Organic Foods

Our system in Farm Fresh Auctions has a category of food will each have a sub category titled ORGANIC. So it will be easy to find all organic items listed for sale.

What is Organic Food?

It is foods grown without the use of chemicals or fertilizers or GMOs.

It is also about how food is handled; Biodynamic or organic foods have set management practises that do not use Herbicides, Artificial fertilizers, Pesticides, Growth stimulants, hormones, antibiotics and irradiation.

Currently there are no laws governing the use of Organic produce, only a recognized certifier can certify that a product is organic. Look for the verified logos to ensure you are buying a true organic produce.

Are Organic Foods Good For You?

Many people are now switching to organic foods as they believe it is nutritionally and biologically beneficial for them.

There are now countless of scientific research findings that reveal organic food to be far superior in mineral, vitamin and nutritional content.

There is an ongoing battle of scientific report with inconclusive data specifying the nutritional value whether organic methods is higher or not than produce that are from conventional farm methods. The reason for this is the majority of the studies are of poor quality, meaning their agriculturally or analytically flawed.  Organic it is proven to be SAFER.

The US Department of Agriculture has found that the mineral levels in fruits and vegetables, dairy and meat have declined since records of 1940s. However you must take into account the pre ripening of fruits and longer storage times in controlled cool rooms in conjunction with the nutritional status.

Fresh is Still the Best!

Organic foods are a great but simple way to decrease an individual’s toxin burden of pesticides and food additives, but increase their nutrient intake, whilst changing their patterns of consumption away from the less healthy and nutrient devoid choices.

Research has also indicated that phytonutrients is higher in organic foods, plenty of which are antioxidants that’s involved in the plants own defences. The reason is that the plants are able to rely more on their own defences in the absence of regular application of chemical pesticides. A recent review indicated can be 10-50% higher than conventional farmed foods.

Lower Pesticides Residue

Consuming organic is a great way to enhance one’s nutrient intake and its SAFE! It’s constantly stated in the mainstream food industry that pesticide residues in foods are claimed to be safe and are found to be low and within acceptable safety limit. However monitoring programs consistently reveal that there are 1 in 3 non organic food samples tested that contain a variety of pesticide residues. Intuitively consumers know that pesticides are not safe to human health. The multiple pesticide residues creates a ‘chemical toxic cocktail’, with research confirming potential toxicity overload resulting in immune, reproductive and nervous system consequences.

Organic food has considerably lower pesticides residue than those found in produce with synthetic chemicals. The permitted pesticides in organic food are naturally occurring. There are pest and disease management strategies by the organic growers in which they do not utilise artificial and toxic chemicals.

Free From Artificial Additives

Organic foods contain:

  • Food Additives
  • Preservatives
  • Artificial Sweeteners
  • Synthetic Chemicals
  • Flavours
  • Colourings
  • MSG
  • Phosphoric Acid
  • Hydrogenated fat

Less food toxins are better for your bodies’ health. Organic food does not have any food additives, which is a cause of health problems encompassing osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, migraines and hyperactivity. Organic production has prohibited use of antibiotics, hormones, anti-microbials and other growth stimulants. Organic processing has prohibited use of synthetic chemicals, flavours, colourings, MSG etc. Biodynamic farming is an organic farming method with nature in mind and considerate management of livestock. For animals that are treated with veterinary drugs or chemicals they are prohibited from being sold as organic.

Why You Should Include Organic Food in Your Shopping

1) It tastes better! Better soil nourishment results to better produce and a better taste on our tongue!

2) Nutrient level, many organic foods have been proven to have higher levels of nutrients, vitamins and minerals and especially high in Antioxidants. Organic foods are also found to contain higher amounts of vitamin C, magnesium, selenium, iron, phosphorus and calcium. Chris Ashton of the UK-based Nutritional Cancer Therapy Trust asserts: "Those concerned with the fight against disease know that our bodies are designed to overcome disease processes before they become established. Our systems are readily disrupted by toxins and an absence of sufficient quantities of nutrients."

3) Sustainable Development and Better Future! Organic farming protects the environment by improving farm management for future generations. Organic farmed soils are shown to have:

  • Less run off and erosion
  • Higher vitamin C
  • Less nitrogen leaching
  • Higher levels of selenium
  • Better nutrient holding ability
  • More efficient biological nutrient cycling

4) Organic food is free from additive and preservatives, no food colouring, no food taste additives, it’s just healthy fresh product! Genetically modified foods (GMO) are a time bomb on how they will affect our future population’s health and wellness.

5) Organic farms are mainly independent family owned farms and should be supported.

Do Organic Foods Cost More?

At present organic foods cost more as supply yield is smaller and operating costs are high. However the more people purchase organic products, production will increase and prices will be decrease. At present prices for organic foods are 20 to 70% higher than standard supermarket foods. Conventional farming is cheaper but I am sure time will change and taking into account the carbon emissions, local organic foods will be more cost competitive in the future.

Company Profile: MyOrganics "as nature intended"

my organic foods

MyOrganics is an Australian Certified Organic company that believes the Organic farming and food production will play an important part in the future of our nutrition. It’s certified organic meaning No added pesticides or Artificial Fertilisers. MyOrganics offer an assortment of products ranging from nuts, dried fruit, grains, seeds, confectionary, whole foods and cereals.

Declan Dart, owner of MyOrganics quotes:
“Enlightened people are becoming more concerned about their nutrition and it is our role to provide them with certified, pure organic food options. Not all food options are equal but you can be assured that MyOrganics products are 100% organic from the farm to your pantry, just as nature intended."

MyOrganics are Australian Certified Organic, processor 476P.

Most are Australian products or imported but are all packed in Australia in QLD premises.

Organic Labelling

A major concern in the organic industry is that there is no nationwide regulation controlling the labelling of organic food sold in Australia. When buying organic products, ensure you are buying a true organic by following these basic steps:

Look for the logo! There are 7 different AQIS approved certifying bodies. Products with these logos indicate that they have been independently verified and audited to ensure they are not self-declared.

Australian Certified Organic. This is an example of an ACO logo.
NASAA Certified Organics. It stands for National Association of Sustainable Agriculture Australia
Organic Food Chain (OFC)
AUS-QUAL, owned by AUS-MEAT, the Australian Meat Industry Standards and Quality System Management Company
Demeter. Stands for Biodynamic Research Institute (BDRI)
SFQ. Stands for Safety Food Production Queensland
TOP. Stands for Tasmania Organic Producers
  • When purchasing from an organic retailer, check for their Organic Retailers’ and Grower’s Association of Australia (ORGAA) notice.
  • Ensure that you check the packaging for the grower’s name and certification number.
  • Don’t be misled by packaging that states natural or chemical free if the appropriate labelling certification is not presented.

Organic Tea

Tea is the second most consumed beverage worldwide. Scientific research suggests that drinking tea three times daily can have healthy benefits. However tea plantations are realising the value of converting to organic after recognizing the harmful effects of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Conventional tea growing is found to be non-sustainable, some effects are soil erosion, disease and the pesticides are a health hazard for the plantation tea pickers. The conversion to organic provided a fuller, richer taste that is healthier for consumption. Organic tea plantation is beneficial for the tea farmer as the plants are able to live longer than 100 years. The organic farming methods allow the plants to remain healthy for its lifetime.

Medical research reveals the beneficial findings of organic tea. It contains more antioxidants that protect the body against damage from free-radicals, tea has the high level of flavonoids which has an antioxidant action and it also has trace elements of several nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, along with vitamins A, C, E and K. Studies shows that these nutrients are higher in concentrations found in a good quality organic tea.
Tea consumption may help prevent or improve conditions of arthritis, loss of bone density, reduces the risk of heart disease and helps fight against cataracts.
There are four main types of teas, they are: White, Green, Oolong and Black. Each has their own individual health benefits.

Organic Herbal Tea

Organic herbal teas exclude the use of herbicides, pesticides and chemical fertilisers.
Organic herbal teas comprise of the aerial parts of herbs and are most often referred as infusions or tisanes. Tisanes are made by using fresh or dried leaves, flowers, roots, seeds or soft stems. Herbal teas are an effective way of extracting the most medically useful parts of the plants for goodness and flavour. It is often consumed for its physical or physical effects, also as a natural sedative, relaxant to stimulant. Herbal teas also contain antioxidants, trace elements, minerals and vitamins.

Often herbal teas are consumed for their physical or medicinal effects, especially as a stimulant, relaxant or sedative. Also they can contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Please note that herbal teas are all individual, some may contain constituents that are not beneficial for certain conditions and react with medication. Also some herbs are not recommended during pregnancy. Please check with a Herbal specialist to avoid incorrect use.

A list of some well used herbal teas: Peppermint, Chamomile, Ginger, Echinacea, and Roobois.

Labelling of Organic Teas

Look for the verification logos to ensure you are receiving a certified organic product.

Organic Coffee

Organic coffees exclude the use of herbicides, pesticides and chemical fertilisers. They utilise organic methods to solve natural problems by building healthy soils from terracing, composting an inter-cropping. They are integrating the use of trees and other ecological agricultural tools for the general health of the coffee plantation. When you drink organic coffee not only you benefit yourself, but also the farmer and the environment!

Organic coffee is full of amazing antioxidants that helps your body eliminate the damaging free radicals. It is a natural energy booster and relaxer that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Coffee is also said to satisfy hunger whilst toxins are flushed out of the body simultaneously. You can enjoy a cup of organic coffee knowing that it will not produce any dangerous consequences to your health!  By drinking organic coffee, we are making an environmental, social and economic difference. You are supporting organic farmers that encourage a sustainable and healthier way of living for us and our planet.

Always look for the verification logos to ensure you are receiving a certified organic product.

Organic Meat

The treatment of meat under organic methods signifies that they are handled humanely and with respect. E.g. Free ranged chickens. Beef cattle’s free to roam the farm with unrestricted use to water, food and sunshine. Organic meat is prohibited to be fed growth enhancing drugs, steroids, hormones or antibiotics. Organic farming methods encompass protection of the environment as they work in accord with the ecosystem. E.g. utilising renewable resources and natural farming cycles. Water is not wasted and recycled. Important methods of traditional farming are still used, such as rotating crops to prevent the leaching of soil nutrients.

Organic meat must comply with the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce. Examples of the requirement the animal livestock must adhere to:

  • No genetically modified inputs
  • Not be provided with growth promoters (includes antibiotics)
  • Must be free range on pasture
  • Not allowed to be fed with synthetic pesticides

To safeguard the purchase of your organic produce, there are a group of governing bodies that regulate the authenticity of organic food. Look out for these organisations in the logos: AUS-QUAL, ACO, OFC, BDRI, TOP, NASAA and SFQ.

Organic food are generally more costly due to the production methods being more labour-intensive, without herbicides, pesticides or other chemicals, and the yield is generally lower than conventional foods. Be aware that there are cheap organic meats available and there’s a high chance it’s not a true certified organic. Look for the certified Logo!