Organic food

Question 1

Define Organic food

Answer 1

Food that has not been grown or treated with pesticides, fertilisers or hormones. Crops are farmed in safe soil where no modifications occur. Organic livestock are not given hormones, antibiotics or animal by-products. Livestock must have access to the outdoors and must be fed organic feed.

Question 2

Is organic food more nutritious than conventional foods

Answer 2

Not proved either way
Might have more antioxidants

Question 3

Is organic food tastier than conventional foods

Answer 3

Not proved
Natural flavours and no additives

Question 4

Does organic food have less chemicals than conventional foods

Answer 4

Yes
25% organic versus 77% of conventional food

Question 5

Do organic foods look better than conventional foods

Answer 5

Organic farmers are less concered with looks
Supermarkets often reject less perfect looking food

Question 6

Does organic food cost less than conventional food

Answer 6

No, it costs more - shorter shelf life and smaller yield

Question 7

Can organic food feed everyone

Answer 7

No, crop yield is lower than conventional farms (natural fertiliser)

Question 8

Is organic food better for wildlife

Answer 8

Yes, more wildlife is found on organic farms
No chemicals are used

Question 9

Is organic food better for the water supply

Answer 9

Yes, no chemicals leach into soil and water sources

Question 10

Is organic food better for the planet

Answer 10

Yes
Conventional farms use chemicals and fossil fuels, this causes global warming, greenhouse gases and acid rain

Question 11

Is organic food better for the animals

Answer 11

Yes, organic farms give freedom for natural behaviour
Conventional farms keep animals indoors, no natural light, fed chemicals and artificial food

Question 12

Where can you find organic food

Answer 12

Woolworths
Pick ‘n Pay
Local farmers

Question 13

Disadvantages of organic food

Answer 13

Productivity lessens - relies on living soil for fertility
GMO crops can not be used - lessens yield
Time
Labour intensive
May generate more greenhouse gasses

Question 14

Describe Urban agriculture

Answer 14

Urban agriculture is the process of growing crops and raising animals within an urban area, using the space available

Question 15

Describe Trench gardening

Answer 15

Trench gardening involves digging a trench and then filling it with compost and growing crops in the trench

Question 16

Describe Permaculture

Answer 16

Permaculture aims to grow and create agricultural ecosystems that are sustainable and self-sufficient. It is based on crop diversity, natural resilience, productivity and sustainability.