"Spotlight" Launches a New Series on the Growing Demand for Organic Food

BOYNTON BEACH, FL, October 28, 2010 (Press-News.org) Do you know what goes into the food you eat? In order to meet with growing demand, many farmers spray pesticides on their produce in order to control disease and insect attack. A study published by the National Research Council determined that "for infants and children, the major source of exposure to pesticides is through diet". While conventional methods to farming include chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth, insecticides to reduce pests and disease and antibiotics and growth hormones for animals, organic farming practices are designed to reduce pollution using natural fertilizers, utilize crop rotation to reduce weeds and provide organic feed for animals. Organic food is known to contain 50% more nutrients, vitamins and minerals than produce that has been conventionally farmed.

The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established the National Organic Program to regulate the standards for any farm or crop harvesting operation that wants to sell agricultural product as organically produced. Any farmer or food manufacturer who labels and sells product as organic must be USDA certified as meeting these standards.
According to the National Organic Program, "before a product can be labeled 'organic', a Government-Approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards."

The Public Television series, "Spotlight," would like to highlight the companies that produce organically and meet the USDA organic standards. "Our goal is to educate the viewers on organic production and distribution and the environmental and health benefits associated with going organic," says the Executive Producer of the series.

"Spotlight" is an independent program and has no affiliation with PBS. Our programs are independently produced and are distributed to Public Television affiliates around the country.

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