Is organic food really treated with fewer pesticides or are there products where the conventional version is just as good?
Better to go organic for these foods
There are foods where it can make sense to buy the organic version. They include:
Fruits and vegetables – there is a low exposure to pesticides here
Meat – the quality is higher with organic products
Native oils – they contain valuable ingredients
ready meals
whole grain products
When it comes to fruit and vegetables, you can use the sensitivity of the products as a guide: In the case of rather more sensitive foods, it is often worth reaching for organic products. These are often less contaminated with pollutants. This applies, for example, to pears, berries, peppers and lettuce.
Which pesticides are used? Are they harmful?
Pesticides are often used by farmers to protect their crops from insects and weeds on the one hand, but also to prevent fungal infestation on the other. There are both chemical and biological pesticides that farmers can use. In conventional agriculture there are around 270 active ingredients that are approved. Their use has a rather negative impact on various areas. The pesticides can get into other biotopes and water bodies through air or rain and pose a threat to nature there. One result can be the impoverishment of the plant world, and the insects and birds living there are also deprived of their livelihood.
In organic farming, these chemical-synthetic pesticides are prohibited. Natural pesticides are used, which are also biodegradable. Examples would be copper, sulfur or beeswax. However, that does not mean that these pesticides cause less damage. In contrast to chemical pesticides, natural pesticides not only work in specific areas, but over a wider area, which in turn can harm other living beings.
Nevertheless, the biological pesticides are a better alternative, since far fewer of them are permitted, which minimizes the negative impact on nature overall. Many organic farmers also turn to natural methods to protect their crops.
Can you still buy “non-organic”?
Even if it can make sense to use the organic version for some foods, some products that have been produced conventionally perform just as well.
Dairy products – some products were even able to convince with a better result
Fish – even conventional fish was able to keep up well with the organic alternative
Refined oils – in addition to the quality, for example, the lower price could also impress
Side dishes – for example with pasta, the conventional alternative is completely sufficient
Luxury foods – every second conventional product was convincing here
Vegetables that grow underground are also less contaminated by pesticides, so conventional alternatives can also be used here. In addition, it almost always makes sense to use seasonal goods, as these are usually less contaminated.
Conclusion: is organic really better?
Overall, therefore, it cannot be assumed that organic products are always the better choice. Most of the conventionally produced foods are also of high and good quality in terms of pesticide exposure. Here you can make your choice depending on the food. With regard to the environment, however, it can make sense to use organic products and to pay attention to the various seals, since the production of these foods is often less of a burden on nature.
