Where to Start

If you are not sure where to start with organics, this summary may help as it outlines some of the products where organics really shine.

Certain crops are treated with more pesticides (which can include different insecticides, fungicides and herbicides). Some of these, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that are found in some pesticides, are linked to certain cancers and disorders.¹ Simply rinsing these fruits and vegetables won’t remove all the residue.² Foods that several different studies have found to have the highest pesticide residues include apples, butter, celery, cherries, cucumbers, grapes, green beans, milk and milk products, peaches, peanuts, pears, popcorn, potatoes, spinach, strawberries, bell peppers and squash.

Comparision Table of Common Foods with Highest Pesticide Residues:

Livestock in feedlots are routinely treated with antibiotics and growth hormones. Organic meat is free from hormones, genetically modified feed and animal by-products. Animal welfare requirements insist on humane treatment of animals which also reduces stress levels for each animal which in turn reduces disease.

Organic produce, meats and products are now available in retail locations, health food stores across the province. For those consumers who would like to have a closer connection to their food, many producers also sell locally at farmers’ markets or will take orders. You can find Alberta Organic farmers at our organic directory.

1. "Nowhere to Hide: Persistent Toxic Chemicals in the U.S. Food Supply," by Kristin Schafer, Pesticide Action Network North America, 2000 (www.panna.org).

2. "Pesticides: Making the Right Choice, for the Protection of Human Health and the Environment," Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development, www.parl.gc.ca, or call 613-996-1483.