Are+Organic+Foods+Better?

This page begins with the presentation of information collected on the topic of organic foods. This research section is intended to be given to students as a jumping off point for their own research on this topic. After the section of research and information, we provide several topics for in-class discussions to take place before the assignment of the research project (a suggestion for which is presented after the discussion activity). A list of other texts which could easily be paired with these topics is provided at the very bottom of this page.

"ORGANIC" Research:
"Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used." National Organic Program USDA Grading, Certification & Verification

**Meaning and Origin of "Organic"**
"In 1939, [|Lord Northbourne] coined the term //organic farming// in his book [|Look to the Land (1940)], out of his conception of "the farm as organism," to describe a holistic, ecologically-balanced approach to farming—in contrast to what he called //chemical farming//, which relied on "imported fertility" and "cannot be self-sufficient nor an organic whole." This is different from the scientific use of the term "organic," to refer to an [|a class of molecules that contain carbon], especially those involved in the chemistry of life. This class of molecules includes everything likely to be considered edible, and include most pesticides and toxins too, therefore the term "organic" and, especially, the term "inorganic" (sometimes wrongly used as a contrast by the popular press) are both technically inaccurate and completely inappropriate when applied to farming, the production of food, and to foodstuffs themselves." **Wikipedia information on "Organic Food"**

Many people believe organic food is a better source of food because of the lack of hormones and other chemicals used in conventional and preserved food products. However, organic food doesn't always mean 100% natural and "good for you". Through the world of consumerism, people discuss the differences between conventional food and organic food. Some people believe that it doesn't matter if their food is conventionally grown or organically grown. What do you think?
 * Views about organic foods:**

"The answer isn't clear if organic food is officially nutritious for the consumer. A recent study examined the past 50 years' worth of scientific articles about the nutrient content of organic and conventional foods. The researchers concluded that organically and conventionally produced foodstuffs are comparable in their nutrient content. Research in this area is ongoing." Mayo Clinic

Organic food: Is it more nutritious? [|Nutritional Quality of Organic Food: Shades of Grey or Shades of Green?] [|Organic Foods vs. Supermarket Foods: Element Levels] [|Organic Foods: Understanding organic food labels, Benefits, and Claims] Organic Vs. Conventional: Have You Been Robbed?
 * Articles for more information about organic labeling and nutrition information.**

**Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO):**
Over the past couple decades, highly populated country have resorted to genetically modified foods in order to effectively feed the nations. Many people do not agree with GMO's because the products lack the nutrition of natural food products. Many people believe the government should list the GMO's on product labels for the consumer. People feel they deserve the right to know what is in the products they are buying. However, the government does not appear to believe GMO's are important for labeling. Non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) Project [|Agricultural Crops that Have a Risk of Being GMO] The case for mandatory GMO labeling - even if you believe in limited government and the free market

**Discussion Questions:**
Should the U.S Government require companies to label the products that contain GMO's? How can the consumers take action on their food choices? Why do you think society in general does not pay close attention to what their food is really made of? Which is better for you, organic or commercial foods? Does it matter? Why? The "Ladies of the Land" video (**14:12-17:00**), presents a preference for eating healthier foods from small, organic farm. Is this the only way to eat healthy? The video also mentions the opportunity of community involvement offered by small, local farms. Both parents and children discuss the learning opportunities they have acquired while helping in the farming community. This scene of Tait Family Tour emphasizes the community involvement and relationships formed over the years. Are there other ways to be involved in the community? Is farming the only activity to establish relationship with your community? Explain

Global Growers : Global Growers is an upcoming nonprofit organization that focuses on educating the communities of Atlanta about growing personal gardens, benefits of organic food and community supported agriculture. Slow Food Atlanta: A nonprofit organization that counteracts fast food chains in communities. The organization aims to educate the general public about the process of foods and becoming interested in the production of foods. Georgia Organics - A well established nonprofit organization which aims to provide farming and food knowledge to the community.
 * Check out what's going on in your state or city for food movements in your local area:**

=Mass Farming vs. Small Farming Lesson and Activity=

**Discussion Questions:**

 * Why are people interested in starting their own farms today?
 * How have people changed their eating habits over time?
 * How can people become self sufficient in a world of consumerism and materialism?
 * grow own garden, make own green house, food preservation, alternate energy uses)
 * America's small farms, what are the benefits?
 * Are small farms disappearing or growing? Explain.

Place students in small groups (3-4 max) and have them discuss what strikes them about these videos. Have them write lists of ways in which the videos are similar and different. Pull the discussion out to whole-class and list comparisons in columns or - Create a Venn diagram on the board as groups share their thoughts (perhaps create a word cloud as students talk) or- Perhaps give each group a big piece of poster paper and a marker and have them list their reasons, then - Post them and have groups circle the room to view others' ideas before coming back for a whole-class discussion.
 * Ideas for organizing the following comparison discussion in the classroom:**

Watch the trailer for the movie //Food, Inc//, paying attention not only to what is being said, but how.

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What is your initial reaction to the preview for //Food, Inc//? Did it make you want to see the rest of the movie? Why/why not? Did this video enhance or detract from your feelings after watching "Ladies of the Land"? Do you pay attention to the labels on your foods? Why/why not? How does the idea that they may not be telling us the whole truth about our foods make you feel?
 * Questions for discussion and/or to guide students' viewing of the video:**

Look back at the "Ladies of the Land" video paying particular attention to the scene beginning at **17:22-20:20**. In the footage, the farmer packs up the chickens she has sold and sends them off to a processing facility.

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The "Ladies of the Land" documentary mentions business ideas for the small farm and presents methods for sales to make the farms more successful. It is frequently mentioned that the food is organic, handmade, and more nutritious/healthy for people. (**8:55-14:15**), (**19:26-23:45**) Is the film convincing consumers to buy organic food? Why or why not? What evidence do they use for their view point? What images do they employ? Why? What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in the city vs. living in a rural town? Explain.

How is this footage different than the Food, inc. trailer? What is not being said through the footage? Does the presentation make it easier to watch than Food, inc? Are their underlying massages or feelings in the "Ladies of the Land" footage that are not present in the footage? Does food processing matter on large and small farms? Should they be viewed the same?
 * Questions for discussion and/or to guide students' viewing of the video:**

Unlike mass production farms, small farmers have the opportunity to be personally involved with the local community. In "Ladies of the Land" (**14:44-18:28**), the idea of a simple community is presented as preferential and volunteers from the community offer their assistance to the small, local farms. Is this a realistic viewpoint? Is this commonly found in other communities with local farms? Could communal farms thrive in Atlanta? Why or why not? Is there comfort in seeing the farmer with the product? Why or Why not?

In this documentary, (**11:12-11:30**) Kim presents that her farming business has proven to be sufficient and reliable for her and her family. The other farmers, Lyn, Elly, and Suzy, also sell their products to local farmers markets and community supported agriculture (CSA). Farming is a second career for these women who enjoy their lives as farmers able to financially provide for their families with the farms. Is this portrayal of farming seen as an entrepreneurial venture for women desiring a career change? Could personal or community farms monopolize the agricultural industry? Could the growth of women as farmers be a response to the economic downturn of the U.S. economy?

Possible Texts to Connect to This Lesson:
//The Jungle// by Upton Sinclair //Fast Food Nation// by Eric Schlosser //Once Upon a Farm// by Bob Artley //Portrait of a Farm Family// by Raymond Bial //Long Way from Chicago// by Richard Peck //Out of the Dust// by Karen Hesse //Hattie Big Sky// by Kirby Larson //Blessed are the Cheesemakers// by Sarah-Kate Lynch

Find many more texts including applicable news articles, movies and further connections to education and cross-curriculum studies on the Fast Food Nation Wiki