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Organic Food
简体
Organic Food
有机食品

Learn English with this organic food English lesson

Date: Aug 09 2013

Themes: Food, Health

Grammar: Adjectives

Intro

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Organic, organic, organic. Everybody wants to grow, sell, or buy organic. We’re hearing the message loud and clear that organic food is the best thing to be eating. You can even drink organic beer or wine while wearing organic clothes and shoes.

It makes sense that food is healthier for you when it isn’t contaminated by pesticide. If we had the time and space, many of us would love to grow our own produce, but that’s not always practical. If you want organic, you usually have to pay for it. As they say, “You are what you eat!”

It seems hard to argue with the belief that organic is best, but not everyone agrees. Find out what Jeff and Devan think in this lesson about the foods we choose.

有机、有机、有机…… 每个人都想要种植、销售或购买有机物。“有机食品是最佳的食用选择”这样的信息,也明确有力地向我们传来。你甚至可以在喝着有机啤酒或红酒的同时穿着有机衣服和鞋子。

没有农药污染的食品对身体更健康,这种说法是有道理的。如果有时间和场地,我们中会有很多人想要自己种植农产品,但这种想法并不总是切实可行。如果你想用有机产品,就要为它付出代价。毕竟,“人如其食”!

似乎很难反驳“有机最好”这一信念,但也并非所有人都同意。在本节以我们选择的食品为话题的英语课上,看看杰夫和德凡有何看法。

Dialog

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2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Devan

Devan

Jeff

Jeff

Devan:  Jeff, you really shouldn’t be eating that sandwich. Did you even check to see if it was certified organic? I really think that you need to start eating better.

Jeff:  What? Organic. What is that? Why does it matter?

Devan:  It matters because that meat that you’re eating, and the lettuce, is probably full of pesticides. It has no nutritional value.

Jeff:  And the bread, and the cheese, and the pickles, and the sprouts. How do we even know if it’s really organic? We pay more money for that and they just put a sticker on there or something? How can we trust it?

Devan:  Do you think that if it’s labeled organic it’s not truly organic?

Jeff:  I don’t know. Maybe not. Maybe it is.

Devan:  I mean, I guess you have a point. I’ve never actually investigated the certification process, but it makes me feel better to see that label and to feel like I’m making the right decisions with my diet.

Jeff:  You know what makes me feel better?

Devan:  What?

Jeff:  I bake my own bread. I grow my own lettuce. And I grew my own turkey that I butchered myself.

Devan:  Well, I guess I was quick to judge you. I apologize. Do you have another half of the sandwich I can have?

 

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Discussion

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Devan thinks that Jeff isn’t eating healthy food and she tells him so. She points out that he doesn’t even know if his sandwich is organic. But Jeff questions whether a label on food is telling the truth, or if he’s paying more for something that isn’t actually healthier. He’s just not so sure.

Devan admits that she doesn’t really know who decides which food is organic. She prefers to buy it, anyway, because she thinks it’s better for her body. Jeff surprises Devan by telling her that he bakes and grows a lot of the items in his sandwich. She’s a little embarrassed, in fact! To show that she was wrong about him, Devan asks Jeff if he’ll share his sandwich with her.

Are people interested in organic food where you live? Do you try to “eat organic” yourself? Why or why not?

 

Comments

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serenity0012

Turkey

organic food is great for healty but, is it really organic?


l think so it isn’t. Spacially soil and fertilizer


11:49 AM Dec 22 2019 |

Franky25

Franky25

Germany

I try to eat organic everywhere I can. In Germany you can buy it without problems in every grocery. Especially vegetables and fruits have almost a better taste than conventional crop growing. It must be due to the pesticides and the sun. I don’t eat meat in any form.

01:34 PM Aug 16 2013 |

1 person likes this

sherryleio

sherryleio

China

Organic food is totally good, but it’s hard to find the organic food around us. Today we are told this food is contaminated, and tomorrow we are told that food can not be eaten. If I do not eat, I can only live for 5 days, but if I eat, even the food is not safe, I can still live for another 30 years….sighingggggggggggggggggg

09:44 AM Aug 13 2013 |

sherryleio

sherryleio

China

Organic food is totally good, but it’s hard to find the organic food around us. Today we are told this food is contaminated, and tomorrow we are told that food can not be eaten. If I do not eat, I can only live for 5 days, but if I eat, even the food is not safe, I can still live for another 30 years….sighingggggggggggggggggg

09:44 AM Aug 13 2013 |

princessanika

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

Ilove fruits  but i don’t like all vegtables. i know organic food are very healthier,but i can’t eat all of them. most of the time i eat junk food. it’s not my falt those are have very good taste. i think vegtables don’t have any taste!!!!!

08:50 AM Aug 13 2013 |

Moriza

Moriza

Ukraine

04:45 PM Aug 12 2013 |

qualmpaw56

qualmpaw56

United States

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/NU00255


Some say organic dose not have more nutrients, and I disagree.



Fertilizers that promote unnatural vigorous growth will not allow a plant to grow to its fullest potentials as has been for hundreds of years before pesticides were used.



One thing no one can argue is organic foods are not toxic, which pesticide grown vegetables can pass toxins through a mother breastfeeding to her baby.



Also build up in you body’s system, breaking down your immune system, or cause other harmful health issues..



To add it is impossible to be completely organic because the air we breath is not organic, and as microscopic as it may not be visible . We breath everything the wind pass before us.



I eat 75 % percent organic and a vegetarian for 40 years and at age 57 my health is perfect except for all the injuries I occurred during my wild life.



In some cases when healthy foods are limited , it’s best to avoid unhealthy foods especially proceed foods with ingredients you don t know.



BHT, MSG, Cotton seed oils, and so on, are all poisons to your body .



The internet allows us to define the truth of what we are eating.



“We are What We Eat”


 

11:46 PM Aug 11 2013 |

qualmpaw56

qualmpaw56

United States

When Organic Isn’t Really Organic – - How You’re Being Duped


Pros, and cons


The word “organic” is becoming little more than a money-maker for corporations who want to jump on the bandwagon.


In fact, the FDA and USDA, which are the very agencies that are supposed to be protecting the organic food supply, are intensely active in its adulteration.


A “certified organic” product can actually have a mix of organic and conventional ingredients.


In fact, under the law, you could manufacture “organic beer” with completely conventional hops, label it “USDA Certified Organic,” and charge a premium price for it—hops are allowed to be non-organic under USDA Certified Organic products.


As Farm Wars puts it:


“It’s like putting gasoline in a glass of pure water and charging a premium for that water because it only contains 30 percent of the contaminant. 30 percent contamination is probably better than 100 percent, but would you want to drink it? The whole glass of water is poisoned due to the gasoline, yet the companies selling this product would like you to believe that because it contains pure water it is good.”

10:59 PM Aug 11 2013 |

1 person likes this

qualmpaw56

qualmpaw56

United States

What is organic?


Organic refers to the way agricultural products—food and fiber—are grown and processed. Organic food production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. Organic foods are minimally processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation to maintain the integrity of the food.



Is there an official definition of “organic”?


The following excerpt is from the definition of “organic” that the National Organic Standards Board adopted in April 1995: “Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.”



What does “Certified Organic” mean?


“Certified Organic” means the item has been grown according to strict uniform standards that are verified by independent state or private organizations. Certification includes inspections of farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping, and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers and handlers are meeting the standards which have been set.



Can any type of agricultural product become certified organic?


Yes, any agricultural product that meets third-party or state certification requirements may be considered organic. Organic foods are becoming available in an impressive variety, including pasta, prepared sauces, frozen juices, frozen meals, milk, ice cream and frozen novelties, cereals, meat, poultry, breads, soups, chocolate, cookies, beer, wine, vodka and more. These foods, in order to be certified organic, have all been grown and processed according to organic standards and must maintain a high level of quality. Organic fiber products, too, have moved beyond T-shirts, and include bed and bath linens, tablecloths, napkins, cosmetic puffs, feminine hygiene products, and men’s, women’s and children’s clothing in a wide variety of styles.



Who regulates the certified organic claims?


The federal government set standards for the production, processing and certification of organic food in the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). The National Organic Standards Board was then established to develop guidelines and procedures to regulate all organic crops. The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) during December 2000 unveiled detailed regulations to implement OFPA. These took effect on April 21, 2001, with an 18-month implementation period ending October 2002. At that time, any food labeled organic must meet these national organic standards. USDA’s National Organic Program oversees the program.



Are all organic products completely free of pesticide residues?


Certified organic products have been grown and handled according to strict standards without toxic and persistent chemical inputs. However, organic crops are inadvertently exposed to agricultural chemicals that are now pervasive in rain and ground water due to their overuse during the past fifty years in North America, and due to drift via wind and rain.



Do organic farmers ever use pesticides?


Prevention is the organic farmer’s primary strategy for disease, weed, and insect control. By building healthy soils, organic farmers find that healthy plants are better able to resist disease and insects. Organic producers often select species that are well adapted for the climate and therefore resist disease and pests. When pest populations get out of balance, growers will try various options like insect predators, mating disruption, traps, and barriers. If these fail, permission may be granted by the certifier to apply botanical or other nonpersistent pest controls under restricted conditions. Botanicals are derived from plants and are broken down quickly by oxygen and sunlight.



How will purchasing organic products help keep our water clean?


Conventional agricultural methods can cause water contamination. Beginning in May 1995, a network of environmental organizations, including the Environmental Working Group, began testing tap water for herbicides in cities across the United States’ Corn Belt, and in Louisiana and Maryland. The results revealed widespread contamination of tap water with many different pesticides at levels that present serious health risks. In some cities, herbicides in tap water exceed federal lifetime health standards for weeks or months at a time. The organic farmer’s elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, in combination with soil building, works to prevent contamination, and protects and conserves water resources.



Is organic food better for you?


There is mounting evidence at this time to suggest that organically produced foods may be more nutritious. Furthermore, organic foods and fiber are spared the application of toxic and persistent insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers. Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. In the long run, organic farming techniques provide a safer, more sustainable environment for everyone.



Why does organic food sometimes cost more?


Prices for organic foods reflect many of the same costs as conventional items in terms of growing, harvesting, transportation and storage. Organically produced foods must meet stricter regulations governing all of these steps, so the process is often more labor- and management-intensive, and farming tends to be on a smaller scale. There is also mounting evidence that if all the indirect costs of conventional food production—cleanup of polluted water, replacement of eroded soils, costs of health care for farmers and their workers—were factored into the price of food, organic foods would cost the same or, more likely, be cheaper.




Isn’t organic food just a fad?
U. S. sales of organic food and beverages have grown from $1 billion in 1990 to an estimated $29.22 billion in 2011, up 9.4 percent from 2010. Organic food and beverages represent 4.2 percent of all U.S. food and beverage sales, up from 4 percent in 2010. Prospects for 2012 and 2013 indicate that organic food will continue to sustain growth levels of 9 percent or higher.





The Organic Trade Association is the leading business association representing the organic industry in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Its 1700 members include growers, processors, shippers, retailers, certification organizations and others involved in the business of producing and selling certified organic products.


© 2012, Organic Trade Association.

10:51 PM Aug 11 2013 |

qualmpaw56

qualmpaw56

United States

zurvani


In the USA organic foods have to be certified, in order to market in stores although there are farmers who clam organic and it is not certified.



Easier to explain , here’s a link, it answers many questions.



http://www.ota.com/organic/faq.html




One thing I can tell you is if you stick to a complete diet of ogoranic foods , it requires lots of self discipline, and self motivation to seek out where there is availably..(home garden dose best)



Mainly because you resistance to chemically grown food , or processed foods will not harmonize with your immune system to pesticides. then you are seriously limited to where you can eat. In US only some states have many places to eat certified organics, and to add when some invites you to dinner : it can be complicating because chances are there not eating 100% organic.



So comes the possible offence saying no I cant eat .



And if you do , and have been eating organic completely.



You will not have any immune system to the pesticides use to grow the vegetables.



Chances are by morning you will feel very poisoned.



I speak from my own experience.



I hope my impute helps. John


 


 

10:45 PM Aug 11 2013 |

Genevieve Mousadi

Venezuela

the organic food is essential for nutrition, welfare and growth of all the people especially the children. it’s important say every food provide a lot of vitamin, calcium and many more proteins 

10:07 PM Aug 11 2013 |

1 person likes this

Soul_Mate

Soul_Mate

Canada

Organic healty food is only a part of healty life .its as important as others..regulary sports,excercises,enough sleeping,balanced nutrion,to have a good work,to live without stress,without bad addictions…...,


on the other hand, inorganic food is an inevitable reality too..coz world population is increasing but cultivable agricultural fields are decreasing  day by day.therefore ,marketing system needs inorganic food for feeding these huge population.inorganic food means more food and more money in a short time..


in the future, we will have more inorganic food ,all signs point out this danger..coz environmental pollution are spreding to every parts of the world..we can see it around us with naked eyes..human beings make dirty and exterminate seas,lakes,rivers ,mountains,fields,air,forests..


in today,people living countrysides are luckier than people living in the big cities for having organic food..they can eat fresh vegetables and fruits easily..


"Organik besinler, diğer besinlerden daha iyi değildir"<br/>Organik &uuml;r&uuml;nler farklılığını en &ccedil;ok şeftali, elma, dolmalık biber ve kerevizde g&ouml;steriyor

11:11 AM Aug 11 2013 |

thaodao

Viet Nam

me

10:03 AM Aug 11 2013 |

1 person likes this

zurvani

zurvani

United Arab Emirates

i think that companies want to market their products so they label it with the word Organic.


i think it’s a marketing technique they use it to fool people …


 

04:26 AM Aug 11 2013 |

1 person likes this

Soul_Mate

Soul_Mate

Canada

can Life  be organic ,if  the words and behaviors  become inorganic ??

12:53 PM Aug 10 2013 |

Eric_Shan

China

We should advocate organic life, do some exercise, have healthy diet and travel, although it’s really difficult for our stressful and bustling city life.

09:31 AM Aug 10 2013 |

mehdimansiz

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

I think the governments should  widespread organic foods because it is important for improveing public Health


our farmers in Ardabil are the leadings of produceing of  organic food

09:18 AM Aug 10 2013 |

1 person likes this

nerminxl

nerminxl

Azerbaijan

This is true, organic foods more beneficial for human health … Sometimes their prices are too high .. But in our country, everyone can use them, and some people  grow them in their own gardens.

06:45 AM Aug 10 2013 |

1 person likes this

aviator26

aviator26

Turkey

i agree that organic food are healthier but more expensive than others. in my country, the best in the world, people have been producing and consuming organic foods more for last ten years. people learned benefits of organic foods.


I SUPPORT ALL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE ACTIVITIES AND ACTS. it is reaaly so important for all people.

11:41 PM Aug 09 2013 |

Erick1992

Mexico

eat it is very delicious and good for the health

05:28 PM Aug 09 2013 |

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