There is no doubt that the consumption of organic foods provides many benefits over inorganic foods. Eating organically will not only help increase your resistance to many diseases, it has been proven by scientists around the world that organic foods contain cancer-fighting chemicals. This has to do with the way plant metabolites react with human health. When growing plants inorganically, these metabolites are found to be very low in concentration. This is because these are created within the plant when they are under stress, fighting against insects and disease. When we use chemical pesticides and fertilizers it results in the disruption of these compounds being produced. Organic foods will also cut down the amount of chemicals that you bring into your body resulting in all around better health.
