Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow Organic produce and meat don't use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease.

Here are some differences between conventional farming and Organic Farming:

Conventional Farmers

• Apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth.

• Spray insecticides to reduce pests and disease.

• Use chemical herbicides to manage weeds.

• Give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to prevent disease and spur growth.

• Apply natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, to feed soil and plants.

• Use beneficial insects and birds, mating disruption or traps to reduce pests and disease.

• Rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to manage weeds.

• Give animals Organic feed and allow them access to the outdoors. Use preventive measures such as rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing - to help minimize disease.

We all know the importance of getting our five-a-day, but eating five Organic fruit and vegetables a day is even better. A non-organic apple can be sprayed up to 16 times with 36 different chemicals, many of which cannot simply be washed off.

In the long run, organically grown food is the best bargain for us, the environment, and future generations. So if you want food that contains more of what you need, and less of what you don't need, isn't it time for you to go Organic?