Is organic produce really organic?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition and implications of "organic" produce, particularly questioning the validity of claims made about organic farming practices. Participants explore the distinctions between organic and inorganic materials in the context of plant nutrition and agricultural methods.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the term "organically grown" may be misleading, arguing that plants only absorb inorganic materials from the soil.
  • Another participant clarifies that organic farming refers to the absence of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, emphasizing the use of natural methods.
  • A different viewpoint highlights that organic farming employs natural fertilizers, such as manure, while conventional farming uses synthesized nutrients.
  • Some participants discuss the nature of fertilizers, questioning whether any fertilizer can be considered organic if it is ultimately inorganic in composition.
  • One participant expresses frustration with claims of organic produce, labeling those who misrepresent their practices as dishonest.
  • Another participant reflects on their misunderstanding of organic materials, acknowledging that certain plants have unique nutritional methods.
  • There is a discussion about the classification of feces, with participants debating whether it should be considered organic or inorganic based on its composition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition of organic produce and the implications of using organic versus inorganic materials. There is no consensus on the definitions or the validity of claims regarding organic farming practices.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference definitions of organic and inorganic substances based on chemical bonds, indicating a potential lack of clarity in terminology. The discussion also touches on the complexities of agricultural practices and the nature of fertilizers used in organic farming.

wasteofo2
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I'm sure most everyone here's seen produce which is advertised as being "Organically Grown", yet (unless I'm horibly mistaken), the only materials plants intake from the soil are inorganic.

Sure the claim of only being nourished organically might work with meat or mushrooms, but as far as I can see, not plants.

So, are they just blatently lying to make their produce seem more attractive or am I missing something?
 
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I believe they are only referenencing the fact that pesticides, ect.. are not being used.

Nautica
 
Depending on the culture, animal or plants, it referes to the way its grown. The techniques employed are based on a guided lines. For plants, no synthetic fertilizer or pesticides is used. Natural pesticide or biological control agent can be used. The best example is Bt (bacterial incesticide), parasitoid, viruses, bacteria and fungi. The also agricultural techniques that prevent pest infestation. For animals, growth hormone, antibiotic as feed and animal flour as feed cannot be used.


Organics only referes to the old fashion way of agriculture with modern tools.
 
But any sort of fertilizer used would have to be inorganic, regardless of if it's synthesized or not...
 
Originally posted by wasteofo2
But any sort of fertilizer used would have to be inorganic, regardless of if it's synthesized or not...

It is accordin to its source. Cow produce fertilizer. We can also produce fertilizer out of tin air (i.e. nitrogen).

Organic farm will use bovine and porcine manuor (spellling) as a fertilizer whereas the normal farmer use synthesised nitrogen, phosphourous and potassium.

The bottom line is everything is inorganic but that is not it is why it is called organic food.
 
Originally posted by iansmith
It is accordin to its source. Cow produce fertilizer. We can also produce fertilizer out of tin air (i.e. nitrogen).

Organic farm will use bovine and porcine manuor (spellling) as a fertilizer whereas the normal farmer use synthesised nitrogen, phosphourous and potassium.

The bottom line is everything is inorganic but that is not it is why it is called organic food.

But aside from any undigested food in feces, it's all inorganic. And any undigested organic matter in feces would be useless to the plant until it was decomposed.

I hate people who claim to grow organic produce, lying filthy bastards...
 
Waste, maybe you should give your definition of organic, and tell us why you don't think feces are organic.
 
Originally posted by wasteofo2
yet (unless I'm horibly mistaken), the only materials plants intake from the soil are inorganic.


Turns out I was horribly mistaken, just found out that mistletoe and dodder plants are both auto and heterotrophic. Though I don't think any plants that are grown on farms have this quality.
 
Originally posted by selfAdjoint
Waste, maybe you should give your definition of organic, and tell us why you don't think feces are organic.
I'll check on this tommorow, but I always was taught that feces was the inorganic byproduct of digestion. I also have been taught that a substance is deemed organic or inorganic due to whether or not it has a carbon/hydrogen bond, though it may be some other kind of bond, I don't quite remember.
 

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