Organics rule: good for you, good for the planet. (Cover Story).(Cover Story)

When you look at the glossy green pears in the produce section of the grocery store, you might notice that they now sit beside their organic counterparts. What you can see is that the organic pears may not look as lustrous, and they may be more expensive. But what you can't see is that the organic pears are grown without chemical pesticides.

So before you buy the conventionally grown pears you usually choose, think about the fact that even though the organic fruit may not be as alluring to the eyes, it's certainly better for you--and the environment.

Both conventional and organic pears taste good, and both varieties are good for you. The difference between them lies in how they were grown and processed. Organic pears, like all organic agricultural products, are farmed without the persistent use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Organic products are also processed without artificial ingredients or preservatives--that's why some fruits and vegetables may not look as colorful as conventionally grown produce. And organic products don't contain hormones or antibiotics.

As of October 2002, all food labeled "organic" has had to comply with stringent national standards set by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The National Organic Standards Board, a USDA advisory board, defined the aims of organic agricultural production in 1995 and stated that the principles for organic production are to use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems.

The Good Earth

Bob Scowcroft, executive director of the Organic Farming Research Foundation, located in Santa Cruz, California, says the use of pesticides in food production has created a toxic legacy, and different aspects of the environment have been contaminated, from ground water to soil. Certified organic farmers, as part of their growth plan, help improve the soil, thus creating a positive environmental impact, Scowcroft says. "The soil is the heart of the organic growing system. Farmers increase soil fertility, add micronutrients and create the right balance of moisture. The healthier the soil, the healthier the plant."

Because of exposure to chemicals through rain, wind drifts and ground water, it's nearly impossible to guarantee that organic food is completely free of pesticides and herbicides used in conventional growing. One of the goals of organic production, however, is to use methods that minimize pollution from air, soil and water. Because organic production methods don't use standard agricultural chemicals, many people concerned about the sustainability of soil and water prefer the fruits and vegetables it yields. As Julie Almond, natural and organic section manager of the Ukrop's at Virginia Center Marketplace in Glen Allen, Virginia, says, "Common sense says if you treat the planet better, it will treat you better."