What do you need to know about organic?

Organic farming and the food it produces is much more than you think!

Organic farming is a sustainable form of agriculture that favours local resources and natural processes over external additives and unnatural substances during production.

In organic farming:

farmers use agrotechnical and biological crop protection, mechanical weed control, organic fertilisers and traditional genetic resources instead of chemical pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilisers and genetically modified organisms
high animal welfare standards are implemented, such as providing enclosures of appropriate size for the type of life and not allowing mutilation of animals
cover crops and green manure mixtures are used and, thanks to the right farming practices, food production also helps to preserve soil fertility and protect the environment and human health
only those who comply with the legal requirements can use the organic label, while at the same time obtaining a certificate in accordance with the requirements of the national control system.

Therefore organic is not only a synonym for high quality, but also a form of farming that is closely linked to environmental awareness – and this is now guaranteed by law. Those who buy organic food from Hungary not only vote for quality, but also contribute to the sustainable development of consumer habits and the Hungarian agricultural sector.

How to avoid avoid greenwashing?

It is important to know that the terms “chemical-free”, “natural” and “reform” do not necessarily refer to organic farming or organic products. Whether a farm can be certified organic or not, is guaranteed by the organic control system, in addition to the legislation.

Why is organic better?

Organic products contain fewer residues

Chemicals such as synthetic fungicides and insecticides are widely used in conventional agriculture, so their residues are often found in the crops we eat. Residue levels, on a product-by-product basis, are mostly below the health limit (95% of the time in the European Union), but usually not just one, but several dozen or more synthetic molecules can be found in a single vegetable, fruit or cereal.

Since no synthetic pesticides are used in their production, organic products are mostly free of detectable residues. Of course, organic farmers cannot avoid the background environmental impact, but the resulting pollution and risks are much lower.

Organic products are generally fresh and additive-free

Processed organic products do not contain flavour enhancers or artificial preservatives and only organic certified ingredients (e.g. spices) are used. Organic farmers’ markets are dominated by fresh produce, harvested the same morning.

Good choice for the environment

Organic farming production methods that produce organic products preserve the purity of our waters, promote soil fertility, have a lower environmental impact and are kinder to ecosystem elements. And what’s good for the environment is good for you!

Animal welfare aspects

No antibiotics or growth hormones should be used as a preventive measure in the rearing of organically reared animals. The mutilation of parts of livestock, such as the removal of horns from dairy cows, beak trimming of laying hens and tail docking of pigs, is prohibited in organic agriculture.

In addition, animals are kept free or given the necessary access to space so that they are not separated from their natural environment or restricted in meeting their basic needs.

GMO-free

Organic farming is based on natural systems. Organic farmers see the individual as a separate whole, not a set of genes. The dignity of living beings is of higher value. For this reason, and because of the risks associated with GMOs, including NGTs, neither genetically modified organisms nor their derivatives should be used in organic farming – this is of course also true for organic feed.

Consistency

Organic farmers use seeds and propagating material produced organically, or at least not treated with chemicals. Most of the varieties derived from organic breeding have adapted to the requirements of organic production.

All new organic areas will take at least two years to convert to organic farming. All relevant regulations must be complied with during the conversion period. This “waiting period” provides assurance that organic products will contain less pesticide residues from the previous period. Products from farms in the conversion period are treated separately.

Social responsibility, systems thinking

Organic farming is based on systems thinking that focuses not only on the well-being of the soil, plants and animals, but also on the well-being of people – this is called the One Health approach. The principles of fairness and care also serve the health and well-being of farmers, farm workers and customers.

Play it safe! Look for the official organic logo!

If you want to be sure you’re buying organic, look for the EU organic logo on the packaging! The leaf from white stars on a green background is the official organic logo of the European Union, which is compulsory in all EU Member States, including Hungary, on packaged products from certified organic farming. If you buy your fresh produce at the market, choose organic markets or organic farms where you can get a weekly basket of fresh vegetables.

Logos of control bodies

In Hungary, compliance with organic farming standards is monitored by two control bodies accredited by NÉBIH (National Food Chain Safety Office), Biokontroll Hungária Nonprofit Kft. and Bio Garancia Kft. (formerly Hungária Öko Garancia Kft.). While the code is mandatory on the packaging, the logos of the control bodies, unlike the EU organic logo, are not mandatory on organic products.

Are you convinced?! Then take these 5 simple tips to help you support organic farming

1. Look out for the organic logo and read up!

If you want to buy organic products, look for the white leaf logo on a green background in the shops, and last but not least, find out about organic producers in your country!

2. Buy directly from the producer!

Organic markets and community supported agriculture organizations (CSA, AMAP) are now increasingly popular and accessible, mainly because of their cost-effectiveness and transparency. You can save significantly more by buying directly from the farmer.

3. Not only organic, but local as well?

If you have the choice, buy local organic produce! By doing so, you are not only helping to reduce the environmental impact, but you are also supporting local organic farmers, who can only survive if their produce is purchased.

4. Shop for the season!

It is not only more sustainable and tastier to eat seasonal fruit and vegetables, it is also more economical. Whenever possible, buy more at a time that you can put away for later (e.g. drying, canning, fermenting).