“Farming’s Effects on the Environment” …and the poor environment’s effects on our food!

…the effects we see on our food “According to UK studies,” “dramatic reductions of mineral content of crops between 1930s and 1980s” What does this mean? Eating a carrot in 1930 did more for your body than eating one now!

What differences did we see? “Fruit: less magnesium, copper, iron, and potassium” “Veggies: less calcium, magnesium, copper, and sodium” Similar reductions have been seen in US investigations.

Why? “Causes could be:” “lesser varieties of crops/less nutritious ones being raised” We are choosing crops that grow larger and faster and not selecting crops for their nutrient content. “changes to soil nutrition” “changes to farming practice”

Why does farming affect the crops? “Farming practices can replace or deplete elements used by crops.” So in other words, old-fashioned practices replace and renew the soil. Modern practices deplete the soil, leaving nothing for the next crop.

How does this affect us? “Don’t know yet how many people are affected, or how.” However, considering the increase in diseases like cancers that are prevented with antioxidants… This could be a big problem!

“Effects on Environment” We must keep in mind that organic does not indicate eco-friendliness directly. However, “Food production practices for organic foods are rooted in resource conservation.”

What does that mean? Many of the same people who are starting organic farms or organic companies also feel a loyalty to environmental causes. So often, they are choosing eco- friendly practices that go hand-in- hand with organic farming.

What DOES the USDA require environmentally for organic labels? “USDA organic does require:” “soil improvement” “avoidance of erosion” “avoidance of chemical contamination” “methods that minimize pollution”

What other labels can I look for? Besides organic, there are other catchphrases you can look for on your products for eco-friendliness. However, “Other catchphrases are not government-regulated.” So it’s not a guarantee.

“Some certifying groups are more legit than others, do your research!” labels/ labels/ Great for making sense of it all! Find out which products are covered by which certifications, and which are more legit than others

“Food Alliance” “safe, fair working conditions” “sustainable farming” “no GMOs, hormones, limit pesticides”

“Fair-Trade” “sustainable farming, fair prices to workers” Often, farm workers make very little and the owner of company or seller takes home the money.

“Rainforest Alliance Certified” “crops support rainforest health” Common on coffee, chocolate, wood products Trees are replanted, farming encourages future growth

“Bird-Friendly” “coffee growing that protects bird habitats” Non-bird-friendly practices include monoculture, large fields with no shade, no plant borders along rivers and streams.

“Jersey Fresh” “produce from Jersey!” Why would this be environmentally friendly? “Food only transported short distance; few fossil fuels used”

We can also protect the environment with our choices on the food chain. Which food would require the least energy, plants or animals? “Raising plants requires less energy than raising animals.”

Picture the trophic pyramid. Foods lower on the pyramid use more direct sunlight. So we can either use plant energy to live, or use an animal that used the plant energy first. Crops used to feed cattle could just be used to feed humans instead!