Read 'n' Seed- First quarter: Chapters one and two

So far I’ve the introduction as well as pages 1-28 which consist of chapter one and two. The main topics that I read about was the elements that entails what organic really is and the difference between organic and natural. Also, another topic that was talked about was how to read food labels and some of the things as a consumer you want to look out for in order to get better nutrition concerning the food you purchase.  The first two chapter of the  mainly talks about the origins of what is meant by organic and what to look for on labels as some ingredients are indicate chemically processed and how to look for on the label that lets you know the food is organic or natural. I mean we all pretty much know that organic pertains to “original” but in the context of original in  food it has an overwhelming concept behind it. After reading the chapter, something I learned that was very surprising is that organic foods and natural food does not mean the same thing. Organic simply means anti-chemical, meaning that it is grown, packaged and without use of agricultural chemicals based on the certifications of the USDA.  Natural food refers to items that are not altered chemically or synthesized by any form but in some countries, like the U. S., there is no concrete definition of what natural really entails. Just because a food is organic does not mean it’s natural and vice versa. In this chapter, I learned the process in which organic farmers must adhere to in order to be considered “organic”.  Organic farming does not involve any type of pesticides used in the growing process of their crops. Organic farmers must undergo detailed record keeping and testing of their crops. They are always subjected to “surprised” inspections and their land must be free from chemical residue. It was interesting to learn that even the way that organic food has to be transported, which is without mixing with non-organic food items, was something that I never thought about. In addition, it was interesting to learn the integrity behind the entire concept of being organic. According to Meyerowitz, organic must incorporate all the elements of the food chain that makes up the ecosystem such as plants, soil, air, animals, water and people (pg2).  As far as  chapter two"Reading the food labels pointed out some interesting terms that I felt was relevant to this post and detailed the meaning behind certain aspects of food labels such as bio dynamics, and fair trade and how that interrelates to food.

Based off what I read and having somewhat of an understanding of what encompasses "organic," I think this may affect society in essence that people may develop a new found respect for organic foods because so much goes into the whole organic cycle. I think some people have a misconeption in a sense of what organic really is. I think people hear the word organic and they immediately think expensive and not really know what is truly being offered in organic foods. Yes it may be a bit more pricey than conventional foods, but you get what you pay for.  I think society should care because of  the dymanics of process and the nutritional value that results from it.