I am continually amazed at how parents just fall into trends without doing their research as to why we need to follow the trend. It reminds of the time when we had the soup diet phase to lose weight, without realising that in the long run, it was not all that healthy. So in my quest to find out why we are going down the 'organic food' path, I stumbled upon this article from mayoclinic.com which explains the difference between organic and conventional farming:


Conventional vs. organic farming

The word "organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don't use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease. For example, rather than using chemical weedkillers, organic farmers conduct sophisticated crop rotations and spread mulch or manure to keep weeds at bay.

Here are other differences between conventional farming and organic farming:

Conventional farmers :

• Apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth.

Organic farmers:

• Apply natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, to feed soil and plants.

Conventional farmers:

• Spray insecticides to reduce pests and disease.

Organic farmers:

• Use beneficial insects and birds, mating disruption or traps to reduce pests and disease.

Conventional farmers:

• Use chemical herbicides to manage weeds.

Organic farmers:

• Rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to manage weeds.

Conventional farmers:

• Give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to prevent disease and spur growth.

Organic farmers:

• Give animals organic feed and allow them access to the outdoors. Use preventive
  measures — such as rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing — to help minimize disease.