Valerie Handlos Period 6 Valerie Handlos Period 6 Valerie Handlos Period 6

Thesis- People should not purchase organic food because it has a short shelf life, and requires more labor.

Summary- People should not buy organic food. Even though organic food does not apply harmful pesticides or herbicides, organic food does not last long, and requires more labor.

Pros- o use natural fertilizers such as manure or compost to nourish soil and promote plant growth o rotate crops, use mulch, or hand weed to provide beneficial crop hygiene, remove pests, and reduce disease o give organic feed to animals and allow them access to open pasture while utilizing rotational grazing patterns o do not apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth o organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution

Cons- o organic food costs more o organic fruits and vegetables have a short shelf life o more labor intensive o organic fruits and vegetables are no more nutritious than conventional o more people are involved in undertaking routine tasks

Opposing Viewpoints- On the other hand, organic farming conserves soil and water. Organic farming produces less waste and less energy. Also, it can be good for the environment.

Rebuttal- Although organic food does not apply chemical fertilizers, according to mayoclinic.com organic fruits and vegetables are no more nutritious than conventional foods.

Conclusion/Call to Action-. In conclusion, you should not purchase organic food because it has a short shelf life and requires more labor. For more information visit Conclusion/Call to Action- In conclusion, you should not purchase organic food because it has a short shelf life and requires more labor. For more information visit

Charts and graphs- This chart shows how organic corn costs more than conventional corn. Now they cost the same, but in 2007 organic corn cost at least $ This chart shows how much conventional and organic fruits and vegetables are grown.

Interesting Facts- Milk is the most purchased organic food. A study conducted in 2001 found that 63 percent of Americans buy organic foods. Many people would rather spend extra money to feed their family organic food. There are 40% more antioxidants in organic food There are higher levels of beneficial minerals like zinc (something almost everyone is deficient in) and iron in the organic produce. According to Organic Farming Research Foundation, as of 2007 there are approximately 13,000 certified organic producers in the U.S. compared to about 2500 as tracked in 1994.

Citations- Johnson, Alex. "Organic Food Is Worth the Extra Expense." Is Organic Food Better?Ronald D. Lankford, Jr. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, At Issue. Rpt. from "Is Organic Food Too Expensive?" Organic Guide Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 21 Feb Feldman, Stanley. "Organic Fertilizers Pose More Health Risks than Pesticides." Is Organic Food Better? Ronald D. Lankford, Jr. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, At Issue. Rpt. from "Organic Food." Panic Nation: Exposing the Lies We're Told About Health and Food. London: John Blake, Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 21 Feb Leu, Andre. "Organic Agriculture Can Feed the World." AcresUSA 34.1 (Jan. 2004). Rpt. in Global Resources. Ed. David M. Haugen. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, Opposing Viewpoints. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 21 Feb Mayo Clinic Staff "Organic Foods: Are They Safer? More Nutritious?" Mayo Clinic. Ed. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 June Web. 21 Feb Neergaard, Laura. "Organic Food Is Not Healthier Than Conventional Produce: Study."Huffingtonpost.com. N.p., 4 Sept Web. 21 Feb