Support local organics

After sifting through four decades of information, the brightest minds at Stanford have concluded there is little nutritional difference between conventional and organic produce and meats.

That type of conclusion appears to be a no-brainer, but why not also take time to study why consumer choose organic products?

Organic certification in the U.S. is a strict process: produce must not be genetically modified, and cannot be raised by using synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. When it comes to meat products, routine use of growth hormones and antibiotics are prohibited.

Due to the need for extra work and supplies for its growth or development, organic products are usually more expensive than their conventional counterparts, but consumers will choose it due to desire to foster environmental stewardship and consume fewer pesticides and hormones.

In a recent report, the President's Cancer Panel recommends eating pesticide-free produce to reduce risk of cancer and other diseases, but a 2009 CDC study suggests Americans are regularly consuming small doses of pesticides.

After studying samples from 5,000 adults and children, researchers discovered 96 percent of participants tested positive for pesticides. Overall, researchers discovered 21 of 28 chemical biomarkers corresponding to pesticides used for fresh fruits and vegetables, and more than 60 percent of people surveyed had trace amounts of seven or more pesticides.

Some produce is more likely to be contaminated than others, the Environmental Working Group has found, after studying residue testing from the FDA. According to the EWG's "dirty dozen" list, apples, celery, sweet bell peppers, peaches, strawberries, imported nectarines, grapes, spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, domestic blueberries and white potatoes have regularly tested positive for high pesticide levels, with imported produce from Central and South America typically testing at highest levels.

Before making a long trek to Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, remember the choices available through local grocers, health food stores and farmer's market: home-grown produce and responsibly-raised meats, eggs and dairy products.

* Ashley Miller is a member of the Pilot news staff. Reach the columnist at amiller@stormlakepilottribune.com